Bordentown Historical Society

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Bordentown Historical Society

The Bordentown Historical Society is a private, non-profit organization originally formed in 1930.

The society’s activities are made possible through individual contributions, grants and earned income. The largest single source of income for the Society is annual membership fees and programs such as our Home and Garden Tours and investments. Our goals were in place at the very formation of our organization. Since 1930 our organization has struggled to preserve bits of local and state history. We have been the repository for documents, photographs, antiques and quantities of local materials related to our history. We have continued to collect, expand and refine our collection throughout the years. Up until December of 1999, we lacked a facility in which we could organize and display our collection. We had previously stored bits and pieces of our collection in various city-owned properties and the accessibility of the materials to the public was limited. In December of 1999, the Summit Bank Donated the Bordentown Friends Meeting House (circa 1740) to our society as a permanent home. Restoration/adaptive reuse of the building were completed in October of 2001. The Meeting House is open for special community events and is the primary exhibit space for Bordentown memorabilia. In 2006 the Bordentown Regional Board of Education donated the original one room schoolhouse used by Clara Barton to the society for preservation and maintenance. The society raised funds to provide heat and electricity to the building and to restore its crumbling plaster walls. This schoolhouse was the site of the first successful public school program in New Jersey, which was founded by Clara Barton. Clara Barton lived and taught in the city for three years before moving onto Washington DC and founding the American Red Cross. The building houses memorabilia and exhibits of early education in Bordentown City and Clara Barton. Over the past several years the society has supported the City of Bordentown in their efforts to restore the Gilder House at the entrance to Gilder Park. A circa 1788 farmhouse that provides the society with interpretive exhibit space, the house is owned by the City of Bordentown. A recent grant from the New Jersey Historic Trust enabled the City to restore the exterior envelope of the building to its pre civil war appearance. The society supported the City’s efforts by underwriting the archaeology conducted at the site and providing technical support and assistance. Annually students studying New Jersey history visit the Meeting House and School House on an interactive walking tour of the town conducted by member volunteers of the society. Hopefully the Guilder House can be added to this list of preserved historic sites visitors can explore. The Bordentown Historical Society is an all volunteer organization that continues to provide access to Bordentown’s rich past with exhibits, lectures, tours, interpretive museum space and important preservation activities’; a mission that it took on in 1930 and continues today, over 80 years later.

09/15/2026

On Sept. 14, 1814, Francis Scott Key wrote the poem, “The Defence of Fort M’Henry” after watching Fort McHenry in Baltimore harbor being bombarded by the British Navy during the war of 1812.

Set to a popular tune (which actually had its roots in Britain), the musical version of the lyrics was renamed the rather more catchy, “The Star Spangled Banner”.

First used by the Navy in an official capacity in 1889, it was in 1931 that a joint resolution named this popular, though hard to sing, number our nation’s National Anthem.

However, many people don’t realize that our country’s first (unofficial) National Anthem was actually written by the talented Bordentownian, Joseph Hopkinson in 1798.

The son of Francis Hopkinson, one of New Jersey’s signers of the Declaration of Independence, Joseph grew up in town and maintained a home here as well - which probably helped to foster his strong sense of nationalism.

As such, his poem, “Hail Columbia!” became a rousing success and, although never proclaimed the official National Anthem, it was hugely popular and when it was dethroned by “The Star Spangled Banner,” it became the Vice-President’s March. A role it fills to this day!

Buried in Bordentown, Joseph Hopkinson’s gravesite was later marked with a plaque that honors this achievement though sadly many people may not recognize his name.

Then again, can anybody really sing all the verses of The Star Spangled Banner?? 🇺🇸 🎶

09/05/2026

If you’re on our mailing list you’ll already know - but just in case you’re not here are some photos of our new drapes!

Previously hung in the former Governor’s mansion, they were donated to us by the Morven Museum and altered to fit our windows thanks to a generous donation from BHS member Tom Ierobino and BHS Director, Peter Tucci.

As you can see, the Friends Meeting House (302 Farnsworth Avenue) is packed with exhibits relating to our most royal resident, Joseph Bonaparte, so if you haven’t visited in a while, or are yet to visit at all, be sure to stop in.

