With the turn of the season approaching and activities changing from swimming and barbecuing to pumpkin carving and apple picking, Mt. Laurel residents won’t have to travel far for some fall fun.
Living History Family Fun Day
On Oct. 5, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. the Jacobs Chapel Colemantown Foundation, the organization leading the way to preserve, repair and restore the historic site, will hold a “Living History Family Fun Day.” The purpose of this event is to raise funds and awareness and educate the community about the local treasure.
“Fourth-grade students from Mt. Laurel travel to Jacobs Chapel every year, and I can remember my kids talking about the tours there and how memorable they were,” Julie Williamson, chair of the event, said. “There was a historic gem literally right down the street that I knew nothing about.”
The community houses Jacob’s Chapel, Jacob’s Chapel Colemantown Meeting House and Jacob’s Chapel Cemetery and was once a stop on the Underground Railroad.
“This event is a great way for the community to learn more about the history of the site, but also have a lot of fun. There will be activities for the whole family,” Williamson said.
The buildings and grounds will be open to the public with tours led by an Underground Railroad conductor, featuring “If These Stones Could Talk” re-enactors Dr. James Still and Civil War soldier Corp. Robinson. Visitors will also witness a staged Civil War encampment with the 6th Regiment U.S. Colored Troops from Trenton.
Buses will run every 30 minutes between the Jacob’s Chapel properties and nearby Fellowship Community Church. Since parking and space is limited on-site, free parking and several of the family fun activities will be held at Fellowship Community Church, 1520 Hainesport-Mt. Laurel Road.
Guided tours at Jacob’s Chapel will be provided for free. There is a nominal fee for food and family activities including pony rides, carnival games and face painting held at Fellowship Community Church. Visitors will also enjoy a performance by the Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble.