By Robert Fisher-Hughes, AAP Columnist and Amateur Historian
When the Continental Congress declared American independence in 1776, Pennsauken’s historic houses, Burrough-Dover House and Griffith Morgan House, were homes to families who would live that change in their own lives. In fact, for decades the Burrough and Morgan families had lived here as subjects of the British crown. Now, through the colonies’ struggle for independence, they would leave Britain behind and become truly American. What could be better for your Independence Day weekend than to visit the homes of these your neighbors and consider the lives of the farmers, servants, innkeepers, merchants and other ordinary people who lived in your community in those extraordinary times?
Both Burrough-Dover House and Griffith Morgan House will be open for free visits and tours on Sunday, July 7, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Guided tours of the colonial homes and their museums tracing history in our community from early to later days, with all the customary hospitality of our volunteer staff and the run of the beautiful grounds for recreation, picnics and relaxation are yours, courtesy of Pennsauken Historical Society. So, come out for a visit and declare this history your own!
And be sure to mark your calendars for the first Sunday in August! On Sunday, Aug. 4, the Empire strikes back! The British are coming — to Griffith Morgan House! More details to come in the August issue and on Facebook.
At both the historic houses of Pennsauken, admission is free and there is plenty of free parking too! Memberships and volunteer opportunities are available and donations are always welcome to help Pennsauken Historical Society sustain its own mission in our community.
Burrough-Dover House is located at 9201 Burrough-Dover Lane, off Haddonfield Rd. near the Wyndam Rd. traffic light. Griffith Morgan House is located at 243 Griffith Morgan Lane, off River Rd. between Delair and Rt. 73.
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 to pennsaukenhistoricalsociety@gmail.com.
