Speaker Series Presentation – Stories of Heritage, Home, and Hammonton, a Panel Discussion Moderated by Jim Bacon

Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming up this fall! While the Historical Society of Hammonton takes a short summer break from our regular meetings in July and August, we’re already planning ahead for an exciting start to the fall season. Mark your calendars for a special Wednesday evening program, September 10, 2025, as we switch things up with a new day, new location, and a fresh perspective. Instead of our usual Thursday night gathering at the Canoe Club, we’ll be meeting at the Hammonton Family Success Center (310 Bellevue Ave), right in the heart of Downtown Hammonton.

We’ll kick off our speaker series during Hispanic Heritage Month with a powerful panel discussion featuring three amazing women who will share their personal stories of immigration, identity, and connection to the Hammonton community. The conversation will be moderated by Jim Bacon, Vice President at TD Bank, local leader, and poet. The event is part of the Society’s monthly speaker series and will begin at 7:00 PM, following a brief membership meeting at 6:00 PM.

Panelists include:
Corina Mendoza (Mexico) – Born in Mexico and raised in South Jersey, Corina overcame significant obstacles on her path to a successful professional life. After graduating high school, she deferred a scholarship to Penn State due to her immigration status and worked a variety of local jobs, including as a tax preparer and restaurant manager. Once her status was approved, she pursued her dream of higher education and is now a dental hygienist at Lakeview Dental Care in Blackwood. Corina is also active in real estate and has been deeply involved in local community work, including with Migrant Worker Outreach and the Hammonton Health Coalition, where she helped launch the Hispanic Leadership Scholarship Program.

Kelin Jimenez (Honduras) – Kelin immigrated to Hammonton at the age of 13, continuing the legacy begun by her grandfather, who came to the U.S. as a migrant farmworker and eventually laid roots in Hammonton. Today, Kelin is a social impact marketer and small business consultant who has supported a wide range of local initiatives spanning education, public health, small business development, and faith-based outreach. For Kelin, Hammonton is more than just a town—it’s home. Her personal journey and professional work reflect a deep connection to the values and evolving identity of the community.

Laly Acosta (Peru) – Laly’s life story is one of perseverance and passion. Raised by her aunt in Peru after childhood health issues separated her from her parents, Laly developed an early love for cooking in her aunt’s home restaurant. After immigrating to the U.S. in 2010, she pursued culinary work in restaurants and bakeries before opening her own business: Downtown Peru, a vibrant restaurant in the heart of Hammonton. Her traditional dishes and creative flair have made her a beloved local figure. Despite the challenges of learning a new language and adapting to a new country as an adult, Laly continues to thrive and share her culture through food.

Moderator Jim Bacon brings both professional and personal insight to this conversation. Originally from Peru, Jim came to Hammonton in 2001, graduated from Hammonton High School in 2004, and went on to establish a successful career in the financial industry. Today, he serves as a Vice President at TD Bank. Jim is also a published poet and community advocate, with experience on the board of the Hammonton Revitalization Corporation (MainStreet Hammonton), where he works to strengthen ties with the Hispanic community.

“We’re thrilled to bring together such an inspiring group of voices,” said Eileen Unger, President of the Historical Society. “This conversation highlights how stories of immigration and resilience are integral to Hammonton’s past, present, and future.”

Located in the historic former Town Hall (built in 1887) in Veterans Memorial Park, the Museum is open Saturdays 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.