A Walk About Jacobsburg

Three months ago to the day, I went to Jacobsburg Historical Society to welcome the executive director as a new member of the Nazareth Club of Rotary International, for which I currently serve as vice-president.  While I've lived 2.2 miles away from Jacobsburg and the Boulton Historic Site for almost two years, I had not visited.   Jacobsburg, along with the Moravian Historical Society and the general topics of Moravian and Nazareth history, were areas I had, honestly, actively avoided.  All were of extreme interest to me.  That was the problem.  I was afraid that if I even briefly explored the local history I would fall into it, not to resurface, and place actual priorities at risk.  

To reach Boulton one drives up to the edge of the woods, stopping just shy of the Bushkill Creek.  I pulled into the circular drive in front of John Joseph Henry's Federal style estate house, stepped out of my Element, and turned to face the Old Henry Homestead across the road, which now houses the Museum of the Pennsylvania Longrifle.  In truth, I stepped back into my element, an element I left fifteen years ago when the museum education program at the College of William and Mary was cancelled.  The world of tangible history.  

My intent is for Jacobsburg to be an important part of my journey the next two years and a frequent topic of conversation here.  To introduce one of my newest important places to you, I took a short walk around some of the grounds last Friday.  Pictorial evidence can be found here.  (All photos are my own.  Captions are based on the extent of my knowledge at this time and considerable help from the current press kit for the Society.  Any errors are my own and any commentary is not on behalf of the Jacobsburg Historical Society.)