An on-going project is underway by the Medford Historical Society, located at the Kirby's Mill Complex, which will help preserve and safeguard their records. Many thousands of documents and photos are currently being scanned, stored and backed up securely to the cloud. And, to make them available for public viewing, they have begun to post them to Zenfolio, a photo and video hosting site that is the new home of their digitally scanned records. Historic society documents and photos along with donated photos and documents are also being scanned. Once a document or photo is scanned and uploaded to our site, key words are added making it searchable by the general public. A little more than 500 photos and documents have been added in the first few months.
Stroll and browse the Historic Village area which was first settled by the Society of Friends in 1762.
225 year old grist mill and waterwheel, blacksmith shop and museum complex. Call for schedule of tours and events.
The Medford Historical Society is proud to announce that 2016 represents its 50th year of incorporation as an organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Medford's history. It started with Kirby's Mill located on Church Road which was completely restored. Since then restoration has been completed on the blacksmith shop, barn and Sawyer's House. The entire Kirby's Mill Complex is now a museum and available for tours. A group of dedicated volunteers continues to oversee the old mill and have plans to expand a farm equipment exhibit in the barn. Several events are held there annually to bring out new visitors, including the renowned Apple Festival, Country Day at the Mill, the Annual Quilt Show, and the annual Art Exhibition.
The Cross Keys School House was relocated from the point at Stokes Road to it's current location on Mill Street. The Medford Historical Society has an agreement with the Township of Medford and the Medford Board of Education to care for the building. It has been furnished to portray a classroom complete with a wood burning stove in the center. Several volunteers now serve as school marms and elementary school classes visit to learn what school was like in the early 1800's. It has several open houses during the year.
A few years ago the State of New Jersey contacted the Historical Society and the Township about the property where Dr. James Still's office is located. The farm adjacent to it had also been donated to the State and they asked us to take on the project of rehabilitating the office and opening it for educational purposes and tours. The former Bunning Farmhouse next door has now been restored and dedicated as the Dr. James Still Education Center. This will continue to serve as a place where the Medford Historical Society can continue promoting the valuable history of herbal medicines that Dr. Still shared throughout our area. Although the MHS entered into a special agreement with the State, they do not contribute any funding for operations, and only limited funds for on-going maintenance. Once funds can be raised the restoration of Dr. Still's office will begin. The office had remained empty for many years and suffered much deterioration. Recently the Township Council renamed Cranberry Park in Dr. Still's honor. It will be formally dedicated on April 9th this year, which is Dr. Still's birthday.
In March 2016 the kickoff for the 50th Anniversary celebrations began. It featured a slide show presentation featuring the history of the Medford Historical Society that is available online.