Author Archives: Wes Hughes

Feb 5, 12, 19, 26: Batsto Post Office Open

Did you know that the Batsto Post Office can still send mail? First opened by Jesse Richards in 1852, the Batsto Post Office is one of the four oldest post offices currently operating in the United States!

The Batsto Post Office will be open each Wednesday afternoon (12 to 3 p.m.) in February. Bring your pre-stamped postcards and letters to the village to receive a unique Batsto postal cancellation. Stamped postcards are also available for purchase. While you are in the Post Office, be sure to stop in the recently opened Glass Museum! Containing examples of nineteenth and twentieth-century glass, as well as historic artifacts found throughout Batsto, the Glass Museum is the perfect complement to a mansion tour and stroll through the village.

For more information, please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024.

Batsto Village Historic Site is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037

Feb. 7, 14, 21 & 28: Combined Tours of Batsto Village and Mansion

Enjoy all that winter has to offer at Wharton State Forest with a tour of Batsto Village and its Italianate mansion! Tours meet in the Batsto Visitor Center and begin with a walk through the village, stopping at notable buildings and locations along the way. Tours then move inside the mansion, where visitors are invited to explore the nineteenth century home (with twenty-first century heating!).

Tours are approximately two hours and are available each Friday in February. Tours begin at 2 p.m. inside the Batsto Visitor Center and are $5 per person. Visitors are strongly encouraged to dress warmly and with comfortable footwear for the outside portion of the tour. Tours may be cancelled due to inclement weather.

Batsto Mansion is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037 in Historic Batsto Village.

For more information or to confirm Inside/Outside tour availability, please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024.

Feb. 15: Maple Sugaring Day at Batsto Village

It’s maple syrup season again at Batsto Village Historic Site! Spend your Valentine’s Day weekend enjoying the warm fire, views of picturesque red maples, and the delicious scent of fresh maple syrup.

Join us as Wharton State Forest partners with Stockton University to produce genuine Pine Barrens maple syrup right here at Batsto! Watch as the sap collected throughout the village gets turned into maple syrup, with samples available throughout the day and bottles available for purchase in the Visitor Center.

Maple Sugaring Day is open to all ages, and registration is not required. The event is held rain or shine.

For more information, please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024.

Batsto Village Historic Site is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037

Wharton State Forest Visiting Vehicle Use Map

In case you missed it, Wharton State Forest has a newly released Visiting Vehicle Use Map (PDF) that clearly delineates legal roads for driving vehicles in New Jersey’s largest state forest.

This map enhances the visitor experience and serves to ensure the protection of wildlife habitat and rare plant species found within the forest. It’s a must-see for all who drive in and around Wharton State Forest.

Digital copies of the Wharton Visiting Vehicle Use Map, FAQ, and more are available here: https://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/wharton/. Print copies are available at Atsion and Batsto Offices.

As always, ATVs, side-by-sides, and other non-street-legal motorized vehicles are illegal to operate on all state-owned lands. Park visitors who encounter ATVs or other non-street-legal vehicles on or off established park roads or see suspicious or illegal activities on DEP-managed public lands may call 1-877-WARNDEP (1-877-927-6337).

Batsto Mansion Tours in February

Stay warm this February inside the Batsto Mansion! Originally built in the eighteenth century as a small ironmaster’s house, the mansion now stands as it appeared after Joseph Wharton renovated the home in 1878. Serving as a vacation home for his family, the Batsto Mansion is an excellent example of the Italianate and Eastlake styles, both popular with the Victorian upper-class.

Tours are approximately 45-60 minutes and are available throughout February, Wednesday through Friday at 1 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m., 1 & 2 p.m.

For more information, please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024.

Batsto Village Historic Site is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037 in Historic Batsto Village.

Wharton State Forest Career Opportunities

Looking for a part-time or summer job?

Wharton State Forest is now hiring seasonal lifeguards, maintenance, office, and visitor service assistant positions.  Apply here...

https://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/jobs.html and check the drop-down box for Wharton State Forest or Atsion Recreation Area.

Celebrate History with Our Batsto Sawmill T-Shirts!

Sold out and now back in stock!

The Batsto Museum Shop, is thrilled to announce the arrival of our brand-new t-shirts! These dark green Gildan heavy cotton shirts feature a striking mustard yellow design that celebrates the historic Batsto Sawmill—a true treasure of our community.