The exhibition (free admission) will be open 11am to 4pm on the 12th, 19th and 26th of September (all Saturdays) and we’re in a great spot for you to combine your visit with some shopping or dining on Farnsworth Avenue.

And because we like to make sure we include some history in our posts - did you know that in 1700s England thieves would poke a grappling hook through the windows of the wealthy to pull out the curtains in order to sell the opulent fabrics they were made from? You do now!

So come and see our glorious new drapes - but please, leave your grappling hooks at home!

09/03/2026

Dead men (and women) do tell tales…..

Plan to join us this fall as we bring some of the inhabitants of Bordentown’s cemetery to life - learning how they helped shape our town and nation with their enthusiasm and ingenuity.

Despite the graveyard setting, this series will be heavy on the history and light on the scares.

In fact, the scariest thing about it may be that spaces are limited to just 20 people per tour and we only have eight sessions scheduled so book early!

Visit https://bordentownhistory.org/ongoing-events/ for all the details and follow us as we reveal more about the fascinating characters you will be joining!

Any questions please let us know!

08/28/2026

As August comes to a close, many families may be looking back on vacation days spent with each other this month, while a lucky few may still be squeezing in one last hurrah before school starts and we reach the unofficial end of the summer.

Memories are important to share with loved ones, and we are grateful to Reese and Linda Gilder Palmer for sharing with us this photo of Richard Watson Gilder and his family (including the dog), posing for a family portrait in a NYC studio.

What a great reminder to take the photo and remember the moment! Feel free to share your own family shot with us - we know there are many talented photographers right here in Bordentown!

08/26/2026

While we know fall has people thinking of Halloween, we’re thinking slightly ahead to this year’s Historic House Tour - on November 7 from 1-5pm.

We already have some amazing houses locked in but we are looking for a few more.

So if you have a historic Bordentown home would you consider opening your doors?

Those touring the homes are very appreciative of the opportunity to step over the threshold of homes that they have admired from afar and feedback from returning hosts is that they have very much enjoyed being part of the tour.

Feel like you could support Bordentown Historical Society in this unique way? Or know a neighbor who may be interested? Please reach out to us - we’d love to chat more about expectations and why it is so important we have a wide range of homes and styles on the tour each year.

We promise it’s far less scary than Halloween!

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 609-298-1740

08/19/2026

We often talk about Richard Watson Gilder, but his older brother William Henry Gilder Jr had a storied life of his own.

Born nearly 200 years ago, on August 16, 1838, in Philadelphia, he came of age as the Civil War began.

Enrolling in the military at the start of the Civil War, he was mustered out at the rank of captain having been wounded at the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863 and
again at the Battle of Hatcher’s Run in October 1864.

Although a talenteddraftsman, after his military service he moved to Newark, New Jersey and worked as a journalist, like his brother.

By the 1870s, he was a well-respected correspondent with the New York Herald but it was in 1878 that he had the chance to cover the story of a life time when he became the second in command of an expedition to search the lost Sir John Franklin expedition in the Arctic.

Under the command of Lieut. Frederick Schwatka,
their ship traveled 3,251 miles within a year under brutal conditions of sub-zero temperatures, navigating through dangerous passages of ice and snow.

After establishing the loss of the Franklin party and recovering remains and relics, Gilder published his findings in 1881 with a book entitled, “Schwatka’s Search.”

That same year, Gilder joined another dangerous expedition in the Arctic Ocean in which his ship was trapped and crushed by ice pack. He escaped this disaster and traveled thousands of miles by dog sled and on foot to reach civilization. He recounted his harrowing ordeal in his second book, “Ice Pack and Tundra” in 1883.

After all these adventures, his final years were spent writing for the New York Journal. He died in 1900 at age 61 and was buried in the Bordentown Cemetery - where his grave can be found today.

He was truly a remarkable man that survived the carnage of war and the unforgiving forces of nature, never forgetting his home in Bordentown!

08/17/2026

Earlier this month we had 5 of the 10 graduates from the Divine Word Seminary class of 1976 come to visit. They shared memories of their time in Bordentown - reminiscing about when Divine Word was at Point Breeze.

History never stops with Point Breeze having gone through various iterations - but our visitors were impressed learning more about Joseph Bonaparte and his time there at our exhibit.

