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  • medfordhistory.org

    2000 - 2022 Newsletters March August 2022 December September 2021 April September November 2020 April/May September November 2019 March April May June July August October November December 2018 October November

  • medfordhistory.org

    Open Houses Cross Keys School House Summer 2026 Open Houses October 4 November 1 Hours 11am- 2pm S chool House is locate d on Mill Street in front of Medford Memorial Middle School. Step back in time to 1857! Visit our fully furnished school house. Learn what education was like in a bygone era from our schoolmarms and docents. Haines-Tomlinson House 2026 Open Houses May 25 11 am - 2pm (Memorial Day Parade) June 14 9am - 2pm (Wine & Arts Festival - Yard Sale) December 5 4pm - 9pm (Dickens Festival) Acquired by the Medford Historical Society in 2023 with the support of Medford Township, the Haines-Tomlinson House at 51 Union Street is the oldest home in Medford Village. Known historically as both the “Haines House” and the “Tomlinson House,” it is a rare example of period architecture featured in the Library of Congress and connected to two influential Medford families. The house will be open to the public multiple times throughout the year. If you are interested in arranging a tour, please contact us directly via email or phone.

  • medfordhistory.org

    OUR STORY Celebrating 60 years in 2026, the Medford Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of our community. From Kirby’s Mill to the Cross Keys Schoolhouse and the Haines/Tomlinson House , our work protects the places that tell Medford’s story. We also maintain the Blue Sign Project , a self-guided tour of 67 historic sites, helping connect residents to our town’s rich past. Through events, education, and preservation, we bring history to life as a 100% volunteer-run nonprofit . CURRENT OFFICERS Mike Gallagher 1ST VICE PRESIDENT Ambriel Gerber-Sewekow SECRETARY Bill Pflug PRESIDENT Dennis McDonald NEWSLETTER Tom Gerber 2ND VICE PRESIDENT Adam Drewery TREASURER PROJECT LEADS John Hines KIRBY'S MILL / COUNTRY DAY Rich Bucko SPEAKER SERIES Patricia Alvino CROSS KEYS SCHOOLHOUSE Libby Zimbleman QUILT SHOW / FLEA MARKET Kathy Mathis Curator HAINES TOMLINSON HOUSE MHS Trustees CAR & CRAFT SHOW / APPLE FESTIVAL TRUSTEES 2026 Leslie Jones, Dan Gaehring, Libby Zimbleman, Andy Middleton, Michael Gallagher 2027 Edmund Gager, Tom Gerber, Ambriel Gerber-Sewekow, John Hines 2028 Patricia Alvino, Tom Alvino, Dennis McDonald, Carol Milich (1) Vacancy TRUSTEES EMERITUS Jeanne Woodford Maintaining a historic grist mill is a community effort! Thank you to all our sponsors and donors. You Don't Have to be a Historian to Make History! Whether you want to lend a hand, lead a project, or take on a bigger role, there’s a place for you here. BECOME A MEMBER VOLUNTEER

  • medfordhistory.org

    February August April November 2024 Newsletters

  • medfordhistory.org

    MHS Membership Join Today! I would like to...* First name* Last name* Email* Phone Multi-line address Country/Region* Address* City* Zip / Postal code* Membership Level Individual/Family - Annual Renewal $40 History Partner - Annual Renewal $100 Archival Partner -Annual Renewal $250 Lifetime - 1 Time Payment $500 Benefactor - 1 Time Payment $1,000 Do You Want to Recieve our Quarterly Newsletter? Yes, subscribe me to a digital newsletter sent via the email provided Yes, mail me a printed newsletter at the address provided Please send me both a digital and printed copy Are you interested in Volunteering? Volunteer Selection: Yes, Please Send Me More Info on Volunteer Opprotunities No If Yes, Please Let us Know Which Site or Program you are Most Interested in Kirby's Mill / Mill Complex Cross Keys Schoolhouse Haines / Tomlinson House Restoration Country Day Quilt Show Apple Festival Open Houses Educational Programs & Presentations Archive How Did You Hear About Us? Social Media (Facebook, Youtube, Instagram) Google Search / Website Local Event Referred by a Member Apply

  • medfordhistory.org

    Apply Today To Become A Sponsor Become a Sponsor contactus@medfordhistory.org 609-654-7767 2025 APPLE FESTIVAL SPONSORS Our PRESENTING SPONSOR Additional Sponsors Friends of Kirby's Mill Milling & Water Wheel Sponsor Friends of the Cross Keys Schoolhouse Friends of the Mill Stone Friends of the Farm Museum Friends of the Cross Keys Schoolhouse Friends of the Farm Museum Post 7677 - Medford, NJ Friends of the Cross Keys Schoolhouse Friends of the Blacksmith Shop Parking Available on Fostertown Road and Church Road thanks to: Thank you to our Parking Sponsors

  • medfordhistory.org

    1970 - 1999 Newsletters 1989 1987 1988 1970

  • medfordhistory.org

    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

  • medfordhistory.org

    Get Involved with the Medford Historical Society The Medford Historical Society is powered entirely by volunteers and community supporters. Whether you have time to share or want to support preservation through membership, there are many ways to help keep Medford's history alive. MEMBERSHIP Membership directly supports preservation projects, educational programs, and the care of Medford's historic sites. Membership Form VOLUNTEER Help preserve historic buildings, assist with archives, support community events, or share your skills with the Society. Volunteer Form Volunteers & Members Support: Maintain Kirby's Mill and the Historic Mill Complex Buildings Preserve the Cross Keys Schoolhouse Restore the Haines-Tomlinson House Expand the Digital Archive Plan, Present and Run Public Programs & Events

  • medfordhistory.org

    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 October 4 ...... 1pm - 4pm November 1 ...... 1pm - 4pm Check Out the Events Calendar Book a Private Tour or Event VOLUNTEER DONATE JOIN Be Part of the Story

  • medfordhistory.org

    Milling Days at Kirby's Mill 2026 Dates We will be demonstrating the milling process. See the water wheel, grinding stones and gears in action. Corn is our chosen grain. Once milled it can be fed to the birds and squirrels. Our Museum will also be open, in addition to the Blacksmith Shop with live Blacksmith demonstrations July 12 August 2 September 6 October 4 November 1 The Mill, Museum and Blacksmith will open on Event Days in addition to Monthly Sundays (Schedule Above) Private Events at the Mill: Please reach out us if you are interested in hosting your private event at the Mill! Max Capacity: 50 Minimum Donation Required Please call or email for further information! Kirby's Mill 275 Church Road, Medford NJ 08055 Questions? Email us at: MedfordHistoryNJ@gmail.com

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© 2026 MHS

The Medford Historical Society is a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation in the State of New Jersey and is registered as a charity SIC #5006-04935.

CONTACT

 

Medford Historical Society

PO Box 362

Medford, NJ 08055

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609-654-7767 

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medfordhistorynj@gmail.com​

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