Exploring Atlantic City’s WWII History – Private Tour & Presentation
The Historical Society of Hammonton (HSH) is pleased to invite you to a special off-site program on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 11:00 AM, featuring a private tour and presentation of Camp Boardwalk: Atlantic City During World War II, hosted by historian Dr. Patricia Chappine at the Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University in Atlantic City. An RSVP is appreciated.
Friday, March 20, 2026, at 11 AM
Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University, 2200 Fairmount Ave., Atlantic City, NJ
Free!This experience offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of New Jersey’s most compelling and underexplored World War II stories, guided by the exhibit’s curator, historian Dr. Patricia Chappine, who is also currently working with the Historical Society of Hammonton as part of its community history project.
Camp Boardwalk explores Atlantic City’s dramatic transformation during World War II, when the city became a major hub for military training, medical care, and home-front service, earning it the nickname “Camp Boardwalk.” Major hotels were repurposed into training and redistribution centers, and the Thomas M. England General Hospital was established to care for wounded and recovering soldiers returning from overseas.
The exhibition also highlights the vital contributions of local residents, particularly women and African American men and women, whose service as nurses, Red Cross volunteers, USO hostesses, members of the Women’s Army Corps and Navy WAVES, and in both military and civilian defense roles brings forward voices often underrepresented in traditional wartime narratives.
After the program, attendees are encouraged to explore the Noyes Arts Garage, which houses working artist studios, shops, and the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey. Free parking will be provided for attendees, courtesy of the Noyes Museum, offering convenient access.
Click here to RSVP for this free event.
An Organization for All Ages
The Historical Society of Hammonton is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich, multi-cultural social, economic, and political heritage of our town and its people. Our mission is to increase awareness of Hammonton’s rich history and to establish public access by collecting, conserving, interpreting, and promoting it to the widest possible audience.
Get Involved!
There’s a place for you at HSH. Help at events, join community outreach, support fundraising, or dive into museum collections and oral history. With many active committees, you can get involved as little or as much as you’d like. Send us an email and tell us what interests you!
Located in the historic former Town Hall (built in 1887) in Veterans Memorial Park, the Museum is open on Saturdays from 11 AM–2 PM. Other days by appointment or happenstance (if the OPEN flag is flying, come on in).
For more information, call (609) 270-7652 or email info@historicalsocietyofhammonton.org.
Visit us online at www.historicalsocietyofhammonton.org.
Funding has been made possible in part by the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of Cultural Affairs within the Department of State, through funds administered by the Atlantic County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs.