The Benson History Museum

 "Remember whose shoulders you are standing on" is the challenge that Reverend James A. Benson, the founder of The Benson History Museum, gives to all visitors. Ten minutes into your visit you understand just what he means. As you walk around the museum you are filled with pride and you realize just how extraordinary Lawnside, New Jersey, the only African American Incorporated Municipality in the Northern United States, truly is. You'll find tales of our local government and the many residents that have served over the years. There are pictures and documents that have been preserved to help tell the story of our forefathers and how the great Borough of Lawnside came to be. You'll also find a great wealth of information on the Underground Railroad.

The Benson History Museum is a multi-cultural museum. Even though you will find African American history throughout the museum, there are displays that pay homage to the many cultures that make up this great United States and beyond. There are also artifacts from the different World Wars and information on many subjects such as our display about the Holocaust.  Wall coverings from Ghana are displayed in one room while spears and drums from Kenya grace the wall of another.

Visitors come from all around to see the many rare antiques, pictures and displays that are learning experiences for all ages. The Benson History Museum offers a link to not only Lawnside history, but also the surrounding communities, the State of New Jersey and the World.

History Lives at

The Benson Museum