The Society's Collection...
Wistarburg, and more
The Society has an exceptional collection of furniture, paintings, textiles, glass, china, silver, documents, tools and other prized possessions made possible through the generosity of interested persons and families. This collection enables us to graphically convey to visitors to the Society an understanding of the work, play, society, and life styles of local inhabitants from generations past.
Our Mission
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The mission of the Salem County Historicl Society is to seek, document, preserve, interpret and perpetuate Salem County's heritage, and to enhance the awareness and appreciation of that heritage, through its research, collections, functions, exhibits, educational programs and publications, for the benefit of future generations and for the betterment of the community.
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Wistarburg Glass
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The Wistar Family has deep connections to Salem County. In 1739, Caspar Wistar founded near Alloway what was to become the first successful glass works in the colonies. Glass from the Wistarburg Glass Company was found in homes throughout the Delaware Valley. The Society core exhibit, A Legacy for Salem County, shows off several pieces of Wistar Glass, including bullseye pane glass, decorative whimsies, and everyday glassware. The exhibit also includes a chest-on chest dresser s given to Caspar Wistar's granddaughter, Elizabeth, by her father, Richard Wistar, on the occasion of her marriage to Richard Miller. A copy of their marriage certificate and a map of the Wistarburg property are other items in the Society collections, bequeathed by family descendants, such as Frank Acton and Gayle Wistar. |  |
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To the left is the Colonial Benjamin Holme tall case clock made by Thomas Wagstaff, a Quaker from London. This fine Chippendale piece has chimes that play seven tunes. During the Revolution it was taken by the British to General Howe's headquarters in New York. It is currently on display in the Society's core exhibit, A Legacy for Salem County. |
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