Author Archives: Wes Hughes

A hearty group of people braved a snow squall, temperatures in the 20’s and howling winds to learn of the American Revolution connection to Batsto Village in a “History at Sunset” walking tour present by Wharton State Forest seasonal historian Jeff Martin.  The intriguing story of Batsto supplying war ammunition, a British spy, and privateers at Chestnut Neck held the attention of the group, who were treated to a beautiful sunset over the Village as the clouds broke at the conclusion of the tour.

The program will be repeated on Saturday,  March 26th at 5:30pm. Meet at the ore boat (register at event link on the Wharton State Forest Facebook page).

https://www.facebook.com/events/1003033250561750/

A new topic will be upcoming for “History at Sunset” in April at Batsto Village.

Pinelands Photographer Donates 37 Images
From Recent State Museum Exhibit

Photographer Albert Horner of Medford Lakes has donated 37 fine art images to three state organizations that champion the New Jersey Pinelands. The N.J. Pinelands Commission, New Lisbon; Batsto Citizens Committee at Wharton State Forest; and New Jersey Conservation Foundation, Far Hills, received the work.

The donation comprises works that appeared in his recently closed exhibit at the New Jersey State Museum, “Preserving the Pinelands--Albert Horner’s Portraits of a National Treasure,” that ran from October 2019 through early January 2022. He also donated some works from the show to the museum’s archives.

“I chose these organizations because of the work they do to preserve or showcase the New Jersey Pinelands and the fact that they had facilities where the work could be displayed and enjoyed by the public,” Horner said.

The State Museum show drew enthusiastic praise from those who attended, including these guest book comments: “Wondrous Albert Horner exhibit. Keep teaching people to love and protect N.J., to be proud of our state.” “Wow! Much needed light on a very special place.” “The Pinelands exhibit had a lovely mystical quality to it. It seems like a place I would love to hike and paint.”

Horner’s images capture the quiet beauty and intimate landscapes of New Jersey’s Pinelands Region, a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve. Self-taught and award-winning, Horner brings curiosity, reverence and a practiced eye to his craft, recording the forests, cedar swamps, meandering waterways and native wildflowers that make the Pinelands unique.

For more information about Horner’s work, visit: pinelandsimagery.com

Two Georges on opposite sides of the Atlantic led America and Great Britain through the era of the America Revolution. Join master musicians John Burkhalter and Donovan Klotzbeacher of the Practitioners of Musick as they virtual perform some of the President George Washington and King George the III favorites. Questions will be taken at the end of the performance. Suggested Donation $5.00

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The Philadelphia Girls Choir visited Batsto for the day on Sunday December 5th.

Here is the video they made while on the site

Thanks for your support of historic Batsto Village and Atsion.

All of us at the Batsto Citizens Committee and Wharton State forest wish you and your family a joyful and safe holiday season.

We look forward to seeing you in the new year!

Come visit us!

Come join us for a relaxing day at historic Batsto Village on Sunday December 5th to kick off your holiday season!

Carriage rides ( for a charge ) will be provided by South Jersey Carriage Company from 11AM - 3PM. This is a great ride and a fantastic photo opportunity.( Rides commence at the barn next to the Blacksmith's shop.Tickets must be purchased on site that day ).

Mansion tours will be available from 11AM - 3PM as well ( there is a $3.00 charge / person and children are free ). The mansion will be period decorated for the holiday.

( Tickets can be purchased on site that day ).

The very famous Batsto Post Office will be open from Noon until 3 PM to hand cancel....without a zip code... mail. ( pre-stamped ). One of only four places in the entire United States where this can be done!

While in the Post Office, stop in at the display area next door and have some cider & cookies to really get in the spirit. Gabe Coia will be in there from 1 - 3 PM singing and playing a variety of stringed instruments.

We will have a small, simple children's craft activity on the porch of the General store.

There may even be some activity in the Blacksmiths and Carpenters shop!

This is a day to walk the grounds of Batsto and get into the holiday spirit.

Autographed by the author

The story of Batsto, an early iron town and glassworks at the heart of southern New Jersey's Pine Barrens, is unique in American history. From its modest beginnings as a sawmill in the 1760s, Batsto grew into a thriving industrial community through the Revolutionary War years and beyond, its fortunes rising and falling for two centuries as a succession of owners and speculators brought their visions and schemes to bear. Located along the Mullica and Batsto Rivers, Batsto's ironworks became a vital supplier of arms to Washington's army and nurtured a "nest of rebel pirates" that would confound British forces and help turn the tide for Independence.

Come spend an afternoon at Batsto on Sunday December 5th.

Jaxon and Tyler say.....stay tuned for details!

Could it be Maleficent has BCCI member Jim Hammell under her spell?

Both seem to be enjoying the moment at The haunting at Batsto last Sunday.

Thanks to all the volunteers that helped out and parents and children that made this a special time.

Thank you Audrey Geddes for the great picture!

Don't forget...

The Country Living Fair is back and will be held Sunday; October 17th, from 10 AM - 4PM.

Crafts,exhibits,music,chain saw art, farm stuff, food....all kinds of interesting things to see.

No charge to enter the park or the event.

Come enjoy a day at Batsto!