Preserve our History
The BHS’s top priority is to preserve Bordentown’s rich history. These efforts are supported by our members, fundraising events and historic preservation grants.
Inspire our Community
Our events are more than just preservation fundraising. We enrich and inspire the Bordentown community and its connection to our small town’s huge historic impact.
Grow our Future
History doesn’t end with our generation! Our goal is to develop preservation programs with longevity and excite the next generation of historians to carry our efforts forward.
Articles of Interest
George Raymond: A Captain of Integrity
The legacy of George Raymond began with a wintry gale as the hard pounding surf crashed against his ship, the Atalanta, off the coast of Cape May in December of 1844.
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Once Upon a Time Came Standard Time
Through the span of our existence, the need to measure time has gone from the development of the ancient sundials to the synchronization of digital clocks. Surprisingly, time was taken for granted until a railroad man figured out a solution.
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Perseverance Dyed in the Wool
Boarding the train in 1852, Clara Barton never expected that her temporary residency in Bordentown would alter the trajectory of her career- and change our nation forever.
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The Winds of Dissension
The son of our namesake founder, Joseph Borden, Jr. helped draft the Continental Congress’ formal Declaration of Rights and Grievances against Great Britain’s punitive Stamp Act.
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The Clara Barton Schoolhouse Needs Your Help!
Our historic Schoolhouse is in need of significant restoration so that it will become a first class museum and teaching facility honoring the incredible Clara Barton, a true American icon. Clara taught at this school initially for no money and in so doing established the first public school in New Jersey.
Through the generosity of many people we were able replace the roof. The BHS was awarded a New Jersey Historic Trust Grant which will enable us to complete Phase 1 of 3 planned restoration phases. There is still so much to do so please consider supporting this valiant and important project by donating to the BHS.
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The mystery of Joseph Bonaparte's paintings
In 1939, six paintings that once belonged to Joseph Bonaparte were left to the Trenton Free Public Library by the Estate of Edward Stokes. They were never specifically identified nor recorded at the time, and were apparently "loaned out" around the city. Many attempts were made over the years to identify these mystery pieces.
In this video, former Trentoniana archivist Laura Poll discusses the process that has positively identified three, and how two more were recently discovered quite by accident in the office of one of the city's oldest churches.