History

William Faulkner said, “History is not was, it is.” History is always being made in Burlington County. We are rich in culture, spanning from Native Americans to the Industrial Revolution. The Parks System is currently home to six historic sites where you can learn about the people and events that helped to shape Burlington County. Each offers a wide variety of tours, exhibits, programing and events that make history come alive for its visitors.

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Burlington County History Passport Program

Burlington County is rich in history and culture. Our diverse history spans from the Native Americans to the Revolutionary War, agriculture and the cranberry and blueberry industry, women’s rights, transportation, industry and innovation.

This summer we invite you to share in and explore our history, right here in Burlington County! Passports are available now at our Visitor Center. Print one now (PDF).


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History Presentations

The Burlington County Parks System offers many educational programs throughout the year at our locations. However, we can also bring the presentation to you! The following FREE programs and lectures are available at your location upon request:

  • A Soldier's Letters: The Letters of Antrim H. Curtis of Mount Holly, serving in the Union Army during the Civil War
  • African-Americans in Burlington County
  • Boston Strangler: Burlington County Prison's Most Infamous Inmate
  • Burlington County and the American Revolution
  • Burlington County: Rooted in Agriculture
  • Discovering the Rancocas Creek: from its creation
  • Ellis H. Parker: "Sherlock Holmes of America" and Burlington County's First Chief of Detectives
  • Historic Burlington County Prison Museum
  • History of Education in Burlington County
  • History of Mount Holly
  • History of the Smithville Industrial Village
  • Joel Clough: Crime and Punishment and Aftermath
  • Prison Reform
  • Robert Mills, Architect: from Charleston to Washington, DC
  • The Campbell's Soup Company: from humble beginnings to multimillion dollar business
  • The Mount Holly Fair: Burlington County's Premier Entertainment Venue - Predecessor to the Burlington County Farm Fair
  • Wesley Warner: Crime, Punishment and Aftermath

Request we bring the presentation to you.

Historic Preservation Recognition Awards

Congratulations to the 2017 Historic Preservation Recognition Award Recipients! View a full list (PDF).

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NJ Historical Commission Re-Granting Program Information

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Historians Roundtable 

Are you a member of a historic organization or independent historian and would like to join the roundtable? 

The Historians Roundtable is made up of individuals in the Burlington County history community. Meetings are a time to come together to discuss issues facing the history community, promotion and marketing of our sites, fundraising, events and how we can work together to bring history to the forefront in our region. 

The Historians Roundtable meets every other month. Meetings are held at various locations throughout Burlington County and include a tour of the site. 

If you are a member of a historic organization or independent historian and would like to join, please contact Marisa Bozarth by email or at 609-265-5828.