Camden County Historical Society Holiday Gathering

The Camden County Historical Society invites visitors to its annual Holiday Gathering on Saturday, December 13, 2025, starting at 6:00 PM at the museum located at 1900 Park Boulevard, Camden, New Jersey.This special event features:

• Guided museum tours of historical collections
• Complimentary refreshments
• Live historical interpretation featuring James Forten, portrayed by acclaimed actor Keith Henley

Travel back in time to meet James Forten, one of Philadelphia’s most influential African American historical figures. Forten was a free Black man whose remarkable life included:

• Service in the Revolutionary War as a privateer
• Capture and imprisonment by British forces
• Success as a prominent Philadelphia sailmaker and entrepreneur
• Lifelong dedication to freedom and equality, inspired by hearing the Declaration of Independence as a child and his wartime experiences

James Forten’s powerful legacy is featured in Episode 6 of Ken Burns’ “The American Revolution” on PBS, showcasing his significant contributions to American history.

Keith Henley brings James Forten’s story to life with authenticity and passion. As Artistic Director and Choreographer of Folkloric Heritage Culture Arts Company Inc. in Cherry Hill, NJ, Henley has extensive experience in historical interpretation.

His impressive performance credentials include work with:

• Historic Philadelphia, Inc.
• American Historical Theatre
• History First Hand
• Smithsonian Associates
• Historic Germantown
• Academy of Natural Sciences

Henley’s diverse repertoire includes portrayals of Hercules, William Still, Henry Box Brown, George Washington Carver, Langston Hughes, Matthew Henson, and Martin Luther King Jr.

This program is made possible through generous grants from PBCIP (Parkside Business and Community in Partnership) and the New Jersey Historical Commission.