{"id":11931,"date":"2025-09-29T14:18:00","date_gmt":"2025-09-29T18:18:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/newsrel\/?p=11931"},"modified":"2025-09-29T14:50:27","modified_gmt":"2025-09-29T18:50:27","slug":"25_00929","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/newsrel\/25_00929\/","title":{"rendered":"Murphy Administration Cuts Ribbon On Dr. James Still Office Historic Site And Unveils Black Heritage Trail Marker After $1.75 Million Restoration (Joint News Release)"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]\"\"[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text css=””]IMMEDIATE RELEASE<\/strong>
\nSeptember 29, 2025[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

Contact:<\/strong> Vincent Grassi (609) 984-1795
\nLawrence Hajna\u00a0(609) 984-1795
\nCaryn Shinske (609) 984-1795<\/p>\n

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\nMURPHY ADMINISTRATION CUTS RIBBON ON DR. JAMES STILL OFFICE HISTORIC SITE AND UNVEILS BLACK HERITAGE TRAIL MARKER AFTER $1.75 MILLION RESTORATION
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TRENTON \u2013 <\/strong>The New Jersey Department of State and Department of Environmental Protection today held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and unveiled a New Jersey Black Heritage Trail marker at the Dr. James Still Office Historic Site in Medford, Burlington County, the State Park Service\u2019s first African American historic site, following a nearly $1.75 million, multi-year stabilization and restoration project.<\/p>\n

Historically referred to as the \u201cBlack Doctor of the Pines,\u201d Dr. James Still was a self-taught physician who diagnosed and treated patients at his office in Medford, where he developed and dispensed herbal and holistic remedies. As part of today\u2019s ribbon-cutting, the New Jersey Historical Commission<\/a> also unveiled a New Jersey Black Heritage Trail marker to designate the site as part of a trail-like path that connects the stories of Black life and resiliency.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThe New Jersey Black Heritage Trail shares the stories of New Jersey\u2019s African American communities dating back more than 300 years,\u201d said Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, who oversees the New Jersey Historical Commission in her role as Secretary of State<\/strong>. \u201cGiven the Trail\u2019s commitment to uplifting Black resiliency and joy, it is only fitting to have a marker on this Trail discussing the life and legacy of Dr. James Still.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are honored to announce the completion of the years-long restoration work that preserves African American history in our state,\u201d Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said.<\/strong> \u201cDr. James Still\u2019s life story of perseverance, and his unwavering determination to help others, serves as an inspiration for us all.\u201d<\/p>\n

The non-profit Dr. James Still Historic Office Site Association<\/a>, an Officially Recognized Friends Organization of the DEP\u2019s State Park Service, assists the state with interpreting and maintaining the historic site.<\/p>\n

\u201cMembers of the Dr. James Still Historic Office Site Association are delighted to achieve this milestone accomplishment in our overall mission of honoring Dr. James Still’s life and legacy,\u201d said Carol Marshall-Douglas, President of the Dr. James Still Historic Office Site Association and Dr. Still\u2019s third great- grandniece<\/strong>. \u201cIn the words of Dr. James Still, \u2018… in all our dealings, let truth be our guiding star.\u2019 Dr. James Still’s legacy continues to be our guiding star as we strive to ensure that Dr. James Still’s enduring story continues to uplift and empower future generations.\u201d<\/p>\n

Historic Site Restoration Details<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThe restoration of the Dr. James Still Office Historic Site reflects our commitment to preserving New Jersey\u2019s diverse history while making it accessible to all,\u201d said John Cecil, Assistant Commissioner for State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites.<\/strong> \u201cVisitors to the site will experience Dr. Still\u2019s office much as it appeared in 1855, all while learning from his remarkable legacy as a man who overcame extraordinary challenges to become a doctor and one of the largest landowners and wealthiest individuals in Burlington County at the time.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Work began in 2019 to stabilize the structure and restore the historic office to reflect its original design. Those activities included:<\/p>\n