If you can see yourself as part of Bordentown’s Historical Society - promoting and preserving thhe city’s unique history - please do make sure you come to our general members meeting tonight.

Members, non-members and potential new members are always welcome at these meetings so why not join us at the Friends Meeting House at 302 Farnsworth Avenue at 7.30pm tonight (August 17) to learn more about what we’re doing and how to get involved. We can’t wait to see you all!

08/13/2026

Wondering what to do now sunset is getting earlier agin?

Come and join us this Monday, August 17, at 7.30pm for the upcoming Bordentown Historical Society general membership meeting!

Open to the public, members of the historical society or not, this is your chance to come and find out what’s going on with efforts to preserve and promote Bordentown’s history.

We plan to discuss the historic plaque program, dive into the amazing work being done by our archives team, get an update on our fundraising efforts, and hear what passion projects are in the pipeline (it will come as no surprise we have strong advocates for Clara Barton and Joseph Bonaparte already!).

While we’d much rather see you in person at the Friends Meeting House, 302 Farnsworth Avenue, we do also have a virtual option (contact us for details) so there really is no excuse!

The historical society relies on volunteers so come and see if there’s an area you’re interested in, find out other ways you can support us (hitting the like button on social media is a great start….hint, hint), and meet your neighbors while doing so!

We can’t wait to see you!

08/02/2026

On July 31, 1809, the first railroad track, made of wood and designed for horse-drawn carriages, was laid in Philadelphia.

The purpose of the tracks was to create a smooth ride for passengers since the cobblestoned streets meant a jarring, teeth-chattering carriage ride for passengers as the carriage wheels moved over the uneven stones.

Railroads have come a long way since then (though there can still be some bumpy rides!) but Bordentown Historical Society director Pierre Lacombe, and his small but dedicated band of hardworking volunteers, have been working hard to ensure railroad history is not forgotten.

Last Saturday, the team constructed the final section of the sleeper stone exhibit at the light rail parking lot. This short section consists of six sleeper stones (out of about 100 stones) used to cushion the John Bull locomotive as it was being assembled on the shoreline near Bordentown in 1831. These were alao part of the first set of stones used for the first railroad in New Jersey.... The Camden and Amboy Railroad.

In addition, the new bulletin board has been filled with snippets of railroad history - so if you take a trip to the site, or are left waiting for a Riverline train, you can learn more about New Jersey’s rich railroad heritage.

As always we are grateful for Pierre’s knowledge and passion for railroads, the support of the West Jersey Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society (NRHS), and of course the time and effort poured into this project by the volunteers who have helped make plans a reality.

Passionate about a specific area of Bordentown’s history? Get started by attending one of the Historical Society’s general meetings. These are free to attend, open to all (members and non members) and are a great way to learn more about us. The next meeting will be Monday, August 17th at 7.30 and we will meet in person and online - don’t worry we’ll remind you again nearer the time but why not pop the date on the calendar!

07/27/2026

It’s that time of year when we share one of Bordentown’s most striking homes in honor of Enoch Bills, born July 23, 1882.

Enoch was the plant manager of Ocean Spray in Bordentown and resided in this impressive Italianate mansion until his death in 1966 at age 83, just 3 years after his retirement!

The president and operator of the Cranberry Cannery Company in New Egypt, when the old factory needed expansion operations were moved to Bordentown and the connection between cranberries and Bordentown was born.

However, it was the site in New Egypt that became the first factory in the world to produce cranberry sauce in cans. And it was Enoch’s aunt, Elizabeth Lee, who produced the sauce! Although she died in 1943, she also spent time with Enoch in Bordentown so we are happy to claim her as one of our residents too!

When you look at Enoch’s home, you will quickly see many of the features of Italianate homes - a low-pitched roof, wide overhanging eaves with decorative brackets, and tall, narrow windows. Inspired by medieval Italian farmhouses and Renaissance villas, the style reached its peak in the US between the 1850s and 1880s and can be spotted throughout Bordentown city!

Address

302 Farnsworth Avenue
Bordentown, NJ
08505

Opening Hours

11am - 4pm

Telephone

(609) 298-1740

Website

http://bordentownhistory.org/index.html

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