Search Results

Kirby's Mill, Medford NJ Operation as a Grist Mill These informative videos were produced over the past several years by Coles Roberts, George Ney, John Hines and Bill Pflug of the Medford Historical Society, and collectively describe the operation of a historic grist mill.

Dr James Still Historic Site The mission of the Dr James Still Historic Site and Education Center is to preserve and interpret the legacy of Dr. James Still, known as the "Black Doctor of the Pines," and the town he called home. The site was the first African-American site purchased by the State of NJ for historic preservation. The Education Center at the Dr. James Still Historic Office Site 211 Church Road, Medford, NJ 08055 For More Information Please Visit www.drjamesstillcenter.org Dr. James Still Historic Site - Background We have all driven past it countless times: that non-descript small empty house sitting just beyond the Crossroads on Church Road. Covered in old siding and fronted with a dated, broken porch railing, it hardly calls out to us as one of Medford’s most important historical sites. Yet, in the mid-1800’s, that building was the medical office of Dr. James Still, known to his diverse clientele as “The Black Doctor of the Pines.” Dr. James Still (1812-1885), a renowned herbalist and homeopathic healer, was born at Indian Mills and resided in Burlington County most of his life. He was one of 18 children born to former slaves Levin and Charity Still and his brothers included famed abolitionist William Still and Peter Still, who rescued himself from slavery. Born into poverty and mostly self-educated, James Still became one of the wealthiest men in Burlington County and owned land along Church Road in Medford from Cross Roads, the intersection of Church and Mt. Holly Roads, to Wilkins Station. He built a fine house with a small office next door and developed a hospital in an old tavern on Route 541. He married twice and had eight children. James Still’s story was one of hard work, thrift and saving. He prospered through his own industry and gave much of the credit to Providence. He and his family experienced poverty and prejudice, but persevered with faith, modesty and frugality. Dr. Still recorded the story of his life and philosophy in an autobiography, Early Recollections and Life of Dr. James Still, published in 1877. Dr. Still rebuilt and enlarged his home three times until it was a substantial, mansard-roofed edifice. Unfortunately, it was torn down in 1937. His medical office remains, however, and has been used as a residence throughout the years. New Jersey purchased the Still office and grounds in 2005. Dr. Still’s property is the first African-American historical property acquired for preservation and interpretation by the state. New Jersey also bought the Bunning Farm located immediately to the east of the Still property, envisioning it as a buffer and interpretive site. In June 2013, Medford Historical Society signed a Special Use Permit with the State of New Jersey to allow the repurposing of the Bunning Farm at 211 Church Road into an educational center that would preserve and teach the legacy of Dr. James Still. The Historical Society rallied an army of volunteers to clear the properties and reclaim the farmhouse, transforming it into an educational and cultural center that tells the Still Family Story through workshops, displays, and seminars. The surrounding grounds hold a historic herb garden in tribute to Dr. Still’s work. The public is welcome to the Center during special events. Youth groups and adult organizations may schedule visits for a program and tour by calling (856) 220-6960.

Historic Cross Keys School The Medford Historical Society Presents The Cross Keys One-Room School House The Cross Keys School was built circa 1857. It was one of several one-room schoolhouses that provided early schooling for the children of Medford. The school stood on a portion of a parcel of land purchased by Sam Thackara and was located at the intersection of Stokes Road and Dixontown Road where McDonald’s is currently situated. Originally commissioned by Sam Thackara and built by his brother-in-law, Lester S. Gager, the building operated as a school until 1927. After the closing in 1927, the property reverted to the Thackara family. Medford Cross Keys Schoolhouse Open House Open Houses returning in 2026! Private tours are available upon request. Schoolhouse receives Award! Patricia Alvino, head schoolmarm, was recently honored with an award for fostering an appreciation of the country school education. Pat and her fellow schoolmarms and docents host a living history program for all the districts 3rd grade students and also groups by appointment. Country Schools: The Keystone of American Education The 2024 CSAA Conference on one-room schoolhouses will be heading to Toledo, Ohio University of Toledo