All Around Pennsauken

By Robert Fisher-Hughes, AAP Columnist and Amateur Historian

Autumn will arrive one week early at historic Burrough-Dover House, off Haddonfield Rd., when Pennsauken Historical Society welcomes all to its Fall Festival on Saturday, Sept. 15, from noon to 4:00 p.m. This fun, family event will include a return visit by the Lenape interpreters from Churchville Nature Center of Bucks County, Pa. The Native American people who resided in the Delaware Valley before the coming of the European colonists, the Lenape lived in a different relationship with their environment and the seasons; and autumn was a time of preparation for the harsher season to come. The skilled interpreters of Churchville Nature Center will illustrate and demonstrate the lifeways of the Lenape through the tools, clothing, food, and culture of the people who lived on this land and gave Pennsauken its name.

Also returning by popular demand, the wildlife rehabilitators of the Freedom Center for Wildlife will bring their education animals and displays portraying the wild birds, mammals, and other animals who were here even before the Lenape and still dwell among us to this day. Meet owls and other birds of prey along with other creatures and learn how they live and what to do if you happen to have a surprise visit from a furry or feathered neighbor who may be injured or just in the wrong place.

Demonstrations of the lives and customs of the settlers of the New Jersey colony, as well as games and activities for the kids and kids-at-heart, are always part of the educational program at the Fall Festival, along with free tours of the colonial home of the Burrough family, nature trail, museum of nostalgia featuring local history, and more! Refreshments will be available, but packing a picnic and enjoying your own food under the late summer sky is also welcome.

The Pennsauken Historical Society is supported by its community and memberships and donations are graciously appreciated. Volunteer opportunities for all interests are always open!

If you can’t make it to Fall Festival, or if you can’t get enough of our local history, remember that both Burrough-Dover House and Griffith Morgan House will also be open on the first Sunday of the month in October and November; and watch for next month’s first ever Camden County history weekend all over the county, including Pennsauken of course!

Burrough-Dover House is located at 9201 Burrough-Dover Lane off Haddonfield Rd., opposite the Wyndam Rd. traffic light.

Visit the Griffith Morgan House and Pennsauken Historical Society pages, or the group, “Pennsauken History Forum,” on Facebook for more details and directions; or call (856) 486-9561 and leave a message or e-mail pennsaukenhistoricalsociety@gmail.com. Both Burrough-Dover House and Griffith Morgan House are also open for tours, events, and research by prior appointment.