Source: CentralJersey.com
The trailblazer and founder of the American Red Cross, Clara Barton, will have her own special day of remembrance and celebration in the City of Bordentown.
Barton’s list of achievements throughout her life, and most importantly, involvement in helping Bordentown build the first-ever public school in New Jersey back in 1853 has urged the Bordentown City Board of Commissioners to proclaim Dec. 4 as Clara Barton Day. (Barton’s actual birthday is Christmas Day, Dec. 25.)
“Clara Barton and her influence on public education in New Jersey is an integral part of Bordentown’s long and stored history,” Bordentown City Mayor Jennifer Sciortino said in a statement to centraljersey.com. “We are pleased to join with the Historical Society, residents, and members of the business community in honoring her legacy and declaring Dec. 4 as Clara Barton Day in the City of Bordentown.”
The idea of the proclamation was suggested by Bordentown Historical Society Co-President Bonnie Goldman, who is a huge admirer of Barton and has been a fixture of the historical society’s work to showcase the achievements and impact Barton has had on Bordentown and the world as well.
“She’s an American icon,” Goldman said of Barton. “She continues to inspire many people and especially women to this day.”
Sciortino and the rest of the commissioners will bestow the proclamation this upcoming Dec. 4 when the Bordentown Historical Society will honor Barton’s bicentennial with a celebration held at the Friends Meeting House on Farnsworth Ave.
The event will be held from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., and feature fun activities for children, giveaways, refreshments and an outdoor exhibit built by the historical society to showcase the incredible life that Barton lived.
Pictures, artifacts, and information of Barton’s life and accomplishments will be showcased in the exhibit.
Goldman will also appraise her role as the trailblazer Clara Barton during the festivities as well.
The exhibit will be free to the public once set up and will be accessible at any time throughout the beginning of next year, Goldman adds.