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  • medfordhistory.org

    Make an Impact Your support helps protect and preserve Medford most defined landmarks, fund local events, and inspire curiousity through programs and local history education. Amount $25 $25 $50 $50 $100 $100 $200 $200 Other Other 0/100 Comment (optional) Donate $50

  • medfordhistory.org

    Medford Historical Society's Annual Apple Festival Apple Festival Apple Festival Apple Festival Saturday, October 10, 2026 9am - 4pm Rain or Shine The Annual Apple Festival returns each year to historic Kirby’s Mill in Medford for a day filled with fall flavors and community fun. Hosted by the Medford Historical Society and presented by Zallies Family Markets - ShopRite of Medford, the festival welcomes thousands of visitors to enjoy 120+ handmade crafters, delicious food, fresh apple cider, baked goods, famous apple butter, signature apple cider donuts made on-site, and specialty apple ice cream. Live music throughout the day makes this a memorable event for all ages. 🍎 We Have Reached Crafter & Vendor Capacity for 2026! Thank you to everyone who submitted an application for this year’s Apple Festival! We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming interest and are excited to welcome our 2026 crafters and vendors — both returning and new — to Kirby’s Mill this October! Waitlist Information Although we have reached capacity, our waitlist remains active. We will continue to monitor availability and contact waitlisted applicants as spaces become available, up until one week before the Festival (October 3). If you have already received notification that you were placed on the waitlist, no further action is needed at this time. We will contact you directly if a space becomes available. If you would like to join the waitlist or be added to our email list for information about next year’s application dates, please contact us directly at medfordhistorynj@gmail.com . Still interested in being a part of the Apple Festival? VOLUNTEER WITH US 2026 Apple Festival Sponsors Presenting Sponsor: Mill Complex Sponsor: Red Barn Sound Stage Sponsor: Open Spot! Fill Out the Sponsor Form Here "Harvest Helpers" Sponsor: Open Spot! Fill Out the Sponsor Form Here The Mill Picnic Food Court Brought to You by: Open Spot! Fill Out the Sponsor Form Here Makers Row on Stauts Way Sponsor: Friends of the Waterwheel: Open Spots! Fill Out the Sponsor Form Here Friends of the Blacksmith: Friends of the Farm Museum: Open Spots! Fill Out the Sponsor Form Here Friends of the Crosskeys Schoolhouse: Open Spots! Fill Out the Sponsor Form Here Friends of the Haines-Tomlinson House: Interested in becoming a 2026 Apple Festival Sponsor? Fill Out the Sponsor Form Here

  • medfordhistory.org

    PLAN YOUR VISIT Come and Experience Medford's History in Person Where to Find Us Kirby's Mill (Office located in the Sawyer House) 275 Church Road, Medford NJ 08055 Explore Our Historic Sites Kirby's Mill 275 Church Road Cross Keys Schoolhouse Located behind Memorial Middle School Haines/Tomlinson House 51 Union Street When to Visit Our sites are open during scheduled events, tours, and seasonal open houses. EXPLORE OUR UPCOMING EVENTS Get in Touch PO Box 362, Medford, NJ, 08055 609-654-7767 medfordhistorynj@gmail.com A Friendly Reminder We're a 100% volunteer-run organization, so visits are typically tied to events and scheduled openings! Please give us a call if you'd like to plan a private event or tour at any one of our locations.

  • medfordhistory.org

    Thank you, Donor Name We are so grateful for your generous donation of $0. Your donation number is #1000. You’ll receive a confirmation email soon.

  • medfordhistory.org

    Car & Craft Show Car & Craft Show Car & Craft Show Car & Craft Show May 17, 2026 11am - 4pm Rev up for a day of good ol’ family fun at historic Kirby’s Mill! Stroll the grounds and admire a showcase of classic cars while enjoying local crafts, food vendors, and shopping throughout the day. Medford Historical Society buildings will be open, including the Grist Mill, Blacksmith Shop, Barn, and museum spaces, with milling demonstrations bringing history to life. Spend the afternoon exploring, grabbing lunch, and soaking in the sights and sounds of vintage vehicles, working trades, and local history. Application Now Open for Crafters & Vendors! Apply Now Here! Looking to showcase your Classic Car? Register Here! Interested in being a Sponsor? Let Us Know

  • medfordhistory.org

    While the Medford Historical Society proudly supports the ongoing efforts of the Dr. James Still Center, it is an independently owned property. As such, we do not maintain current information regarding their tour schedules, visiting hours, or special events. Currently Owned and Operated by: The NJDEP The Dr. James Still Historic Office Site Association For Questions please call or email: 856-367-1704 drjamesstillcenter@gmail.com

  • 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

    Visit Medford's Historic Sites Explore multiple historic sites across Medford... from a working 18th-century mill to the town's oldest home. 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. Explore Explore Explore Explore Kirby's Mill One of the last working 18th-century mill and museum on the East Coast. Explore Haines/Tomlinson House The oldest house in Medford Village, built 1760 by Jonathon Haines III and previous home to Ephraim Tomlinson II, Mayor of Medford for 15 years Explore Our Our Our Our Sites Sites Sites Sites Kirby's Mill Complex MHS Office at the Sawyer House, Barn, and Blacksmith Shop , all adjacent to the Mill Explore Cross Keys Schoolhouse Restored 19th century one-room schoolhouse Explore Discover Local History through THE BLUE SIGN PROJECT Our sites and many more are part of the Medford Historical Society's Blue Sign Interpretive Project. Learn the stories behind dozens of properties throughout Medford. Over 60 signs throughout the town mark significant homes, businesses, and locations. VIEW THE FULL LIST OF BLUE SIGNS

