Mark Black History Month by Exploring Camden County Sites

You don’t need to drive far—in fact, you don’t even need to leave Camden County—to immerse yourself in a chapter of African American history and the Underground Railroad.

In time for February’s Black History Month, Camden County and South Jersey Tourism Corporation released five free downloadable podcasts that highlight local historical sites tied to African American history and the Underground Railroad.

Each podcast is five to 10 minutes long and helps residents and visitors explore sites they may often rush past in their daily routine.

“We hope people from our area, throughout the state and throughout the country will come visit these five sites and listen to the podcasts,” said Jake Buganski, executive director of South Jersey Tourism Corporation. “They are fascinating, historically important and reflect the diversity of people—from Quakers to members of the A. M.E Zion Church—who helped run the Underground Railroad. By downloading the free podcast, visitors can listen while they tour these sites.”

The five sites are:

Croft Farm in Cherry Hill/Saddlertown in Haddon Township

From oral histories recounted, visitors go on a journey through Croft Farm and Saddlertown to learn both places’ connection to the Underground Railroad. The podcast also draws the historical connection between Quaker Thomas Evans and Joshua Saddler.

Haddonfield’s Historic District

This installment looks at the history of Haddonfield, founded by Quakers, who were involved in the Underground Railroad. Through conversations between Quakers and escaped slaves, listeners get a feel for the time, as well as learn the connection between Haddonfield, Lawnside and Peter Mott.

Peter Mott House in Lawnside       

Called one of Camden County’s best kept secrets, the Peter Mott House is the oldest known home in Lawnside and was the residence of the African American preacher and Underground Railroad agent. Through a conversation between a child and adult, listeners will learn more about Mott’s role, the home’s history and Lawnside, the only African-American incorporated municipality in the state.

Mount Peace Cemetery in Lawnside

Mount Peace Cemetery was established by African Americans in 1902 as a burial ground because no other cemetery would provide a final resting place. As a grandfather and grandson walk through the cemetery in search of a loved one, listeners will be privy to a discussion on the struggle and need to establish the cemetery, and the people who are buried there—including runaway slaves, Civil War veterans, Navy sailors and Congressional Medal of Honor winner John Larson.  

Macedonia A.M.E. Church in Camden

This podcast takes visitors on a journey through the historic area of Camden called Fettersville and the history of the Macedonia A.M.E Church. From a profile of Fettersville’s founder, Richard Fetters, and the involvement of members of Macedonia A.M.E. church, who acted as conductors on the Underground Railroad.

Download the free podcasts at pathwaystofreedomtour.com or by clicking on the graphic link from the Camden County website.