The Evesham Historical Society’s annual efforts promoting the township’s history, as well as their recent celebration of America’s 250th anniversary were highlighted by township council at their July meeting.
The Evesham Historical Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, understanding, and sharing the history of the township to foster a deeper appreciation of American heritage. In 1988, the society acquired the historic John Inskeep/Higginbotham property, featuring an early 18th-century farmhouse, a privy, and surrounding grounds. The site also includes an old butcher shop, relocated from East Main Street.
As a result of the society members’ efforts, two floors of the farmhouse have been restored and transformed into a museum showcasing local history. Exhibits include Native American artifacts, a colonial kitchen, and a vintage schoolroom, while other rooms display 18th and 19th-century furniture, toys, clothing, and household items. The property is further enhanced by an herb garden, orchard, and flowerbeds.
The society is dedicated to maintaining the property, expanding the museum’s offerings, and sparking public interest in township’s history. Funding for the society is made possible in part by the New Jersey Historical Commission/Department of State, and the Burlington County Board of County Commissioners, Department of Resource Conservation, and Division of Parks.
Township council used a portion of their July meeting to recognize the efforts of the society in educating the community on local history year-round, and recently helping celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
“Wee wanted to acknowledge our Evesham Historical Society for doing an excellent job this year promoting the America 250th (anniversary) and teaching our resident about Evesham’s past,” Mayor Jackie Veasy said at the meeting.
Members of the society were present at the meeting to accept the proclamation from township council. Veasy read the document to those in attendance.
“In recognition of the celebration of our nation’s 250th anniversary, (the historical society) has endeavored to educate and promote the history of Evesham Township, and the people, events, and institutions which have contributed to the American story,” Veasy read.
The society’s work in honor of the country’s 250th anniversary includes providing open house tours of the Inskeep Homestead, history lessons to students at Marlton Middle School, initiating an art contest for local students, conducting colonial craft demonstrations, hosting a community reading of the Declaration of Independence, and refurbishing an historic bell.
“It is proper and fitting that the (society) be acknowledged for their celebration efforts as well as the stewardship of the township’s history, their strengthening of civic pride, promotion of historical understanding, and appreciation of the significance of local heritage through the preservation of historic documents, artifacts, photographs, landmarks, and stories,” the mayor read.
The society will host their next event, named “History Makers Museum Camp,” on Friday, July 17 at the Inskeep Homestead for children ages 6 to 12. The event will operate from 1 to 5 p.m. and includes exploring the homestead museum and learning first hand about life in colonial times. Participants will also play old time games, learn colonial crafts, and bring a project home each day.
For more information on this event, or to learn more about the Evesham Township Historical Society, visit www.eveshamhistoricalsociety.org
Members of the Evesham Historical Society pose alongside township council at a recent council meeting after receiving a proclamation honoring their work to educate the community on the country and the township’s history.
