The Historical Society of Hammonton (HSH) is pleased to announce the launch of a new HSH Book Club, beginning with a special Woman’s History Month program on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 7:00 PM, hosted in partnership with the Hammonton Woman’s Civic Club at its hall, located at 418 South Liberty Street, Hammonton.
This inaugural event marks the start of a new Book Club initiative and is presented in partnership with the Hammonton Woman’s Civic Club, whose long-standing mission centers on community service, civic engagement, and fostering connections in Hammonton. “The Woman’s Civic Club is excited to partner with the Historical Society of Hammonton on the launch of this new Book Club,” said Pat Berenato, President of the Hammonton Woman’s Civic Club. “It’s a meaningful way to celebrate Women’s History Month while bringing the community together for learning and conversation.”
The first book selection is With Eager Hands: The Life of Elizabeth Coleman White, which explores the life and legacy of Elizabeth White, widely recognized as the “mother of the highbush blueberry.” White’s work helped transform blueberries into a commercially viable crop—an innovation with special significance in Hammonton, known as the Blueberry Capital of the World. The book can be purchased on Amazon, the Whitesbog Village website, and some copies will be available that night.
In addition to group discussion, the evening will feature a guest speaker from Whitesbog Village, who will share additional insight into Elizabeth White’s life, work, and lasting impact. The program will follow an informal, discussion-based format designed to encourage conversation and connection. Attendees are invited to bring their favorite blueberry dessert to share as part of the gathering.
“This book felt like the perfect way to kick off the Book Club,” said Chelsey Cannistra, volunteer organizer of the new HSH Book Club initiative. “Elizabeth White’s story sits at the intersection of women’s history, agriculture, and local identity. I wanted to create something that feels welcoming, where people can come together, learn something new, and enjoy being part of the community, whether or not they’ve finished the book.”
The HSH Book Club is free and open to members and non-members alike, and participants are welcome whether they have read the entire book, part of it, or are simply interested in the topic.
For more information, please visit our events page or contact the Historical Society of Hammonton at info@historicalsocietyofhammonton.org.
Stop by the museum on Saturdays from 11 AM to 2 PM. For more info, call (609) 270-7652 or visit us online at www.historicalsocietyofhammonton.org.