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Local History Local History Local History Local History Preserving Medford’s Past for Future Generations The Medford Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories that have shaped our community. Through the care and stewardship of our historic properties, we invite visitors to explore Medford’s rich heritage—from early industry and education to the families and traditions that built our town. Each site offers a unique window into the past and helps connect present and future generations to Medford’s history. Kirbys Mill A restored 18th-century gristmill that reflects Medford’s early agricultural and industrial history. Haines/Tomlinson House A historic home (the oldest home in Medford Village!) that offers insight into early domestic life and the families who helped shape Medford. Cross Keys School A one-room schoolhouse preserving the story of early education in the Medford community. Kirbys Mill A restored 18th-century gristmill that reflects Medford’s early agricultural and industrial history. 1/3

Upcoming Open Houses Come stop in at the Tomlinson House for some Hot Chocolate and a tour of the oldest house in Medford during the annual Medford Dickens Festival! December 6, 2025 Open House from 5-8pm The Full Story Haines/Tomlinson House In August of 2023, the Medford Historical Society made its first acquisition in decades with the help of Medford Township: the Haines-Tomlinson House at 51 Union Street. Known to many as the "Haines House" for its original owner Jonathan Haines, or the "Tomlinson House" for the late Eph Tomlinson and his family who lived there. This house is the oldest in Medford Village and serves as a unique example of period architecture that is featured in the Library of Congress. Further, both Haines and Tomlinson were important leaders and visionaries of Medford, adding to the home’s importance as a unique link to Medford’s history. This acquisition and preservation of this home was made possible with the help of Medford Township and includes a deed restriction that will ensure the home’s preservation and use for historic and cultural purposes. History 51 Union Street, originally a farmhouse, is one of many houses built by the Haines family in this area that are still standing today. The Haines, for the most part, were a Quaker practicing family who owned substantial land in Burlington County, New Jersey and as such were instrumental in shaping early prosperity in the area through their development of mills, communities, farms, and forest use occupations. This history is still visible today as historic homes, routes, and place names that continue to persist to this day. Many of the Haines endeavors brought early prosperity, employment, and resources to the Burlington County section of the Pine Barrens. The first section of the Haines farmhouse at 51 Union Street was erected in 1760 by one of many Jonathon Haines. According to the Haines family tree, this Jonathon Haines was the Jonanthon III, and grandson of Jonathon Haines I who owned the Jonathon Haine’s farmstead on Fostertown Road and built what is currently Medford’s oldest home there (where). The original part of the home on Union Street is the portion facing Union Street and features the Flemish-bond style brick façade. John III had many children, including sons 1) Isaac Haines, with whom he and Samuel Phillips (another prominent landowner of the area) built the original portion of Kirby’s Mill, and 2) Nehemiah Haines who built the brick “Miller’s House” across from Kirby’s and would eventually fully own the mill. In 1820, a descendant, also named Jonathon Haines made a large addition to the rear of the Haines/Tomlinson House. Jonathon III and many of his descendants were also among the original members of the Quaker Meeting House on Union St. and helped develop early education in Medford. The house remained in the Haines family until 1917. In 1950, Ephraim Tomlinson II and his wife Alice purchased the home to raise their young family. Eph was a key leader and giving friend to the community as many still recall. A prominent attorney, bookkeeper, and advisor to many in the community, as well as township solicitor for 19 years and mayor for 15, the home was warmly frequented by much of the community from the 1950s through the early 2000s. Many long-time residents who grew up in Medford in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s also fondly remember the Tomlinsons, with their yard being freely available for recreation and Alice ready to offer up a glass of water or lemonade. Among many contributions, Eph is credited with acquiring a portion of the park in the center of town, volunteering in the Burlington County Council of Boy Scouts of America and personally constructing many improvements of former Boy Scout Camp Lenape, and having a vision for significant development and open-space preservation in Medford. This vision culminated with Ian McHarg’s renowned landscape architecture study and ecological plan for Medford, published in 1974 ahead of the major development pushes of the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. That plan, which is considered a masterpiece of its kind and continues to be used in landscape architecture classes around the world today, guided policy and the preservation of Medford’s forest areas through substantial building in Medford and still has much relevance today. Future of the Haines-Tomlinson House The Medford Historical Society is currently working to open this historic home into a public space for all to enjoy and learn from. Michael Gallagher, a Vice President of the historical society, is serving as project leader and is developing a museum plan for the property with a Tomlinson House Committee. While the plan is still in development stages, some current ideas include a display dedicated to the Medford’s interesting history as a frontrunner in organized structure and wildland firefighting in the United States, an interpretive section dedicated to the Rancocas Watershed’s significance in Medford and the surrounding area, a “family room” for rotating displays of local families Medford artifacts, and a display on the significant community leadership and volunteerism of Eph Tomlinson. The committee is also assessing repairs needed to restore the structure, provide improved accessibility, and prevent degradation. The Medford Historical Society welcomes financial donations toward the repair of the Tomlinson House, as well as items specific to Medford’s history or local art depicting Medford through time. We look forward to updating you on our progress!

