By: Shane Bagot, Follow South Jersey Community Journalist
SHAMONG TWP. NJ – The Indian Mills Historical Society will have a native plant sale, collaborating with Pinelands Preservation Alliance, on April 28 at the Shamong Township building. The preservation alliance provides and curates plants for sale that grow naturally in the Burlington region. The sale will also be accompanied by an historical presentation by the Burlington County Parks Division’s museum curator of history, Marisa Bozarth.
The Indian Mills Historical Society was founded in 1973 by locals whose goal was to protect the history of the area. For 50-plus years they have grown in membership and support. The mission plan has never wavered from the original. Preserve the region and educate the folks about the region.
They put on a lot of events throughout the year. The historical presentations are a common one held. From talking about the Revolutionary War to presentations on Victorian holidays.
In May 2025, they had their first flea market event. It was a smaller event, but they wanted to go bigger and reimagine it. This resulted in their first car show in the fall. 45 cars, 40 plus vendors, and tons of food trucks.
Erin McGrail, event coordinator, has been a part of the team working on setting up events since 2019. McGrail has always had an affinity for history and grew up appreciating it from her parents. It fueled her interest in joining the committee.
“We had Main Street day, we had soapbox derbies, we had parades. That was a core memory for me, that was a big part of my childhood. I definitely want my son Wesley to experience that. While Shamong is a wonderful place, and we do have some things going on here, I was definitely interested in bringing more life here, as far as events, and opportunities to learn about the area,” said McGrail.
For this Native plant sale, it was nonstop planning despite being one of the easier things for McGrail. This time around, it was about getting a lot of aspects in order. As far as partners, a location, insurance, and permits.
The Pinelands Preservation Alliance put together the selection of plants. Specifically, that residents could plant things that are going to grow well in the soil. McGrail thanks her grandfather for the idea, as he used to work with the Pinelands, and mentioned how they would make a great pairing.
On top of the plant sale will also be the historical presentation on a book from 1640 called “Theater of Plants.” This will be hosted by Marisa Bozarth, who has done multiple other presentations for the Indian Mills Historical Society.
Bozarth has been working with the Burlington park system since 2004, starting as a museum attendant. Gradually working her way up to programming topics relating to the prison museum. Eventually, she moves up to the museum curator position, where she provides tours, manages the collections the museum brings to life, and creates signage.
The presentation at the plant sale on “Theater of Plants” is one of her favorites. The book has over 24,000 illustrations and documentation of plans. Eight of them still grow in Burlington to this day. The copy in their collection is 1 of 3 left in the world. It has had so many different owners, all documented throughout the years.
“I think part of it is because it is one of the things that I get to talk about that the public knows nothing about until I start talking about it. So many of our other programs, people know little bits and pieces, or say, Oh, I’ve heard about this somewhere in like a history class in school. You might not know all the details and in depth, but they’ve heard of a name or a place or something. This one, nobody’s heard of any of it,” said Bozarth.
McGrail said that he is excited to see what plants will be presented at the sale. On top of introducing new folks to the community, he looks forward to sitting down and joining the historical society to celebrate the soil, ecosystem, the history, the important events and the stories that have played out.
“There have been things that have taken place here, from the mills that used to operate here to the first Indian reservation that was formed here. These are all stories that have played out by the people who have walked in the sandy soil before us. I think it kind of all ties together. I think it’s important to know where we come from, and to teach that to the next generation. Take pride in our place here,” said McGrail.
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