Bancroft Timeline
1883
Margaret Bancroft first established her school at age 25, with just one student in a home on Centre Street in Haddonfield.
1892
Margaret Bancroft was able to acquire property on Kings Highway in Haddonfield for her growing school (Cooper River side of the campus).
1898
The School was incorporated as “The Bancroft Training School” on April 21st.
1904
- • The school was chartered as a stock corporation, Bancroft – Cox Training School, with three stockholders. After a short time, the Bancroft-Cox association separated and the school was quietly renamed the Bancroft Training School.
- • Margaret Bancroft acquired property on the coast of Maine to provide the students with an escape from the summer heat
1912
Margaret Bancroft passed away at the age of 58. Dr. Ernest Farrington, who had worked with Margaret Bancroft since 1907 as Head of the School’s Psychology Department,
succeeded Margaret Bancroft as President.
1928
The organization was rechartered as a non-profit corporation, known as The Bancroft School on May 22nd.
1937
Dr. Farrington passed away this year, and Jenzia Cooley, who had worked closely with Margaret Bancroft, assumed responsibility as Principal and her sister, Miriam, was appointed
Vice Principal.
1943
Jenzia Cooley donated “Lullworth” to Bancroft, which added significantly to the School’s property in Haddonfield.
1951
The Corporate By-Laws were changed to ensure greater parent involvement in governance of the organization.
1955
A small day school was instituted in conjunction with the Haddonfield Public Schools.
1964
Dr. Clarence York was appointed President, following in the footsteps of the Cooley sisters.
1968
Bancroft’s Day School opened and school districts throughout South Jersey started sending children to Bancroft on a day basis.
1973
A group of family members purchased property in Mullica Hill, New Jersey, and donated it to the School to develop a transitional program for those ready for greater independence.
1981
A separate adult program was developed, with programs on the Haddonfield Campus as well as in the local communities.
1983
Dr. Clarence York took sabbatical at the end of this year to focus on various professional interests, and George Niemann was named Acting President.
1984
At the conclusion of Dr. York’s sabbatical year, Dr. York was appointed to the Board, and Dr. Niemann was appointed President.
1986
The Haddon Heights school building was acquired for a specialized educational program for children with autism.
1990
The organization changed its name from The Bancroft School to Bancroft, a New Jersey Non-Profit Corporation, to better clarify scope of services (including adults).
1991
- • An Early Intervention Program was established.
- • A community-based program for survivors of acquired brain injuries was also established.
1994
- • An education program was established at Voorhees Pediatric Facility for children who are chronically ill.
- • The Lindens program opened on Haddonfield campus to provide a more suitable setting for children with disabilities, who have behavioral challenges.
- • The Bancroft Preschool opened in a public school building in Moorestown.
1997
Bancroft expanded services to Delaware with the opening of two community homes there.
1998
- • The Lebensfeld building opened in Cherry Hill, thanks to the generosity of the Lebensfeld Foundation, to provide clinical and therapeutic services to persons served by Bancroft and others on an outpatient basis.
- • The Owl’s Head, Maine property was sold, and a small community-based program was established there, including a Preschool.
- • Bancroft acquired an existing program serving adults with acquired brain injuries in the New Orleans area.
- • The organization changed its name to Bancroft NeuroHealth to represent not just the programs serving children and adults directly, but also to represent the organization ’s work in professional development, research and other expanded services.
1999
- • Dr. George Niemann was appointed Chief Executive and Joe Hess was named President, with each reporting directly to the board of Trustees.
- • Day Treatment Services opened to serve adults with acquired brain injuries on a day basis.
2001
The Alex Program, a school in California for children with brain injuries was opened.
2002
The Flicker Center opened in Voorhees for older people with disabilities.
2003
- • The Alex School in California was closed.
- • A community program in Brick (NJ) was opened to serve adults with acquired brain injuries and developmental disabilities.
2004
- • All programs in Maine were transitioned to another provider. After 100 years, Bancroft no longer has a presence in Maine.
- • Dr. Robert Martin assumes role of President, Chief Executive, replacing Joe Hess.
2005
- • Louisiana programs sold.
- • Two outpatient practices were discontinued at Bancroft.
2006
Toni Pergolin was appointed President, Chief Executive.
2008
Celebrating 125 years of quality service to children and adults with disabilities, and looking forward to many great years to come!
