By: Michelle Jones, Follow South Jersey Community Journalist
SALEM, N.J. – It is always a treat to visit the Salem County Historical Society Museum. Walking through the doors is a step back in time. Immediately upon walking in you are greeted by the smiling face of one of the staff members. To the left is the first gallery offering a glimpse into the history of Salem itself.
Beyond the steps to the right is the rest of the museum, complete with a preserved room from the original home. Straight ahead toward the back of the building, one enters the reference library and has access to books, periodicals, photographs and microfilms.
The museum collection in and of itself is housed primarily in the main house on two floors. However, what many people do not know is that beyond the reference library and out the back door lies a courtyard where sits a complex of different buildings housing their own unique artifacts and classrooms.
The main building consists of interconnected historic buildings with the center being Alexander Grant’s Mansion House dating back to the 1700s. The property also includes the Stone Barn, the John Jones Law Office (a hexagonal Structure housing New Jersey’s first law office), the Log Cabin Educational Center and our Victorian Bath House.
Perhaps the most stunning of the four outer buildings is the Stone Barn. Inside, visitors are overcome by the sheer expanse from floor to ceiling. What is more stunned by the preserved artifacts inside.
One of the many extremely large artifacts that immediately grabs attention is a glass hearse. The glass hearse was a carriage with glass paneled sides constructed in the mid 1800s designed to be pulled by a horse. The hearse on display belonged to Enoch Mulford and was then passed to his son in 1867. The carriage was last used in 1894 and now rests on display in the Stone Barn.
Historically speaking, glass hearses acted as the most common mode of transportation for funeral processions for almost 300 years in this country. The glass panels on the sides allowed bystanders to view the ornate coffins of the deceased. Often people would line the streets to pay their respects as the hearse slowly passed by. It was thought to be a more dignified and respectful way to transport the deceased, especially with a powerful steed at the front. The hearse on display is truly a masterful work of art evoking a sense of tradition and a true step back in time.
This is only one of the many large artifacts on display in the Stone Barn. Visitors can view this enchanting space on a museum tour and have a full immersion experience. This space affords the viewer up close and personal access to very large pieces of American History. It is a true must see space.
The Salem County History Museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 12 p.m.-4 p.m. The admission is $5 per person, or $35 for an annual member’s pass. Private tours of the collection can be scheduled at no additional cost.
The museum is located at 83 Market Street in Salem City. For additional information call 856-935-5004 or visit their website at www.salemcountyhistoricalsociety.com.
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