GEHTHS Programs
MK Betterment Collaboration
The Greate Egg Harbour Township Historical Society (GEHTHS) has partnered with original MK Betterment family members and the Egg Harbor Township Recreation Department to reopen the new MK Betterment facility for Township residents. GEHTHS is responsible for creating a display where the public can learn more about the Association and the original owner of the land, Colonel John McKee.
The MK Betterment Association was started in 1963 by Atlas Lane who wanted to improve his local community. With the help of his neighbors and friends, they built a meeting house, created a recreation area, and worked with the Township for better roads, sidewalks, school bus stops and lights. The original building was used for civic, club and social meetings.
Colonel McKee was one of the wealthiest African American landowners in the late 1800’s. He was the founder and owner of the McKee City village of Egg Harbor Township, a 4,000-acre planned community where African Americans from the south could settle after the Civil War. He donated most of his wealth to the Catholic Church. Part of that donation funded the Church of St. Katharine Drexel in Egg Harbor Township.
Revolution NJ Partnership
The GEHTHS is partnering with Revolution NJ in promoting and participating in celebrations surrounding the United States Semiquincentennial throughout New Jersey. We are working with the General Lafayette Chapter of the Daughters of the America Revolution to recognize local patriots who fought in the America Revolution and are buried in the Zion Methodist Cemetery.