Feasibility Study and Vision Plan

At first glance Peachfield and The Old Schoolhouse represent the history of colonial New Jersey. Yet, this Feasibility Study and Vision Plan identifies in these two sites a much broader and deeper contribution to the cultural and social history of this region. Peachfield in Westampton is where the prominent Burr family established its home and farm in 1725, and the Old Schoolhouse in Mount Holly is where local children were provided free education long before the advent of our public school system. These buildings also provide the opportunity to discuss Colonial Revival architecture and how people in the early and mid- 20th centuries interpreted the American Colonial past. The architects who restored the properties—R. Brognard Okie at Peachfield and G. Edwin Brumbaugh at The Old Schoolhouse—are famous for their work as Colonial Revival restoration architects. The story of these sites continues with their stewardship by members of the NSCDA-NJ since the middle of the twentieth century.

Historic Building Architects, LLC (HBA) completed the Feasibility Study and Vision Plan in 2006. It is designed to provide the National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in The State of New Jersey (NSCDA-NJ) with a 10-year road map for the two historic buildings under their stewardship. HBA facilitated several workshops and brainstorming sessions that evaluated values, market research, and museum and education interpretation. The Values Workshop evaluated key items which included the socio-economic, cultural and political evaluation of the properties. Market research focused on identifying appropriate branding which aided in defining the image and potential target audiences as well as identifying key partnerships within the community. New brochures were developed for each site as a result of the market research findings. A Master Plan for both properties reviewed interpretation, collections, museum operations, access, and public safety, with strategies to implement these recommendations. A comprehensive program was developed for both sites that meets the New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards.