A Virtual Illustrated Presentation By Paul W. Schopp
A Delaware River Heritage Lecture Sponsored by the Delaware River Greenway Partnership (DRGP)
The Upper Delaware River, extending from Market Street, Philadelphia, to the head of navigation at Trenton, once hosted a lively steamboat trade beginning with John Fitch’s experimental boats. Paul Schopp’s presentation will briefly cover the history of steamboats on this section of the river and then take viewers on an imaginary excursion up the Delaware from Philadelphia using rare postcard images and artwork, advertising, and period photographs. Viewers will learn about some of the ferry services offered to the traveling public as well as examine steam traffic on tributaries like the Pennsauken and Rancocas creeks. Riverfront amusement parks will be included in the presentation as well as some of the freight wharves and piers. Viewers will meet some of the masters who skippered the steamers. The presentation will conclude with a discussion of the end of steamboat service and what happened to the last few boats.
Bio
Working in the local history and Cultural Resource Management (CRM) field for almost 50 years, Paul W. Schopp has gained a wealth of knowledge in a wide array of topics. During his career as a professional historian, Paul’s specializations include transportation history, South Jersey and Delaware Valley history, and Black history in South Jersey. Paul’s broad knowledge of source material aids him in his research efforts. He has prepared or participated in a total of nine National Register of Historic Places nominations. Mr. Schopp served as the Executive Director of the Camden County Historical Society for four years (1996-2000) and is well known in New Jersey history circles. He is a published author, having written numerous articles and seven books and pamphlets. During his career in the CRM field, Paul participated in preparing well over 200 professional reports, working with archaeologists and architectural historians. After almost 30 years in the CRM field, Stockton University recruited him to serve as the Assistant Director of the South Jersey Culture & History Center, a position he has held for eight years and continues to hold. Paul has been a student of the Delaware River and its cultural history for many years and holds a special interest in the river’s steamboats and the stops they served.
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Please enjoy the video of Paul W. Schopp's presentation below.