President’s Report February 2023

AFHM President’s Message – February 2023

February is the month that honors Black Americans and we are doing so with the start of our “Saturday Speakers” program to be featured monthly at the Burlington County Historical Society Campus complex in Burlington city.

February’s program is titled, “Three Centuries of Black History”, and will be held on February 25th from 2pm – 4pm with tours available of the Captain Lawrence as well. Please plan to attend and support this key mission focus of our organization (see attached flyer).

With respect to the Captain Lawrence House, I call your attention to the several dioramas that are displayed throughout the exhibit rooms, a few of which are pictured here for your reference. They are the expertly crafted works of Alex Glisson who has kindly donated them to the museum for your viewing pleasure! We are also blessed to have some Revolutionary War dioramas crafted by another member, Vic Ramos, that includes a spectacular Petticoat Bridge battle scene in our Revolutionary War exhibit room. Stop by and check them out!

Other highlights for the month include:

• The finalizing of the Revolutionary War children’s book authored by our Life member Dr. David Jost. The book was illustrated marvelously by Karin from U.S. Illustrators and printed by the Rowan College of Burlington County print shop. It’s available currently in the Lawrence House gift shop and canteen so stop by and pick up a supply for your friends and family. They’re being offered as a donation of $20, with the companion eagle plush toy named “Freedom” for an additional $10 donation. Complimentary coffee, thanks to our partnership with the non-profit “Bridging the Gap” Coffee Platoon company, is also available to top off your tour if you haven’t yet been there!
• An interview on the RVN-TV “Morning Coffee” program that featured an overview of the AFHM organization and its mission project programs. It’s available on their website for your viewing pleasure! Additionally, there are discussions underway for AFHM to have its own history program on this TV network and we’ll keep you posted as the prospect is explored further. This has the potential to be a huge marketing opportunity to promote our organization to a larger audience throughout the region.
• Joining the “Chairman’s Club” of select business professionals and owners as part of the JerseyMan magazine’s Legacy Club business networking group that currently has 300+ members in the South Jersey and Grater Philadelphia area. This small but influential group has the potential to expand our reach toward gaining key sponsorship support for our mission programs and presence in a broader region business community.
• Updating the mobile museum reader rail posters and change-out of an exhibit panel to feature the Captain Lawrence House. A working team has been formed and meetings are in progress.
• Planning for the mobile museum’s 2023 event schedule that will likely start with a return to the Bordentown Street Fair on May 20th. We have also accepted an invitation to participate in the Riverside community’s Memorial Day celebrations alongside their new historical society’s museum housed in the historic train depot. Another welcomed change will be a more prominent and centrally located site at the Burlington County Farm Fair in July that attracts thousands over its 5-day run. Also in the mix is a multi-Chamber event at the recently opened Adventure Crossing Sports & Entertainment Complex in Jackson, NJ that promises to be huge!
• An in-progress Vietnam War uniform and display exhibit that will feature two Marine Corps “brothers”, Majors William Max (deceased) and our own Ron Hathaway, both of whom served with distinction and have compelling stories to relate. This display is a precursor to a more formal and in-depth Vietnam exhibit that will be featured at the Lawrence House in the future.
• A fundraising golf tournament at the Cream Ridge Country Club that is being organized by Bryan Branson and General Bob Dutko in June. Stay tuned for more details!

In all a LOT going on so be sure to keep in touch including attending our monthly membership & business meetings on the third Friday of the month at the Town & Country Diner in Bordentown beginning at 10am, followed by lunch. Our next meeting is February 17th and we hope to see you there!

Roy Plummer

President

Armed Forces Heritage Museum