On March 24, during Red Cross Month and Women’s History Month, Congressman Andy Kim hosted a dedication ceremony to celebrate the renaming of the Bordentown Post Office after Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross and the first free school in New Jersey, located in Bordentown.
Red Cross New Jersey Region CEO Rosie Taravella joined Congressman Kim and Joey Myers, Deputy Mayor of Bordentown, and Bonnie Goldman (aka Clara Barton), Co-President of Bordentown Historical Society to speak about Clara Barton’s accomplishments during the ceremony. In addition to numerous Red Cross volunteers, also in attendance were student speakers from the Bordentown School District, including Clara Barton Elementary School, United States Postal Service representatives, Bordentown Historical Society members and community members.
“After years of hard work, it was fantastic to be able to come together in Bordentown and celebrate the official renaming of the Bordentown Post Office and honor Clara Barton, a true trailblazer for New Jersey and our country,” said Congressman Kim. “In the mission of the Red Cross and in the words of students who spoke so thoughtfully about how she inspires them, her legacy clearly continues to leave a powerful impact generation after generation. It is fitting that her accomplishments in public education, health, and her entire legacy be honored in this way.”
Congressman Kim’s bipartisan legislation to rename the post office after Barton was signed into law in 2021. In addition to her leadership role in founding the American Red Cross, Barton also helped found the first free school in New Jersey, located in Bordentown. Barton's efforts helped increase the number of children in school from six when the school was first established, to over 600 by the next year. The Clara Barton Schoolhouse in Bordentown stands today as an honored historical landmark preserved by the Bordentown Historical Society.
Read about Red Cross volunteer Julie Daigle’s Chat with Clara Barton (Bordentown Historical Society Co-President Bonnie Goldman).
WATCH VIDEO interview with Clara Barton.
Learn more about Clara Barton.
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