It has been quite an expansive past four months. When I began this project, I had a clear vision of what I wanted to achieve. As the weeks went on, I found that my vision had switched focus. I continued touring historic southern New Jersey sites, interviewing other bloggers, a historical society librarian and a Doctor of history, and exploring history in general.
I have learned so much from every person I have interviewed and every site I have visited. The smallest bits have an extensive history. From a cabinet to a statue, there is history in everything. New Jersey is an epicenter of American history.
If this were a season of the Real Housewives, Andy Cohen would roll a clip of the best moments. Now nothing can compare to the Countess falling in the bushes, here’s my five favorite moments from Historic Reality season 1…
Now I’ll leave you with a quote from the one and only Gossip Girl,
“And just because I’ve seen it all, doesn’t mean I’ve seen everything. And I gotta say, no one saw this one coming. You may think my best days are behind me, but this old girl still has some new tricks. Stay tuned. XOXO.”
The Museum of American History. Photo / Christoph Smith
History begins in your own backyard
Jeffrey Norcross, originally of Merchantville, N.J., curates the Museum of American History. The museum is located in Deptford, N.J. and has been at this location for just under 4 months. The museum is open Thursday – Sunday, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. with $4 admission for adults and $3 for children. While this location has only been up and running for a short time, the museum has a long history.
History Runs in the Family
Norcross has been planning for this museum for decades, and the origins date back to when he was a child, at 8 years old finding antiques on family property. Norcross received his degrees in history and religion from the University of West Florida. He has traveled far and wide to grow his collection of artifacts and says, “about 95% I have found, and about 5% is purchased.” He is still finding new artifacts, but now he has his grand-children there to help and learn. His grand-daughter even has her drawings displayed throughout the museum along side the artifacts.
The Museum gained its roots in Berlin, N.J. in 1996, 3 years after the state recognized them. Norcross and the museum moved to Glassboro in the early 2000’s, and then moved to the current location in Deptford, N.J. in 2017. The exhibits have grown as the museum has moved from location to location.
Norcross has 80 exhibits at the Deptford location including fossils, antique tools, glass and ceramic and many more. If you have ever wanted to see a Woolly Mammoth tooth or a Triceratops horn, then this museum is for you. The expansive collections of fossils are displayed beautifully in hand painted dioramas which are organized chronologically.
Coming into the Holiday Station
The main attraction at the moment is the train exhibit. “The trains are set up to look like Christmas morning,” says Norcross. The trains date back to the 1930’s and run around the antique boards. The exhibit lasts throughout the holiday season from late November through January to ensure everyone has a chance to see the nostalgia at its finest. The hearty nature of the train display shows the longevity of toys from a century ago. Toys were built to last, the same cannot be said of toys made today.
Good for the family
The two-story museum has the feel of going to a relatives house, wallpaper and all. Once inside, the vibe is comfortable and relaxing. Right as you enter, you are greeted by a display of small toys from Norcross’ youth, and a box of toys for children to sit and play with. The museum transports you through time, through the 20th century and back to a land before dinosaurs. You experience new and interesting artifacts at every turn.
The museum and its exhibits are still growing, with plenty of artifacts in storage awaiting their debut.
Historic Reality 
