Good morning, South Jersey.
An 18th-century property in Camden that once had multiple uses — including as a British Army outpost — is now the American Revolution Museum of Southern New Jersey.
And ahead of today’s vote on the state budget, we’re watching where the allocations for various South Jersey programs stand.
Plus, beware of road closures in Camden County, and more news of the day.
— Taylor Allen (southjersey@inquirer.com)
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Camden’s historic tavern-turned-museum
The stone building dating back to the 18th-century in Camden has played several roles — tavern, private home, a British outpost, and a dump for toxic materials, among other functions. The land where it sits also was once the location of mass auctions of enslaved people.
More than two centuries later — and as the country celebrates its Semiquincentennial — the Benjamin Cooper Inn is now South Jersey’s American Revolution Museum.
The new, $4.6 million museum is funded through a mix of federal, state, and local sources, but mostly from the New Jersey Historic Trust.
Although it is not fully ready, the museum held a soft opening on Saturday. It’s been six years in the making, and there’s still a lot of work to do.
What we’re watching in the state budget
The New Jersey legislature will vote today on the state budget and decide the fate of several South Jersey programs.
Here’s what we’re watching:
💰 According to one lawmaker, Rowan University’s Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine will get enough funds, $6.2 million, to “keep the lights on.”
💰 A South Jersey program that provides healthcare to children who’ve experienced abuse is set to receive $1.85 million after the legislature restored the funding that Gov. Mikie Sherrill originally slashed.
💰 Hispanic Women’s Resource Centers, established in the 1990s to address wage gaps for Hispanic women, has $1.8 million allocated — almost 30% less than what they received this year.
Reporter Aliya Schneider has the story.
What to know today
- Immigration arrests have risen under President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey, according to WHYY. However, the percentage of arrests of those with criminal backgrounds has dropped significantly.
- A federal judge last week tossed out a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Justice Department alleging that four New Jersey cities have “sanctuary” policies and accusing them of obstructing federal immigration enforcement, the New York Times reports.
- Police say a 19-year-old man from Turnersville has been charged with two counts of arson in connection with two car fires in Washington Township, 6abc reports.
- There are multiple construction projects on roads throughout Camden County this week, with a concentration of them in Camden and Cherry Hill.
- MAX Surgical Specialty Management, a New Jersey firm that consolidates oral and maxillofacial surgery groups, has acquired two more practices in the Philly area.
- According to 42 Freeway, a new Cold Stone Creamery location could be coming to Somerdale.
🗣️ Quote of the week
The Winslow Township High School sophomore Jasmine Jackson recently won a state title, but her goals reach further than regional or national championships.
🧠 Trivia time
How many acres does the Pinelands National Preserve cover?
A) 3 million acres
B) 500,000 acres
C) 1.1 million acres
D) 4.2 million acres
Think you know? Check your answer.
What we’re…
🚗 Driving: By Mr. Bill, the 25-foot-fall mascot outside of Mr. Bill’s Richman’s Ice Cream & Burger Co. in Winslow.
⚽ Wondering: If you have what it takes to compete in the Inquirer Cup.
🍿 Watching: Big Night, the Shore movie that recently turned 30.
And that should get you started for the day. I’m off to get my first cup of coffee. See you next time. 👋🏽
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