  • medfordhistory.org

    Crafters Country Day, Art Show & Apple Festival Country Day - 1st Sunday in May - we are looking for crafts and crafters who are skilled in an area appropriate to the time the Mill was built - 1785! Basket weavers, soap makers, gardeners, leather workers, wood workers, etc. At this time, there is no fee to participate for this event. You do need to meet the requirement above. The only thing we ask, is if you have a "good" day, please make a donation inside the Mill or later by check. We appreciate all our craftsman and we hope you appreciate an event in which you can share your skill and educate others about your craft. If you would like to participate please contact via the button below. Thank you CARS & CRAFTS - New event - 3rd Sunday in May Come out for family fun, car show, crafts, history, milling and blacksmithing demonstrations. All museum spaces will be open to the public. Food vendors will be on site with snack, beverages and lunch for purchase. Free to the attending public. V endors information coming soon - open to crafters, product representatives, local businesses - spaces are 10 x 10 for a donation of $50. While this will not be a juried event, we will be hand picking our vendors to ensure a wide variety. Check back later in March for additional information. Apple Festival - 2nd Saturday in October - we are looking for skilled crafters to participate in our juried craft show. This is a popular event - apply early (by mid June), popular crafting categories fill up early. Invoicing will begin end of June beginning of July - we expect the following categories will be full once invoicing in complete. Country Day - Contact Us about your craft APPLE FESTIVAL - CRAFTERS APPLICATION Click here for application History of Apple Festival 1979 The Apple Festival is born 30 Crafters, live demonstrations, apple butter made on site. Today Apple Festival consists of more than 120 skilled crafters, live music, fresh made on site cider donuts, apple butter and cider (hot and cold), milling, blacksmithing and basket weaving demonstrations, kids activities, and history on display in our two museums. 2012 The Apple Festival has 80 crafters, live music, baked goods, blacksmithing demonstrations and kids activities. 2015 The Apple Festival expands into the back field expanding to more than 120 crafters. 2018 The Mill is open for visitors during Apple Festival. The Mill is once again grinding corn - through the hard work of our volunteers the ability to grind has been restored. Get in Touch 609-654-7767 contactus@medfordhistory.org

  • 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 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

  • medfordhistory.org

    Supporting Medford's History Together... The Medford Historical Society is a volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to preserving the places, collections, and stories that define our community. Memberships and donations make this work possible. As a volunteer-led organization, member support directly sustains preservation of Kirby's Mill, the Cross Keys Schoolhouse , and the Haines-Tomlinson House . What Your Support Makes Possible RECOGNITION Benefactors Thank You Mr. & Mrs. Morgan Archival Partners Thank You Bill & MaryLou Pflug Mary Murphy Doug Mitchell 2026 History Partners Thank You Scott Farrell Brian Gershon Fred & Doshia Melroy Victoria Day Michael Gallagher Becky Mathie Margaret Stephens Suzanne Williams Lifetime Members Thank You to our Edwin & Jane Adams Polly Adams Judy Aley Tom & Pat Alvino Michael Angermeier & Family Bill Tosoian Clara Bielec Richard & Therese Bittner Howard Black Anne Bottello Elizabeth Bowers Bill & Jo Brown Dr. Richard Bucko Cleone Byrne Ella Corn Bob & Barbara Crankshaw Norman Crowell Eileen Danielenko Nan Davis Wilma Davison Kathleen Doyle Holly Doyle Bob & Joanne Duerholz James Eigenbrot Diane Emerson Stacy Euchler & Family Marilyn Faust Theresa Freedman Edmund Gager Gerard and Anne Gehin John & Kathy Gerber Ambriel Gerber Thomas Gerber Donna Goud Richard & Judy Grimm John Haines Joyce Harriet-Lowden Deborah & John Harris Jean C. Harris Harry & Doris Harrison Paul R. Hart Sr Mr. & Mrs. Robert Healey Paul & Kathy Hellberg John Hines Jant Jackson-Gould Karen & Brian Jeffery Sallyann Jennings Lyle & Diane Johnston James & Angela Kamerdze Lois Ann Kirby Verna & Roy Kraft Alice Andrews Laird Holby Richard Lechner Frances Le Van Bernadette Longo Libby & Jeff Lucas Paul & Christine Lukianovich Dave & Kelly Maguire Sophia Megee Thomas Meisse Beverly Mickle Lehrer Mira & Carol Milich Sally Miller Robert & Roseanne Minke Raymond & Dorothy Morgan Mary Murphy George Ney Beth O'Brien Richard & Patricia Obetz Michael Panarella Thomas Parente John & Virginia Passanante Bill & MaryLou Pflug Mr. & Mr.s Joseph Piazza Beth Portocalis Lisa Post Tom & Mary Ann Rende Deborah & Gail Ritter Nancy Sanson Peter & Mary Scout Earl Sears Mrs. H. R. Spendelow Jr William Status William Stevenson Samuel Still Machell Still-Pettis David & Lynn Stow Dorothy Todd Patricia Totten Mr. & Mrs. Robert Wagner Julie Waszkiewicz Stanley Waszkiewicz Charles Watson Jeanne Woodford Frederick & Sumiko Young Jr. Libby Zimbleman Every membership helps preserve Medford's historic landmarks, expand access to local history collections, and support programs for future generations. Become a Member Today

  • 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

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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

609-654-7767 

medfordhistorynj@gmail.com

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