8-08-2023 11:41am

Liberty Tree Project Preserves History: Randolph's Iconic White Oak Memorialized

Historical Society of Old Randolph and Rotary Club join forces to preserve a cherished relic from 1720, creating a unique and significant connection to the town's past.

In a collaborative effort to honor Randolph Township’s rich heritage, the Historical Society of Old Randolph (HSOR) and the Rotary Club have partnered to preserve a portion of the historic White Oak known as the Liberty Tree. Dating back nearly three centuries, this vital artifact will now find a permanent home in various community locations.

Who: The Historical Society of Old Randolph and the Rotary Club of Randolph.

What: A preservation project involving the Liberty Tree, a significant White Oak that has been a part of Randolph's history since 1720.

When: The tree was removed in August 2018 due to safety concerns, and the preservation process is ongoing.

Where: The preserved pieces of the tree will be showcased at the Randolph Museum, the Randolph Library, and the Randolph Municipal Building.

Why: To save and honor a treasured piece of natural, national, and cultural history in Randolph, connecting residents and visitors to a significant part of the area’s past.

How: The tree's trunk and branches were saved and stored at the Randolph Recycling Center before being transported to a local sawmill for preservation. The project includes displaying a preserved slice of the tree at multiple community locations.

The Liberty Tree stands as a unique symbol of Randolph's historical landscape, having survived since the time when the region was blanketed by virgin forest. It pre-dated the Revolutionary War and was a first-growth tree. Being one of 26 designated historic landmarks in and around Randolph, its preservation represents a significant milestone in local conservation efforts.

The Historical Society of Randolph and the Rotary Club continue to jointly raise funds and awareness about the Liberty Tree Project, ensuring that future generations can appreciate this extraordinary link to the town's history.

For those interested in contributing or learning more about the Liberty Tree Project, contact the HSOR Project Lead, Michael Whiting, at mdwhiting27@gmail.com or 201-621-3684 or the HSOR President and Project Advisor, Gail Hari, at hsor@juno.com or 973-895-3869.