2025 marks a special milestone: the historic sawmill has been repaired and is fully functional once again! Watch for announcements of when you can come see it in full operation. To commemorate this achievement, we've designed these unique t-shirts as a tribute to the sawmill’s rich history and its vital role in Batsto Village.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a fan of Batsto Village, or simply looking for a high-quality and meaningful keepsake, these t-shirts are a perfect way to show your support and pride.

Available now at the Batsto Museum Shop. Don’t miss out—grab yours while supplies last and wear a piece of Batsto’s history!

Batsto Museum Shop is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037 in Historic Batsto Village.

For more information or to confirm inventory availability, please call the Batsto Museum Shop at 609-561-0024.

Batsto's Very Own Maple Syrup!

Stop in the Batsto Museum Shop after the sugaring event on February 15 to pick-up a bottle of Wharton State Forest's own maple syrup made with sap collected from trees in Batsto Village! Quantities are limited so be sure to stop in early.

While in the shop, checkout the selection of maple cutting boards made from locally sourced and sustainably harvested wood. There are many styles and sizes to choose from. We also have a variety of merchandise available to support the maple sugaring project.

Atsion General Store is located at 744 US 206, Shamong, NJ 08088. For more information or to confirm inventory, please call the Atsion General Store at 609-268-0444. The store is open Wednesday through Sunday all winter from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Batsto Museum Shop is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037 in Historic Batsto Village. For more information or to confirm inventory availability, please call the Batsto Museum Shop at 609-561-0024. The shop is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

A cold morning after an evening snowfall.

Winter In the Pines - December 8th

You’re invited to Batsto Village on December 8 for an all-ages afternoon of winter fun! Activities include a meeting with Santa, wagon rides through the historic village, and live music. Warm refreshments will be available on the first floor of the Batsto General Store.

While you’re in the village, stop by Batsto Mansion from 12 - 3 p.m. for free self-guided entry to the first and second floors of the impressive Victorian home. The Batsto Post Office will also be open from 12 - 3 p.m., and staff will be on hand to help you send your holiday mail! Bring in your stamped postcards and letters to be hand-cancelled with the unique Batsto cancellation (no ZIP code!) in the 1852 post office.

Visitors are also welcome to take their holiday photos in the village! Commercial photographers should obtain the necessary permit before taking pictures.

Horse-drawn wagon rides through the village are approximately 20 minutes; $10 per adult, $5 per child.

Batsto Village Historic Site is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037.

For more information, please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024.

Winter Inside / Outside Tours of Batsto 

Enjoy all that winter has to offer at Wharton State Forest with a tour of historic Batsto Village and its Victorian mansion! Tours meet at the Batsto Visitor Center and begin with a walk through the village, stopping at notable buildings and locations along the way. Tours then move inside the mansion, where visitors are invited to explore the nineteenth century home (with twenty-first century heating!). 

Tours begin promptly at 2 p.m. in the Batsto Visitor Center and are approximately 90-120 minutes. Visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes and warm layers for the outdoor portion of the tour! 

Inside/Outside Tours are $5 per person. In the event of inclement weather, the outside portion of the tour may be subject to change. 

Batsto Village Historic Site is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037. 

For more information or to make Inside/Outside Tour reservations, please call the Batsto Visitor Center at (609) 561-0024. 

Holiday Evening Tours of Batsto Mansion - December 18 - 22

The Batsto Mansion will again be open for evening tours this December! See the historic house decorated for nineteenth-century Christmas and learn about various holiday traditions of the past. The tour includes a guided walk through the home, a few peeks into rarely seen areas, and stories from the Richards and Wharton eras.

Tours are approximately 60-75 minutes and promptly begin on the Batsto Mansion porch at 6:30 and 8 p.m., Wednesday, December 18th through Sunday, December 22nd.

Tickets can be purchased at the Batsto Visitor Center or over the phone and are $10 per visitor. Space is limited, and visitors are encouraged to call ahead to reserve their spot.

Batsto Village is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037.

For more information or to confirm Holiday Evening Tour availability, please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024.

Send Your Holiday Mail from the Batsto Post Office 

Did you know that you can still send real mail from the Batsto Post Office? First opened by Jesse Richards in 1852, the Batsto Post Office is one of the four oldest post offices currently operating in the United States!

