South Jersey History Fair

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Gabreil Daveis Tavern

Tucked away on rolling hills in Glendora, this Colonial-era gem welcomed fifty non-profits and about 300 visitors on June 8 for a wonderful day-long event!

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We were there!

New VHAS Board of Trustees President Kellie Haines (pictured here) and Curator Patt Martinelli enjoyed meeting new friends and old at the Fair. 

Paying Respects

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Oak Hill Cemetery

On May 18, VHAS Trustee Bill Hughes arranged for the installation of a headstone for former slave Romeo Little, who made a new life for himself in Vineland after the Civil War.

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Siloam Cemetery

On May 25, a marker was placed at the site of Portia Gage's grave, pronouncing "Here Lies a Suffragist." In 1868, Gage organized the largest women's suffrage demonstration ever seen in America, sparking national interest in women's rights.

Congratulations, Teachers!

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Reception held at museum

Although not all of the Vineland Teachers of the Year were able to attend, the Society hosted a reception for the honorees on May 4. Each teacher received a one-year honorary membership in VHAS for their achievements.

Soulfully Delicious!

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Our thanks to Dr. Virginia Perry

Dr. Perry (seated) recently compiled a book titled "Soul Food Cooking" that includes not just delicious recipes but vignettes from African-American history. She shared her research during a program in April at the museum. Dr. Perry's daughter, Midge Perry Spencer, assisted with the presentation.

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Tasty treats!

We are grateful to Dr. Perry's granddaughter, Adrianna Spencer, a professional chef who prepared the refreshments for the program using traditional recipes from the cookbook.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Can you help?

Have you ever considered volunteering? The Society needs tour guides to assist with the educational program that is offered to fourth grade students. Giving two-and-one-half hours once a month can make all the difference in your life. Those volunteer hours will at times make you laugh, will make you think, will make you learn something new and old about your community and, most certainly, will make a young person remember you and what you gave to them. What does it take?  It takes a smile and a willingness to give a little bit of your time to Vineland’s fourth grade students. What will you do? You will able to--with one-on-one training--expose our young people to their history of what made Vineland great in the past and how it can be even greater for them in the future. Training is short and painless and you will always be working with an experienced volunteer. Join me and the rest of our amazing, dedicated volunteers at the Vineland Historical and Antiquarian Society. We can all laugh together, we can all think about the old and new stuff and we can all reap the benefits from knowing we handed off our history to our young people in our community.  Contact Ruth Shropshire, Education Coordinator, at vhasedprogram@gmail.com  or 856-691-2925. Or call the Society at 856-691-1111. Leave your name and contact information.