From Revolutionary War plans and Victorian Era mansions to South Jersey criminals and historic reenactors, these are the local historical hot spots you won’t want to miss.
White Hill Mansion
Fieldsboro
History has always been alive on the bluff where White Hill Mansion sits – from a Lenape winter settlement and Revolutionary War plans to American inventors and innovators. And you can learn about it all with guided tours of the house hosted twice a month. Plus, things get a little spooky with ghost hunts hosted throughout the year. Guided tours cost $9, and prices for ghost hunts vary. For more information, visit the website.
Emlen Physick Estate
Cape May
Step back in time to the rooms of a Victorian Era mansion to see what it was like for a wealthy Victorian family. A variety of tours of the 18-room mansion are available including Voices from the Beyond house tour, Strange Victorian Obsessions tour and standard tours. For more information, visit the website.
Absecon Lighthouse
Atlantic City
Climb the 228 steps of one of the oldest lighthouses in the country for breathtaking views and tons of history. See a replica of the Lightkeeper’s dwelling, the original Fresnel Lens at the top of the tower and a museum that details the lighthouses history. The lighthouse is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm in July and Aug., and Thurs. through Mon. from 11 am to 4 pm from Sept. through Jun. For more information, visit the website.
Burlington County Prison Museum
Mt. Holly
Visit the newly refurbished Burlington Country Prison Museum to walk the halls of the more than 200-year-old prison. Explore cells that held prisoners, see historic artifacts and learn about some of the most notorious prisoners who served time there. The prison is open from 10 am to 4 pm Thurs. through Sat. and from noon to 4 pm on Sun. Admission costs $5 for adults and $2 for students. For more information, visit the website.
Millville Army Air Field Museum
Millville
Explore “America’s First Defense Airport” with exhibits telling the stories of the pilots who trained at the site and what they went on to do, including the Navajo Code Talkers, Women with Wings and Tuskegee Airmen. Visitors can also see an original WWII Observation Tower, war memorabilia and historic jets and automobiles. The museum is open Tues. through Sun. from 10 am to 4 pm. For more information, visit the website.
Historic Cold Spring Village
Cape May
See history come to life and experience what it was like to live in a 19th century South Jersey village. Watch reenactors demonstrate blacksmithing, bookbinding, basket weaving and more – or visit the brewery, ice cream parlor or country store. Admission costs $16 for adults and $12 for children 3 to 12. For more information, visit the website.
Battleship New Jersey
Camden
Board America’s most decorated battleship and get an up-close look at military history. You’ll find artifacts from the ship’s past and stories of crew members as you tour the ship’s mess hall, Captain’s cabins, navigational bridge and more. Self-guided and guided tours are available daily starting at 10 am, with the final tour starting at 4 pm. For more information, visit the website.