The Batsto Post Office will be open 12 - 3 p.m. on the following dates in December:

• Saturday, December 7
• Sunday, December 8
• Wednesday, December 11
• Saturday, December 14
• Wednesday, December 18
• Thursday, December 19
• Friday, December 20
• Saturday, December 21
• Sunday, December 22

Bring your postcards and letters to the village to receive a unique Batsto postal cancellation. Add a piece of local history to your holiday cards this year!

Batsto Post Office is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037.

For more information or to confirm that the Post Office is open before you visit, please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024.

Batsto Mansion Tours 

Experience winter in the village from inside historic Batsto Mansion! Originally built in the eighteenth century as a small ironmaster’s house, the mansion now stands as it appeared after Joseph Wharton renovated the home in 1878. Serving as a vacation home for his family, the Batsto Mansion is an excellent example of the Italianate and Eastlake styles, both popular with the Victorian upper class.

Tours are approximately 45-60 minutes and are available throughout December, Wednesday through Friday at 1 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m., 1 & 2 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased at the Batsto Visitor Center and are $3 for visitors over the age of 12, $1 for visitors ages 5-11 and free for visitors under 5-years-old.

Batsto Mansion is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037 in Historic Batsto Village.

For more information or to confirm Batsto Mansion Tour availability, please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024.

Book Signing 

On December 8, the Batsto Museum Shop will also host a book signing of Colonial Taverns of New Jersey with author Michael Gabriele from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Atsion General Store 

The Atsion General Store will be open Wednesday through Sunday all winter, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. There are new items arriving weekly.

Camping & Cabins 

Camping is available at Wharton State Forest year around. Spend your fall camping in the unique environment of the New Jersey Pine Barrens!

Camping is permitted in developed campgrounds with a permit at Atsion Family, Batona, Bodine Field, Buttonwood Hill, Godfreys Bridge, Goshen Pond, Hawkins Bridge, Lower Forge and Mullica River.

Atsion Cabins are now closed for the season and will reopen in May 2025. It’s now time to plan a 2025 trip and reserve your cabin!  Availability is limited.

Make your camping or cabin reservations here.

About Wharton State Forest 

Located in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey, Wharton State Forest is New Jersey's largest state forest. It encompasses approximately 125,000 acres covering parts of Atlantic, Burlington and Camden counties providing a variety of

recreational activities including hiking, biking, swimming and horseback riding. It is home to historic Batsto Village, Batsto and Atsion Mansions, and the Atsion Recreation Area. You can find more information about Wharton State

Forest and other New Jersey state parks on our website at https://dep.nj.gov/wharton.

Come join us for a relaxing afternoon of picture taking and some refreshment...

...for the body and the soul!

Spend some quality time at Batsto and get into the holiday spirit in a festive atmosphere!

Some recent pictures of our favorite place under the northern lights.

Beautiful in any light!

Courtesy of Sean Mathews

Oct. 5: Atsion Day Flea Market & Mansion Open House

Start out fall antique season at the Atsion Day Flea Market, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Atsion Recreation Area. While you’re there take a hike, bring your kayak for a paddle in Atsion Lake, or play with your family on our accessible playground.

Afterwards, drive across the street for an open house experience in Atsion Mansion from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The lively Libby Prison Minstrels will perform an acoustic selection of historical music from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Never modernized with plumbing, electricity, or heating; evening hours in the Atsion Mansion will be lit by lantern light.

Atsion Recreation Area is located at 715 US 206, Shamong, NJ 08088.

Atsion Mansion is located at 744 US 206, Shamong, NJ 08088.

For more information, please call the Atsion Office at 609-268-0444. 

Oct. 20: Country Living Fair at Batsto Village

You’ll find something for everyone at this year’s Country Living Fair at Batsto! Spend the day exploring the historic village, take a fall hike through the Pine Barrens, and browse the vendor booths and exhibitions throughout the site. Featuring locally-made crafts, historical exhibits, live music, old-time engines and cars, food, antiques, pony rides, farm equipment, and more; the Country Living Fair is a celebration of all things South Jersey!

The Country Living Fair takes place, rain or shine, on October 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Traffic Note: The Country Living Fair is Wharton State Forest’s biggest event of the year. Expect traffic delays as you approach Batsto. Please consider car-pooling!

Batsto Village is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037.

