“What stories do these walls hold?” I wonder, gazing at the Camden County Historical Society. Founded in 1899, the Camden County Historical Society is dedicated to preserving Camden County’s history. It enriches the cultural understanding of Southern New Jersey.
The Camden County Historical Society has occupied Pomona Hall since 1924. Since 1967, it has also occupied the Charles S. Boyer building. This building includes the Hineline Research Library, an auditorium and the Camden County Museum.
Inside, the Camden County Historical Society holds a treasure trove. Over 20000 books are carefully preserved. There are also countless pamphlets, maps, deeds, and diaries. Genealogical materials spanning three centuries await discovery. The map collection is outstanding. You can view complete historical Camden County newspapers. There are also city directories for both Camden and Philadelphia.
The Camden County Historical Society’s online archive expands access. It started in the Spring of 2022. A Non-Profit Recovery Program Grant from Camden County Commissioners helped make it more accessible. Nearly 10000 photographs were digitized. 2000 maps and 100000 local newspaper pages became digital. The entire microfilm collection was also digitized.
Access to the online archive involves a three-step process. First, create an OCLC account. Second, link your OCLC account to your Camden County Historical Society membership. Lastly, log in and explore.
Consider volunteering to help upload materials. Volunteers can create titles and descriptions for photographs. They can also edit existing descriptions. Accuracy checks in excel spreadsheets are also helpful.
The Camden County Historical Society partners with community members. They co-curate new exhibits. These improve the way local history is told. Current exhibits include “Say My Name” Enslaved Africans of Pomona Hall. There is also the Lenni-Lenape “We’re Still Here” exhibit. Other exhibits include the Revolutionary War in Southern New Jersey. Also, see The Victor Carstarphen Camden Legends Hall of Fame. It features musicians and entertainers from Camden City. You can also view the San Juan Bautista Parade. Finally, there is “Made in Camden”.
Community partnerships extend to organizations. These include Parkside Businesses and Community in Partnership. These collaborations led to the Parkside History Garden. Also, there is the Welcome to Parkside mural. Finally, the “Castle on the Hill” Sculpture Park + Rain Garden surrounds the Camden County Historical Society.
The Camden County Historical Society ensures that the stories of Camden County live on. It enriches our understanding of the past. It also empowers our future.