Norcross, NJ officials cut ribbon on American Revolution Museum of Southern New Jersey

CAMDEN, NJ?-?Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) yesterday joined the Camden County Historical Society and several other local, county, and state officials to cut the ribbon on the new American Revolution Museum of Southern New Jersey. Norcross delivered $500,000 in federal funding for the restoration effort - the catalyst for additional outside funding totaling $4 million.

The museum is the byproduct of restoration efforts at Benjamin Cooper Tavern, which was constructed in 1734 on the site of Camden's first English settlement. It is closely associated with several significant American Revolution events, such as the Battle of Red Bank and the 1778 British evacuation of Philadelphia.

In addition to historical exhibits and a community room for hosting events, the museum will also offer public facilities in service as the trailhead for the 33-mile bicycle and pedestrian Camden County Link Trail to Atlantic City.

"250 years ago, as our Founding Fathers met across the river, the Benjamin Cooper Tavern stood ready to welcome visitors. Today, it still stands, ready to welcome future generations and educate them on the values that our forefathers fought for during the Revolutionary War," Norcross said. "Learning from the past is essential to protecting the ideals of freedom and democracy that our nation was founded on, and I was happy to deliver half a million dollars in federal funding to restore and preserve this storied piece of American history."

"We are so pleased to have been able to save this building for the community. It's hard to believe this building is nearly 300 years old and has such a story to tell for all of the citizens of Camden City, County and all of Southern New Jersey," Chris Perks, president of the Board of Trustees for the Camden County Historical Society, said.

"The Benjamin Cooper Tavern has played such a meaningful role in not just Camden's history, but the history of America's founding," Victor Carstarphen, mayor of Camden, said. "The restoration of this historic landmark is something our city has taken real pride in, and we appreciate Congressman Norcross' help turning this new museum into reality."

"The restoration of the Benjamin Cooper Tavern into the American Revolution Museum of Southern New Jersey will serve as inspiration for future generations," Jeffrey Nash, commissioner for Camden County, said. "From patriotic stories of America's fight for freedom to the commitment of ordinary people to keep it preserved hundreds of years later, anyone can learn important lessons after a visit here. Today's celebration has been a long time coming and feels incredibly rewarding."

The $500,000 Norcross secured for the museum came in the form of a Community Project Funding (CPF) grant in the fiscal year 2022 federal budget. CPFs are grants that individual Members of Congress can request from the Appropriations Committee for local projects that would benefit the district, subject to strict ethics oversight.

In 2026, Norcross has secured roughly $12 million in CPF grants for 15 different projects across New Jersey's First Congressional District, including multiple investments for local first responders.Norcross is helping fund can be found here.

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