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The Haines/Tomlinson House A historic home at the heart of Medford's past... and its future. VISIT Support The Restoration Acquired by the Medford Historical Society in 2023 , the Haines/Tomlinson House at 51 Union Street is the oldest home in Medford Village. Built around 1760 , this historic property connects generations of Medford residents... from the early Haines family to community leader Ephraim Tomlinson . Egg Hunt - March 1967 For 10 years, the Easter Egg Hunt was held on Mayor Ephraim Tomlinsons property (Now the Haines/Tomlinson House) A Home that Helped Raise Medford Originally built as a farmhouse by the prominent Haines family, the property reflects the early development of Medford and the surrounding Pine Barrens. The Haines family played a major role in the region's economy through millls, farming, and community development. In the 20th century, the home became the residence of Ephraim Tomlinson, a longtime mayor and respected community leader, whose legacy further ties the property to Medford's civic life. A New Chapter Under the talented eye of Curator Kathy Mathis - a steward of the restoration and interior design for the Medford Community Building - the Medford Historical Society is actively transforming the Haines/Tomlinson House into a welcoming public space for the community. Plans include establishing the home as the Society’s new office and visitor center, along with museum exhibits, rotating displays, and dedicated spaces that showcase Medford’s unique stories—from its firefighting history to the Rancocas watershed. When to Visit The house is open to the public during select events throughout the year, including the Memorial Day Parade, Medford Art & Wine Festival Dickens Festival, and seasonal open houses. View Events Contact for a Tour 2026 Open Houses May 25 ...... 11am - 2pm June 14 ...... 9am - 2pm October 24 ...... 3pm - 8pm December 5 ...... 4pm - 9pm A Glimpse Inside... Help Preserve This Historic Home Today! Restoration and preservation efforts are ongoing, and community support plays a vital role in bringing this space to life. Donate Get Involved

Kirby's Mill A Living Piece of Medford's History Since 1778 Built during the American Revolution, Kirby's Mill is one of the oldest and last operating commercial mills in New Jersey, beautifutly restored by the Medford Historical Society. "The Mill" Kirby’s Mill is one of the oldest surviving mill complexes and the last operating commercial mill in New Jersey when the Medford Historical Society purchased it in 1969. The site began in 1773, when Isaac Haines and others petitioned to build a dam for a gristmill and sawmill, and the mill was in operation by the spring of 1778. The original mill was expanded over time as the complex grew to meet local needs. Around 1830 , Charles Haines enlarged it from a one-story structure to three stories, and additional buildings including the blacksmith shop and barn were added. After William S. Kirby purchased the property in 1877 , the roof was raised again to create a fourth floor, and the waterwheel was replaced by more efficient water turbines. At its peak, the complex produced flour, cornmeal, feed, and lumber for both local and regional markets. Origins (1773-1778) Isaac Haines and others petition to build the mill and dam The gristmill and sawmill begin operation by early 1778 In operation through the Revolutionary War and early 1800s Growth & Expansion (1800s) Expanded to 3 stories in the 1830s, then 4 stories in the 1870s under William S. Kirby More efficient water turbines replace original waterwheel Additional buildings constructed, including a blacksmith shop, barn, carpentry shop, and sawmill Decline & Transition (1900s) Flour production ends in the 1920s, sawmill closes, and the blacksmith shop and wheelwright shop shut down Gristmill continues but under water power until 1961, then converts to electricity Commercial milling ends in the 1960s, when Kirby descendent George King put the mill up for sale Preservation & Restoration Medford Historical Society purchases the run-down mill complex in 1969 Added to the National Register of Historic Sites in 1972 Restoration projects continue RESTORATION & PRESERVATION A 50 Year Project Sustained restoration efforts have restored structures across the site over several decades. Volunteers, donors, and community members worked together to stabilize the mill and preserve its historic machinery for future generations. Major restoration efforts included: Rebuilding