The center will celebrate its 40th anniversary by unveiling new features and holding other commemorative activities.
After struggling, then succeeding in staying open when NJ Audubon prepared to suddenly close in December 2012, Rancocas Nature Center will celebrate its 40th Anniversary on Sunday, Oct. 8, from noon to 4 p.m.
Friends of Rancocas Nature Center (FRNC), the group which formed in January 2013 to save the center, will reveal some new history of the site, a new interactive feature, dedicate some special places in memoriam, and “enjoy a relaxed day that will honor the continued existence of the Center while sharing some exciting opportunities to blend our history with our future,” said FRNC co-chair Toni Price.
Speakers will focus on centuries-old history before the center was founded in 1977. Eric Orange will explain “Discovering Rogers Mill.”
A Burlington County Museum employee, Orange, along with other county staff, engages in historical research and makes presentations on their ongoing research. They have concluded that Rogers Mill was located within the Nature Center’s 210 acres, down by the Rancocas Creek prior to 1776.
Orange will explain its role during the Revolutionary War.
Moving to the Civil War Era, Mary and Guy Weston of the Timbuktoo Historical Society will present “Timbuktoo — Past & Present” and discuss artifacts that will go on display in the center’s new classroom from Oct. 8 through February’s Black History Month.
Each presentation will also discuss future plans for these historical elements of the center.
FRNC will also dedicate the new John Courtney Classroom, in honor of the late founding member of Rancocas Nature Center, as well as honor Courtney and his widow Marilyn Courtney with a plaque in the backyard children’s garden.
FRNC will also unveil a new Magnetic InterActive Mural on its museum wall.
The Friends will also acknowledge a special birdhouse donation from the McIllvain sisters, children of the Mather Ffamily who sold their property to the State of New Jersey in 1966 to be part of Rancocas State Park.
Their gift is an elaborate birdhouse replica of the Mather’s former estate — the 21-room Oakdale Mansion.
Due to its fragile state, the birdhouse will remain inside the museum room.
As past and present RNC members and volunteers enjoy a reunion and catch up with one another, new volunteers will add their hand prints to the mural on the outside back wall which was created in 2005 to honor the more than 40 volunteers per year who have staffed the Visitor Center.
Other commemorative activities may include an historical hike.
The event is free, but donations are appreciated by the organizers.
Call Rancocas Nature Center (794 Rancocas Road, Westampton) at (609) 261–2495 for information or go to www.rancocasnaturecenter.org.
Rancocas Nature Center is located within Rancocas State Park, which stretches from Mt. Laurel through Mt. Holly to Westampton.
