Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stayed there in the 1950s.
CAMDEN -- The Camden Historic Preservation Commission has signed on as a supporter of the effort to save Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s former Camden home, having designated the property as "historic."
According to Rep. Donald Norcross' office, the historical society's designation comes as preservationists from around the region attempt to save the vacant home where King lived in the 1950s while studying at the former Crozer Theological Seminary in Upland, Pa.
"The actions of the Camden City Historical Society illustrate the urgent need to preserve and protect this important piece of American history and South Jersey history," Norcross said. "With the help of all our community partners, this home will stand as a reminder of the struggles of those who fought for their civil rights, and as a symbol of hope for those still working to achieve equality and fairness for all."
A waste to save 'MLK slept here' house
Patrick Duff, an amateur historian from Haddon Heights, has said that he discovered King's connection to the home while researching a racist encounter King had in Maple Shade in 1950.
The Walnut Street rowhome drew Congressman John Lewis, King's friend and a civil rights activist, at a September event to bring attention to the building. Three weeks later, the non-profit Cooper's Ferry Partnership offered to become custodian of the home.
Cooper's Ferry, the property's owner and community leaders are currently working to find an organization that could maintain the house once preserved. Previously, Norcross appealed to the New Jersey Historic Preservation Office to have home designated as an historic site.
Greg Adomaitis may be reached at gadomaitis@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregAdomaitis. Find NJ.com on Facebook.