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Arts & Culture

Greenfield Hall's New 18th-Century Textiles Exhibit: Hours, What to See and the Nov. 19 History Talk

A 252 year old wedding coat, a cloak tied to Haddonfield's founder, and two newly opened rooms next door. Free, and open through mid-January.

By Live Haddonfield ยท

The Historical Society of Haddonfield has a new exhibit up at Greenfield Hall, 343 Kings Highway East, and it's free. "18th-Century Textiles, Tools & Architecture" puts a 1774 wedding coat and a cloak attributed to Elizabeth Haddon Estaugh on display through mid-January 2027. It marks the end of the country's 250th anniversary year, and it's a good excuse to finally go inside the house you've driven past a thousand times.

What's on display

These aren't replicas. Per the Historical Society, the exhibit in Greenfield Hall includes:

  • Joseph Hinchman's 1774 wedding coat.
  • A long winter cloak attributed to Elizabeth Haddon Estaugh, who founded the settlement that grew into Haddonfield, plus the apron she brought with her from England.
  • A souvenir handkerchief commemorating George Washington's death in 1799. It's double printed, and it's out on display after conservation work at Winterthur.
  • A coverlet woven in 1790 by Samuel Dunbarr, who settled in Haddonfield. Curator Dianne Snodgrass's write up calls it "an excellent example of bedding from this time period."

A wedding coat from two years before the Declaration. A cloak tied to the founder herself. That's a lot of Haddonfield history on a few hangers.

Don't skip the Samuel Mickle House

Next door, the Samuel Mickle House represents a modest tradesman's home from the mid 1700s. After its recent renovation, the two front rooms on the first floor opened to visitors for the first time at this year's Skirmish. They're furnished with Windsor pieces from the society's collection.

That one is permanent. The society's advice: ask to see it when you visit.

Hours and how to go

  • Greenfield Hall tours: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 1 to 4 p.m., and by appointment.
  • This Saturday: Haddonfield.Today lists a viewing on Saturday, Nov. 7, 1 to 4 p.m.
  • Cost: free for both exhibits. Donations welcome.
  • Questions: the society's number is 856-429-7375.

Kids are off school Thursday and Friday for the NJEA Convention. Thursday afternoon at Greenfield Hall is an easy, free hour that isn't a screen.

Also coming up: a free talk on Haddonfield and the car

On Thursday, Nov. 19, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., the Historical Society hosts "From Horses to Horseless Carriages, Haddonfield Embraces the Automobile" at Haddonfield Borough Hall. The listing's pitch: when cars arrived in the early 20th century, Haddonfield "fully embraced the automobile." It's free, with registration on Eventbrite.

If you like your history with a side of stage lights, Haddonfield Plays and Players has three shows coming too. Here's the lineup.

FAQ

Is the Greenfield Hall exhibit free? Yes. Both the new exhibit and the Samuel Mickle House rooms are free. Donations are welcome.

When is Greenfield Hall open? Tours run Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 1 to 4 p.m., and by appointment. Haddonfield.Today also lists a Saturday, Nov. 7, viewing from 1 to 4 p.m.

How long is the exhibit up? The Historical Society says it will stand until mid-January 2027.

Sources

Free exhibits, good talks, the small stuff that makes this town fun: the Friday newsletter keeps a running list so you catch them before they close. Get it here.