Underground Railroad and Borough History Preservation by Lawnside Historical Society Celebrates 35th Anniversary
Preserving Lawnside's History: The Lawnside Historical Society and the Peter Mott House
The Lawnside Historical Society, a nonprofit organisation based in New Jersey, is working diligently to preserve the history of the Borough of Lawnside, as it prepares to celebrate its centennial of incorporation in 2026.
The society's mission began in 1990, when it was founded with the aim of protecting the Peter Mott House and its legacy. The historic home, associated with abolitionist history and the Underground Railroad, was in danger of being demolished in 1989. It was Clarence Still, a descendant of abolitionist leader William Still, who managed to save the Peter Mott House from destruction.
The Peter Mott House, built around 1844, was a stop on the Underground Railroad. In 1992, the Lawnside Historical Society received the deed to the property. The home was added to the state and national registers for historic places in 1994.
The Peter Mott House is a significant symbol of African American heritage, and its preservation is crucial, according to Camden County Commissioner Jonathan L. Young Sr. He emphasised that the work of the Lawnside Historical Society is vital for the next generation to understand and learn about their history. Bart Everts, a reference librarian at the Robeson Library at Rutgers University-Camden, agrees, stating that the Peter Mott House represents an area of Black history that is not as well-known.
The society's efforts have not gone unnoticed. In Philadelphia, a group including historians, community leaders, and activists held a rally to oppose changes to the slavery exhibit at the President's House. Lawnside, too, continues to be at the forefront in ensuring its history is not erased, according to Commissioner Young.
The Peter Mott House was opened to the public as a museum of the Underground Railroad in 2001. It houses a replica of the box that Henry 'Box' Brown used to ship himself to Philadelphia. The home has undergone repairs in recent years, ensuring it remains a testament to the past for future generations.
According to Shockley, a member of the website's Community Advisory Board, Lawnside is a microcosm of the Black experience in the United States. The Lawnside Historical Society's work is not just about preserving a home; it's about preserving a piece of American history that is vital to understanding our past and shaping our future.
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