For more information please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024.

Oct. 25, 26, 27, 30 & 31: Folklore Lantern Tours at Batsto

Lantern Tours of Batsto Village are back this spooky season! Join Wharton State Forest’s historic interpreters on an evening walk through the village by lantern light. The tour includes stops at points of interest throughout the village, accompanied by stories about Batsto’s unique history, as well as the legends and folklore of the Pine Barrens. Warm clothes and comfortable walking shoes are recommended! Lanterns will be provided.

Tours are approximately 60-75 minutes and promptly begin on the Batsto Mansion porch at 6:30 and 8 p.m. Lantern Tour tickets can be purchased over the phone or at the Batsto Visitor Center and are $10 per person. Space is limited and fills quickly! Visitors are highly encouraged to call ahead to reserve their spot.

Batsto Village is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037.

For more information or to confirm Lantern Tour availability, please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024.

Oct. 25, 26, 30 & 31: Evening Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides at Batsto

Evening Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides will coincide with Folklore Lantern Tours. If you’re planning on attending both, be sure to schedule your wagon ride before or after your Lantern Tour. Wagon Rides are weather-permitting and tickets are non-refundable.

Wagon Rides are approximately 20 minutes and promptly begin behind the Visitor Center each half-hour, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Wagon Ride tickets can be purchased over the phone or at the Batsto Visitor Center and are $25 per person. Space is limited and fills quickly! Visitors are highly encouraged to call ahead to reserve their spot.

Batsto Village is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037.

For more information or to confirm Wagon Ride availability, please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024.

Oct. 26: Public Star Watch at Batsto

You’re invited to a Free Public Star Watch at Batsto, organized by the West Jersey Astronomical Society (WAS). Members of the Society will have telescopes available for the public to view objects in the night sky.  The event is weather permitting, and visitors are encouraged to check the WAS website (https://www.wasociety.us) after 1 p.m. the day of the event to confirm it is still happening should there be cloudy skies. The Star Watch Begins at 6:30 p.m.

We'll have a couple of special happenings at October's Star Watch that you won't want to miss:

• 6:45 p.m. in the Batsto Visitor Center Auditorium there will be a demonstration of how a comet works complete with dry ice and a comet tail.
• 7:45 p.m. in the star watch field there will a laser guided constellation tour. You'll learn how to find the Big and Little Dippers, Polaris the North Star and where to find the planets in the night sky — among many other objects — when we're through.

Batsto Village is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037.

For more information please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024.

Oct. 27: Haunting in the Pines

The Batsto Citizens Committee, Inc. invites you to this year’s Haunting in the Pines at Batsto Village on Sunday, October 27 from 12 to 3 p.m.! There will be plenty for the whole family to enjoy including Halloween treats, games, and pony rides. This event is free and intended for families and children under 12. Guests are encouraged to wear their costumes while attending!

Batsto Village is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037.

For more information please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024.

Batsto General Store Snack Shop Open Again

Over forty-four years ago, the Batsto General Store Snack Shop closed its doors, but we’re thrilled to announce its grand reopening!

Stop by to grab a cold drink or a souvenir T-shirt and take a step back in time. Our knowledgeable Historical Staff will be on hand to answer any questions about the General Store and the fascinating history of Batsto Village. Join us and experience the charm of the Snack Stand as it was in 1982!

The General Store Snack Shop will be open throughout October on Saturdays and Sundays from 12-3 p.m., weather permitting, and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. during the Country Living Fair on October 20.

Batsto Mansion Tours

Experience autumn in the village from inside historic Batsto Mansion! Originally built in the eighteenth century as a small ironmaster’s house, the mansion now stands as it appeared after Joseph Wharton renovated the home in 1878. Serving as a vacation home for his family, the Batsto Mansion is an excellent example of the Italianate and Eastlake styles, both popular with the Victorian upper class.

Tours are Wednesdays through Sunday at 11 a.m., 1 and 2 p.m., 45-55 minutes long and begin on the mansion porch. Additional tours at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. may be added each Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets can be purchased at the Batsto Visitor Center and are $3 for visitors over the age of 12, $1 for visitors ages 5-11 and free for visitors under 5-years-old.

Batsto Mansion is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037 in Historic Batsto Village.

For more information or to confirm Batsto Mansion Tour availability, please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024.

