Meeting to Feature Hidden Cemetery Stories and Lawnside Education

Historian Dolly Marshall will share the hidden stories of the exceptional people buried at Mount Peace Cemetery on Thursday, May 11 at 7 p.m. via Zoom.

She says, "When you work in cemetery preservation you encounter many stories. Not all stories are pleasant; some are absolutely tragic. But one thing for certain is the underlying message of strength and resilience." 



Of the hundreds of individuals she has researched, here are a few of the highlighted stories:

Dr. Mary E. Branch, a groundbreaking college president and founder of the United Negro College Fund with Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune.

Rev. Alexander Heritage Newtown, Civil War veteran, abolitionist and author of "Out of the Briars," his 1917 autobiography.

Genealogist and historian Shamele Jordon will present a History Moment on "Education in Lawnside."

Isabel Shipley, superintendent of the Women's Christian Temperance Union for Colored Women.

A great grandson of abolitionist and American patriot James Forten, George, Lawnside's first tax assessor. Ms. Marshall is a descendant of George's wife Sarah Hegamin Forten.

Grab Mott House Merchandise from NEW ONLINE SHOP

High-quality sweatshirts, hoodies, tee-shirts, tote bags and pillow covers are on sale on demand from the brand new Peter Mott House Shop.

Click the Shop Now button to browse and buy. With every order, you help the Society fulfill its mission, expand its programming and maintain the Mott House.

Look for a holiday ornament and other merchandise coming soon.

Let us know what you think and what you would like us to offer.

Poets Salute Jessie Redmon Fauset and Sandra Turner-Barnes

Announcing the 2023

Underground Railroad Camp

This enrichment program will inspire young minds with stories of freedom seekers and abolitionists that helped them navigate the UGRR. Campers will also learn about the unique history of Lawnside – the first Black town incorporated in the northeast.

Activities and trips will captivate sixth- to eighth-grade students, based at the Peter Mott House from June 26 to 30, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Enrollment in the camp costs $25.

The deadline to apply is May 20.

Revolutionary War Sign to be

Placed on Charleston Avenue

A sign commemorating people of African descent who fought for and against the British in the American Revolutionary War will be placed near the Wayne R. Bryant Community Center in Lawnside, as early as the fall.

Borough Council voted to accept and install a sign offered by the Camden County and Lawnside Historical societies at its May 3 meeting. The sign will likely feature the 1st Rhode Island Regiment who fought at the Battle of Red Bank. The unit was largely comprised of African and Native Americans.

Mott House Clean Up Day,

Saturday, May 20 



Volunteers will be spreading mulch, cleaning, organizing, raking, clearing trash and brush. Gloves, rakes and cleaning supplies will be provided.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Jacqueline Miller Bentley

Stephanie Fisher

Dr. Keith Green

Linda Shockley

OFFICERS

Linda Shockley, President

C. Joyce Fowler, Vice President

Christine Lewis-Coker, Treasurer

Gloria Goodman, Financial Secretary

Chrissandra Butler, Recording Secretary

The Lawnside Historical Society is a qualified organization of the New Jersey Cultural Trust. It is supported by the UPS Foundation, the Cultural Trust, Braithwaite Communications, New Jersey American Water, The Hyde and Watson Foundation, Edmund Optics, Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, the New Jersey Historic Trust, Vineland Construction Company, PSE&G Foundation, Camden County Open Space, Recreation, Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Fund, Camden County Community Recovery Grant Program, members, individuals and the Camden County Cultural and Heritage Commission at Camden County College, the officially designated county history agency of the New Jersey Historical Commission.