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. Welcome to The Medford Historical Society 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 !

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

Your donations make all things possible DONATE 2026 Fundraising 2026 Fundraising 2026 Fundraising 2026 Fundraising 01 Kirby's Mill Village Kirby's Mill Village is a collection of buildings supporting Kirby's Mill and our mission to share it's history and that of Medford. The 4-story 1785 Grist Mill, barn, blacksmith shop, charcoal trailer, the Sawyer's House, sawmill, carriage house and storage shed. For more information on this property click here 02 Haines/Tomlinson House Built in stages, circa 1760, the Haines farmhouse was family occupied until 1917. At one time the farm property included the entire north side of Union Street. Purchased in the 1950's by the Tomlinson's - Eph - a key leader and giving friend to the community and his wife Alice are fondly remembered by locals to this day. For more information on this property click here 03 Cross Keys Schoolhouse 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. Now hosts living history programs for students throughout the district, public and private tours. For more information on this property click here 04 General Fund Donations to the General Fund cover our projects with the highest priority and ongoing outreach such as our Living History Programs and Digital Archive . The Medford Historical Society is a non-profit corporation in the State of New Jersey and is registered as a charity SIC #5006-04935. Our Federal Tax Exempt Number is 22-1911164. We are exempt from Federal Income Tax under Section 501©) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code dated 12/7/71. Donors may deduct contributions to the Medford Historical Society as provided in Section 170 of the Code. Bequests, legacies, devises, transfers or gifts to the Medford Historical Society are deductible for Federal estate and gift tax purposes under Sections 2055, #2106, and 2522 of the Code.

Blue Sign Project A SELF GUIDED TOUR of Sixty-six of MEDFORD'S HISTORIC SITES Originally prepared by the Medford Historic Advisory Board, the main purpose of this project was to acquaint today's young people and tomorrow's decision makers with the unique and historic nature of the town in which we live. It is the Advisory Board's hope that the information about the historic persons, sites and buildings presented here will be one step toward an increased appreciation of Medford's past and the need for future preservation of the rich historical heritage within the community of Medford. The Medford Historical Society, in 022, took on the task of surveying existing signs and replacing those in need. In some instances we have even placed a few new signs. Originally 63 signs has now grown to 66. Property owners wishing to have a blue sign placed must demonstrate the historic nature of the property for approval to have a new sign placed. If you feel your property is worthy, click on the email form below to inquire about the process. In the meantime, the title above is a link to an online site for the blue signs. There is also a printed booklet which can be mailed. Please contact us below to make a request for a booklet. Let’s Work Together If you are interested in recommending a building or house for a blue sign, please use the form below. First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thanks for submitting!

