For nearly 20 years, the Florence Historical Society has provided locals with the opportunity to recollect and reminisce in the area’s storied background by showcasing donated relics tied to the township.
Township residents will have the opportunity to do so again on April 7 when a new exhibit is showcased.
Located at the old Florence Firehouse No. 1 on 25 West Third St., locals are invited from 1 to 3 p.m. to see a new collection of memorabilia and artifacts on display, which includes a variety of vintage maps, military uniforms, two Arcadia books on Florence, and the society’s farm display has also expanded as well.
“This is a chance for the young at heart to come out and reminisce about Florence history,” the Historical Society said. “We are dedicated to preserving the proud history of Florence.”
According to historical society founder, Judy King, the newest collection of vintage maps is perhaps going to be the most significant contribution to the collection this year.
King said that the maps came from a collection of the West Jersey Proprietors, colonial outfit form the 1600s in the county, who cleaned out their building and had items to donate. She added that one map that dates as far back as 1850 is currently in the process of being framed for display.
The historical society said it will also have a fire hydrant from 1889 for viewing that was recently restored as well as military uniforms from township residents that trace back two to three generations.
King also noted that the historical society will also be selling about two dozen Florence milk bottles from late 1940s, early 50s.
“We have a well-rounded collection,” she said.
In keeping with recognition of the township’s past, King explained that the most notable feature of organizing an open house event is its ability to share and reflect on memories with the locals who grew up in Florence.
“The best thing is connecting with people about stories,” she said. “They can give you stories about certain items or stories about their family – things we didn’t know.”
As with any modern town where local history and sites are at risk of dissipating with old businesses moving out and new ones coming in, King noted that she’s made an effort to preserve as much of Florence’s history as possible.
She said that she’s looking up old newspapers on microfilm and copying anything and everything written on or about Florence Township.
For King, she pointed out that one of the main benefits of the society’s continuous efforts in their research is discovering unknown history and information about the families of locals.
“Sometimes we have family histories on people that they don’t have information on, which is interesting,” she said. “You can compile 20 years of things and get a picture of one family, so there’s a lot of family tree information.”
For upcoming information about the Florence Historical Society and the open house, contact Judy King at 609-499-2405.