Atsion Mansion Tours

Mansion tours continue into the fall at Atsion! Come see one of the most significant examples of Greek Revival architecture in South Jersey. Never “modernized” with plumbing or electricity, the house stands largely as it did when it was constructed in 1826.

Tours are Saturdays and Sundays at 1 and 2 p.m., 45-55 minutes long and begin outside between the mansion and office.

Tour tickets can be purchased at the Atsion Office and are $3 for visitors over the age of 12, $1 for visitors ages 5-11 and free for visitors under 5-years-old.

Atsion Mansion is located at 744 US 206, Shamong, NJ 08088.

For more information or to confirm Atsion Mansion Tour availability, please call the Atsion Office at 609-268-0444.

Shopping at Wharton State Forest

We’re excited to share that new merchandise is arriving weekly in the Museum Shop! Bring the kids to check out our new line of children’s books and adorable stuffed forest animals. This year, we’ve also added a collection of stickers reflecting the nature of the forest and surrounding area.

Join us during the Country Living Fair for a special tasting of Batsto Village Specialty Coffee, sourced from a local roaster. We’ll also be sampling Jim’s Jam of New Gretna, so come see what everyone is talking about!

We can’t wait to see you there!

Both the Snack Shop and Store are located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037.

For more information please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024.

Camping and Cabins

Camping is available at Wharton State Forest year around. Spend your fall camping in the unique environment of the New Jersey Pine Barrens!

Camping is permitted in developed campgrounds with a permit at Atsion Family, Batona, Bodine Field, Buttonwood Hill, Godfreys Bridge, Goshen Pond, Hawkins Bridge, Lower Forge and Mullica River.

Atsion Cabins Atsion Cabins close for the 2024 season on October 31. It’s now time to plan a 2025 trip and reserve your cabin today! Availability is limited.

Make your camping or cabin reservations here.

Wagon rides will also be available (for a fee) from noon until 3PM

The Batsto Citizens Committee, Inc. will once again host it's fall Antique, Glass & Bottle Show at Historic Batsto Village on Sunday September 22nd.

Beginning at 9 AM, dealers from throughout the tri-state region will display their treasures and products at Batsto, home to a thriving glass business in the mid 19^th century.

The event will end at 3PM.

There is no admission or parking fee for this event and food and drink from a variety of local organizations will be available. 

Parking close to vendors will be plentiful.

Batsto mansion tours are also being conducted beginning at 10AM and conclude at 3PM. (there is a small fee for tours).

More than 100 exhibitors will participate in the annual Batsto Country Living Fair at Historic Batsto Village in Wharton State Forest on Sunday, October 20, 2024 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Each year the Country Living Fair, organized by the Batsto Citizens Committee, Inc. (BCCI), brings together history buffs, artisans, collectors, and families to stroll, shop, and sample while they explore the carefully preserved historic buildings of a centuries-old Pine Barrens company town. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy exhibits, music, antiques, farm equipment, chain-saw art, quilting, and more, all with a country theme. Food trucks and vendors will provide refreshments for sale throughout the day.

A variety of country, Colonial, and Victorian crafts will be available for purchase. Visitors will also be able to meet talented crafters demonstrating their artistry in a wide assortment of materials. World War II era vehicles and old-time steam engines will be on display. Activities and pony rides for kids will help make this an event of special interest to people of all ages.        

There is no cost to attend or park at the fair. Signs along Route 542 will help guide motorists to designated parking areas.

Batsto Village is located in the Pinelands of southern Burlington County (at 31 Batsto Road Hammonton, NJ), approximately seven miles east of Hammonton on Route 542 and about 15 miles west of the Garden State Parkway.  County Route 542 is the main highway leading to Batsto Village from points east and west. Motorists heading west from the Green Bank area turn right onto Bulltown Road. Follow signs and arrows to the Washington Turnpike parking site. Further information may be obtained by calling the Batsto Visitor Center at (609) 561-0024 or www.njparksandforests.org

About Batsto Citizens Committee, Inc.

The Batsto Citizens Committee was founded in 1956 to aid the State of New Jersey in the development of Batsto Village as a historic site. Its purpose was to advise, assist, and promote the restoration and interpretation of the historic and natural aspects of Batsto Village. In 1997, the committee reorganized and became incorporated as the Batsto Citizens Committee, Inc. (BCCI), and continues to follow the above objectives.