About The Medford Historical Society 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. CURRENT OFFICERS PRESIDENT William Pflug 1ST VICE PRESIDENT Mike Gallagher 2ND VICE PRESIDENT Tom Gerber SECRETARY Ambriel Gerber TREASURER Adam Drewry NEWSLETTER Dennis McDonald ANNUAL QUILT SHOW Libby Zimbleman COUNTRY DAY John Hines CROSS KEYS SCHOOLHOUSE Patricia Alvino, Schoolmarm KIRBY'S VILLAGE John Hines APPLE FESTIVAL MHS Trustees FLEA MARKET Libby Zimbleman HAINES/TOMLINSON HOUSE Michael Gallagher, Project Manager TRUSTEES EXPIRES 2025 Patricia Alvino Carol Milich Dennis McDonald Clark Perks EXPIRES 2026 Leslie Jones Dan Gaehring Libby Zimbleman Andy Middleton Michael Gallagher EXPIRES 2027 Edmund Gager Tom Gerber John Hines Ambriel Gerber Trustees Emeritus Jeanne Woodford PUBLIC RECORD 501(c)3 Form 990 Form 330R Our Sponsors Maintaining a historic grist mill is a community effort! Thank you to all our sponsors.

Kirby's Mill In 1773, Isaac Haines and others petitioned the General Assembly to permit the building of a dam to power a gristmill and sawmill. It is said that the workmen building the mill could hear the roar of the cannons during the battles at Redbank, now a National Park, near Gloucester. The gristmill was completed and in operation by the spring of 1778.The brick house, referred to as the "Miller's House," located across the millrace, was built by Nehemiah Haines about 1785. His son Charles inherited the mill and enlarged it from its original single story structure to a three story structure in about 1830. The blacksmith shop and a small barn were built at about this same time. William S. Kirby bought the mill complex in 1877 and again changes were made. In the next few years the roof was lifted adding a fourth floor. Another major change was the removal of the water wheel to be replaced by several more efficient water turbines. It was in this era that the complex was at the height of productivity. The sawmill was, kept busy sawing logs for shipment not only to local lumber yards but also to Philadelphia and Baltimore buyers. The gristmill was producing wheat flour, buckwheat and rye flour, along with cornmeal and chicken feed. The flour which was produced here was of very good quality and was much in demand by bakeries along the east coast. By World War I more modern machinery had replaced the millstones and the mill stopped producing flour in the 1920's and concentrated more on livestock feed. The sawmill finally shut down because of the lack of local timber. The blacksmith and wheelwright shop closed down with the coming' of the automobile. The gristmill stayed in operation under water power until 1961 when, because of low water and mechanical problems, it was converted. to electricity. It was still in partial operation in 1969 when the Medford Historical Society purchased it from the Kirby Brothers. This mill was the last operating commercial mill in New Jersey. The mill was declared a State Historical Site in July of 1971, and was placed on the National Register of Historic Sites in September of 1972. It is the hope of the Medford Historical Society to restore the complex to working order so that our generation and future generations can wander back into the past and see part of early Americana. To date, restoration efforts have included the replacement of a working Waterwheel, along with the necessary foundation, shafts and gearing etc. to once again operate a pair of millstones. The Mill Complex has an extensive collection of antiques and an interesting museum that includes a Country Store, a Milliner's Shop, Print Shop and a Carpenter Shop. There is also a working Blacksmith Shop and Sawmill. The Mill complex also includes a storage barn, blacksmith shop, sawyer's house and a carriage barn. We plan to convert the storage barn into farming museum, the Sawyer’s house will become a historic library and research center and the carriage barn will store our historic wagon collection. In addition to the mentioned buildings the Society restored and maintains the Cross Keys School House. This is the last standing one room school house in Medford. The Medford Historical Society hosts a variety of events at Kirby's Mill. Come out and enjoy the activities this year! Click on "Events" above for details.

Take a break from the daily grind check out our Calendar of Events Happening This Month Have a Safe and Happy New Year! Check Back this Spring for our Upcoming Events for 2026!

Kirby’s Mill Historic Image Project The Medford Historical Society Presents The Restoration of Kirby's Mill Kirby’s Mill Prior to Restoration Kirby's Mill Prior to Restoration Kirby’s Mill Restoration Kirby’s Mill Prior to Restoration 1/29