As the only African American incorporated municipality above the Mason-Dixon Line, Lawnside, NJ was a haven to people of African descent since colonial times.
Programs like the UGRR Camp empower our residents to defend preservation of the town and its unique place in the history of New Jersey.
This summer the Peter Mott House hosted the first ever Underground Railroad Camp, through grants from the Camden County Cultural and Heritage Commission and the New Jersey Council for the Humanities from the National Endowment for the Humanities through the American Rescue Plan Act.
“We can’t change our history but we must face it and learn from it.” Jacqueline MIller Bentley repeated that theme from June 27 to July 1 to 16 fifth through seventh graders at the first Underground Railroad Camp at the Peter Mott House in Lawnside. The Lawnside Historical Society, which owns the house, has dreamed of a camp almost since its founding in 1990. The multiracial group of children bonded and created new friendships as summer campers often do.
Be sure to sign up your kids for the first annual Underground Railroad Youth Camp where campers will learn about the unique history of Lawnside, NJ. Applications open now thru May 20th. Register here online.
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