On March 3, Voorhees Township is turning 125 years old, thus becoming a quasquicentennial! There is plenty of history behind the town we all call home.
Voorhees was named in honor of Foster McGowan Voorhees, the Governor of New Jersey who granted the petition for Voorhees to become a separate township from Waterford on March 3, 1899. The first residents were the Lenni-Lenape. The nomadic population raised crops of corn, pumpkin and beans. In warmer weather they walked “down the shore” to the Atlantic Ocean. There they often lived for the summer months, enjoying cool sea breezes, collecting shells, smoking fish for the winter and eating crabs, oysters and clams. One path they made to the seacoast was so worn that it eventually became a stagecoach route known as Long-A-Coming Road. Today it is known in Voorhees as Route 561, or Haddonfield-Berlin Road.
Voorhees is 11.6 square miles in size and, according to the latest census of 2022, has a population of 31,025.
Since celebrating our 100th birthday in 1999, our town has evolved:
- The Medical Mile
The “Medical Mile” continues to be an economic magnet for the Route 73 corridor, creating more jobs and tax revenue for our community. Virtua Hospital continues to expand, recently opening the new free-standing Birthing Center on the campus. The Center operated as an independent midwifery-led childbirth center for patients with low-risk pregnancies. Virtua also recently opened its Proton Therapy Center, the latest weapon to fight cancer.
- Voorhees Saves Lives
Through contributions from private donations, free Uber rides home are provided to Voorhees residents from Dooney’s Pub, Iron Hill Brewery, Ott’s Tavern, the Library II and the ChopHouse in Gibbsboro from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Since the inception of this program in 2015, DUI incidents have been dramatically reduced.
- Shop Voorhees Property Tax Reward Program
This exciting incentive was created in 2003 to benefit both residents and businesses in Voorhees Township. By shopping locally, residents take advantage of a property tax reward and businesses can benefit from increased traffic to their establishment. Check our website to see how to join and receive the membership benefits. Also, check out and follow Shop Voorhees on Facebook.
- Social Media
The Voorhees Township Committee is committed to keeping our residents informed through accessible and transparent local government. We were one of the first municipalities in South Jersey to televise our public meetings locally on Comcast Channel 19 and on Fios Channel 38. Our website (voorheesnj.com) includes a calendar of events, contact information for all municipal departments, meeting agendas/minutes, information about our elected officials and helpful links to our schools, business resources and community organizations. Our Nixle alert notification program keeps our residents up to date with relevant information from our police department, fire department, department of public works and Town Hall. We began developing our social media platform in 2014, starting with Facebook. Since then, we’ve gained thousands of followers across various platforms, including Instagram, Nextdoor, X, YouTube, and our newest addition, Threads. Our primary focus is to provide information about Voorhees. Over the years we have grown to thousands of followers on all the above platforms. We provide important township events information, new businesses grand openings, weather alerts and much more. Make sure to give us a “follow.”
- Summer Concert Series, Halloween Annual Festival & Winter Holidays Celebrations
Thanks to our sponsors’ donations to the Voorhees Township Citizens Event Foundation, we can offer free events to our residents throughout the year. Since 2002, we have annually hosted three summer concerts at Connolly Park. We recently added a “Live Jazz Night” in the Food Court. Our Annual Halloween Festival brings thousands of adults and children and features a hayride, pumpkin patch, food trucks, bounce rides and face painting. The Holiday Tree Lighting and Cookies with Santa remain our feature presentations during the winter holiday season.
- Parks and Recreation
Over the last 25 years, the Voorhees Department of Public Works has kept our streets, parks and athletic fields safe. Connolly Park was built and remains the favorite destination for walkers, runners and dog owners. Our parks have been upgraded with pickleball courts, improved lighting, turfed baseball and soccer fields and new playground equipment.
- Citizens Cultural & Diversity Advisory Committee
In 2007, the Voorhees Township Committee established the Citizens Cultural and Diversity Advisory Committee to recognize and promote racial, ethnic, cultural and gender diversity in our community. We were the first community in South Jersey to establish such an important group. The Diversity Committee fosters human relations through education and encouragement of respect and understanding among the diverse population of Voorhees Township. The Committee provides an opportunity for input from all residents in developing programs leading to a greater understanding and values of our diverse community.
- Art Commission
The Voorhees Art Commission was created in 2022 as a continuation of the Voorhees Arts Center and Gallery, and has flourished over the past year, leaving a mark on the community through its dedication to the arts. Introducing an array of classes, the Commission has become a catalyst for creativity, offering residents opportunities to explore and develop their artistic talents. The Commission’s stellar live performances feature mesmerizing candlelight concerts and a captivating opera production. Additionally, the Commission’s Art Gallery has served as a hub for local and emerging artists, showcasing exhibitions throughout the year. With a commitment to fostering a thriving artistic community, the Voorhees Art Commission continues to inspire and uplift, making art an accessible and an integral part of the community’s collective experience. The Arts are Alive and Well in Voorhees!
- The Veterans Wall
On October 20, 2014, Voorhees Township began a new tradition with the unveiling of the Voorhees Township Veterans Wall of Honor. The Wall, which is located in the Voorhees Municipal Building at the Voorhees Town Center, honors residents and members of their immediate family who have served in the United States Military, whether during peacetime or war. There are 440 veterans honored on the Wall. Each veteran is honored with a plaque that includes his/her name, branch of service, date and place of service, awards/medals received, a photo, and if desired, a brief personal note about their service.
- Saddlehill Vineyard and Winery
The new owner, Bill Green, has invested significant dollars to beautify Stafford Farm and make it a community destination. It is expected to open this spring so stay tuned.
I encourage each of you to visit our website and check our social media to stay updated on all the programs and activities the Township has to offer.
Happy 125th Birthday to our beloved town!
