In continuation of their most recent exhibition series, “Untold Stories: Achieving Furthered Expectations,” the Bordentown Historical Society encourages residents to visit the Burlington County Underground Railroad Museum on March 2 for an exclusive visual representation of the Underground Railroad experience in America, with emphasis on New Jersey and Burlington County.
The event coincides with the historical society’s most recent exhibition series, which aims to explain Bordentown’s past with a series of showings and programs about two institutions: School No. 2, the local segregated elementary school, which operated from 1842-1948, and the Manual Training and Industrial School, the statewide boarding school located south of town, which operated from 1886-1955.
Residents are encouraged to pay the museum a visit during their open hours (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) next Saturday. Registration is not required.
Located in historic Smithville Park, the museum is an educational interactive testament to American history, American slavery, and the means in which slaves sought freedom, and the continued history of the country
The museum not only contains a visual representation of the Underground Railroad experience, but the Richard Timbers Sr. room houses a collection dedicated to the achievements of the former faculty and students of the Bordentown Manual Training & Industrial School as well.
Given the topic of divisiveness in segregation’s significance and impact throughout American history, the historical society has compiled extensive research and efforts looking into past educational institutions in the area that had an impact on this widespread practice at a local level.
“It’s an opportunity to showcase what’s here to people who were here and didn’t think about [these schools] for a long time,” Bordentown Historical Society, Tim Rollender, said in an email. “It’s a great way to not only engage the residents of Bordentown City, but both outside the city and the area as well.”
For more information on the Burlington County Underground Railroad Museum, you may contact Louise Calloway at 609-500-3429.