the waterwheel, millrace, and river foundation Stabilizing areas around the waterwheel and foundations Repairing structural framing and foundations Replacing worn mechanical components Recognizing and preserving historic features The Mill Complex Today Explore the Site Today, Kirby’s Mill stands as one of the few surviving water-powered gristmills in New Jersey. Visitors can experience the mill’s original machinery, learn how water power operated early industry in Medford, and explore the surrounding historic complex that reflects the region’s agricultural and industrial past. What's Next? Expanded museum exhibits and interpretive displays Improved access to research materials and historical collections Continued restoration of historic structures Preservation of the working waterwheel and milling equipment Additional opportunities for educational programs, demonstrations and events VISIT & EXPERIENCE THE MILL 2026 Open Houses July 12 ...... 10am - 3pm August 2 ...... 10am - 3pm September 6 ...... 10am - 3pm October 4 ...... 10am - 3pm November 1 ...... 10am - 3pm Check Out the Events Calendar Book a Private Tour or Event VOLUNTEER DONATE JOIN Be Part of the Story

The mission of the Medford Historical Society is to research, preserve, and promote the general history of Medford NJ and Medford Historical Society holdings, making them available to the community, schools, and other organizations. Preserving Medford's Past... Connecting the Community Today The MHS is a non-profit organization that supports and promotes Medford, New Jersey's rich history, now for over 60 years . We invite you to take some time to look around our site, find out about us, our events and activities, and consider joining us! Explore Events Plan Your Visit HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMUNITY EVENTS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES A GLIMPSE INTO MEDFORD'S HISTORY... EXPLORE OUR ARCHIVE VISIT OUR SITES The Blue Sign Project Kirby's Mill Restoration Mill Operation The Crosskeys One Room Schoolhouse The Haines/Tomlinson House Kirby's Mill What's Happening Open House at the Haines-Tomlinson House Mon, May 25 51 Union St In celebration of Memorial Day, the Medford Historical Society invites the community to step back in time and explore the Haines–Tomlinson House, the oldest surviving home in Medford Village. Learn more Multiple Dates Quilt Show Sat, Jun 06 Medford Historical Society Join us for the Medford Historical Society’s Annual Quilt Show at historic Kirby’s Mill! Explore a beautiful collection of handcrafted quilts and wall hangings made by local quilters, including pieces from the Historic Medford Residents Quilt and other talented artisans. Learn more Multiple Dates Open House at the Cross Keys Schoolhouse Sun, Jul 12 Mill Street - Behind Memorial School Experience a piece of Medford’s educational history at the Cross Keys One-Room Schoolhouse, built circa 1857 and lovingly preserved by the Medford Historical Society. Learn more 18th Annual Flea Market Sat, Sep 12 Medford Historical Society Join the Medford Historical Society this September for our 18th Annual Flea Market at historic Kirby’s Mill! Browse a wide variety of antiques, collectibles, vintage items, and unique finds from local vendors, all set against the picturesque backdrop of one of Medford’s most cherished landmarks. RSVP Car & Craft Show Sun, May 17 Kirby's Mill Join us for the second annual Car & Craft Show at historic Kirby’s Mill! Enjoy classic cars, local artisan crafts, food vendors, and family-friendly activities — plus tours of the museum and live history demonstrations. Details Multiple Dates Medford Historical Society Presents: 2026 Speaker Series Thu, May 07 Medford Friends Quaker Meeting The Medford Historical Society’s annual Speaker Series features four engaging talks throughout the year—in April, May, October, and November—each highlighting a different aspect of local and American history. Learn more Country Day Sun, May 03 Kirby's Mill Celebrate spring at historic Kirby’s Mill! Enjoy tours of the mill and museum, hands-on history demonstrations, blacksmithing, live music, and fun activities for the whole family. Learn more Ben Franklin & The Great Experiment Thu, Apr 16 Medford Friends Meeting House Learn more BE A PART OF HISTORY VOLUNTEER Share your time and talents to support our mission BECOME A MEMBER Join a community that values history and heritage DONATE Your support helps preserve some of Medford's most historic landmarks for generations LEARN MORE JOIN TODAY GIVE TODAY