The Hammonton Historic Preservation Commission (HHPC) is delighted to invite you to the Dedication Ceremony of the Salem Oak Seedling, recently planted in the historic Oak Grove Cemetery at 500 N White Horse Pike, Hammonton, New Jersey. The Dedication Ceremony will be held at the cemetery on November 9, 2024 at 2:00 PM.

In 2019, following the unexpected collapse of the almost 600 year old Salem Oak tree, thought to be the oldest oak tree in NJ, the New Jersey Department Of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) collected acorns and seedlings from the fallen tree located in the Salem Friends Burial Grounds and distributed them to all of the municipalities in NJ. NJDEP’s mission was to preserve the legacy of the Tree. Not only was this tree environmentally important, but it also played a significant role in the history of NJ. It was under the shade of this tree in 1675, that a peace treaty was signed by the Lenni Lenape Indians and John Fenwick, a Quaker and founder of Salem. The Lenni Lenape Tribe is currently headquartered in Bridgeton, NJ and their history is studied by fourth graders throughout NJ. Members of the Salem Friends and the Lenni Lenape Tribe have been invited to be guest speakers.

The HHPC, in partnership with the Hammonton Environmental Commission and the Oak Grove Cemetery, received a grant from the Atlantic County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs that has, in part, made this Dedication Ceremony possible. The grant has also allowed us to design and purchase an interpretive sign with audio capability in both English and Spanish. A major land donation from the Oak Grove Cemetery gave us a permanent home in Atlantic County for the seedling to grow and prosper for hopefully as long as the mother tree. Donations from the private sector include interpretive services, research, labor, protective fencing and a viewing bench. The Town of Hammonton, particularly the Department of Public Works and the Administrative Staff, devoted much time and effort over the past several years to be sure our seedling had the best of care, and created signs and materials to enhance the community’s knowledge of our local history.