MEDFORD, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — Burlington County has marked this Juneteenth weekend with a volunteer cleanup at a historic site in Medford.
The site is dedicated to one of our country's most celebrated African-American historical figures.
Burlington County officials led a group of 30 employees Friday in a volunteer service project at the Dr. James Still Historic Office and Education Center in Medford.
They cut branches, cleared debris and planted at the preserved site honoring Still, the Shamong native and son of slaves born in 1812, known as "The Black Doctor of the Pines."
Cleanup efforts at the Dr. James Still Historic Office and Education Center in Medford, New Jersey.Burlington County Public Information Office
"Today was an outstanding day," said Samuel Still III, co-chairman of the Dr. James Still Historic Office Site Association. He's the second great-grandnephew of the doctor.
"It was very important to see people recognize the holiday, come out and support it, support a site like ours. We have nature trails. We're working on developing a wellness program."
The Juneteenth cleanup shines the light on his ancestor's life and legacy.
"Dr. Still, being an entrepreneur and being a healer, and overcoming the prejudices that he ran into trying to become a doctor, and how he thrived. He became the third wealthiest landowner in the County of Burlington," said Still III.
In the end, this event not only commemorated Juneteenth. It was a celebration of Dr. Still, a Burlington County native son.
