Organization of the Week: Vineland Historical and Antiquarian Society

Every Monday, I highlight a non-profit related to history or the arts, a historical society, preservation group or friends group whose main objective is to promote the historical and artistic history of New Jersey.

This week, I am featuring the Vineland Historical and Antiquarian Society. The Vineland Historical and Antiquarian Society is the oldest local historical society in New Jersey, founded  in 1864, just three years after Charles K. Landis established the town of Vineland. The mission of the Vineland Historical and Antiquarian Society is to document the lives of the individuals and the events that have shaped the community from before its inception through the present-day. The collections gathered by the Society over the years include books, photographs, artifacts, and other records of daily life and significant events.

The headquarters of the Historical Society was built specifically for them, on land purchased through the generous donations of John S. Shepard, Daniel F. Morrill, and Charles K. Landis. The project was begun in 1910 and completed in 1911. Since then, the building has hosted lectures, book signings, and changing exhibits on the native American history of Vineland, its founding, the Civil War, Vineland's numerous industries, and noteworthy townspeople and organizations.

The Vineland Historical and Antiquarian Society relies on memberships, fundraising, and countless volunteers to continue its mission. For more information on programs, special events, and exhibits hosted by the Vineland Historical and Antiquarian Society or to become a member or volunteer, please call 856-691-1111 or visit www.vinelandhistory1864.org.

If you are a member of a non-profit organization or know of one that you would like to see featured on this site, please let us know in the comments or send an e-mail to kelly@thehistorygirl.com.