Black History Month 2023 Events in Somerset County

Love Letters" Exhibit
February 1-28
100 Community Drive, Skillman

The Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum and the Montgomery Branch of the Somerset County Library System present the exhibit “Love Letters.”

The exhibit will feature the newly discovered love letters from Pennington man Garland H. Fields to Emeline Gillette, the young lady he was courting. Written in 1921, the letters reveal a century-old love story from the Sourland Mountain region's past while providing a glimpse into the life experiences of African Americans in the area.

“Tory Jack Day,”
Saturday, February 11
Abraham Staats House
17 von Steuben Lane, South Bound Brook

“Tory Jack Day,” will feature two Presentations following an introduction by Somerset County Commissioner Director Shanel Y. Robinson.

• 9:30 AM: “Hobbstown: The Forgotten Legacy of a Unique African Community,” by author Cindy Williams Newsome, describing Bridgewater’s historically Black neighborhood established a century ago.
• 11 AM: “The Becton Brothers’ Musical Walk Through History” featuring Joe Becton, renowned historian, and former National Park Service Interpretive Specialist, and his brother. Joe Becton sets a standard of excellence in connecting Americans to our historic past through his inspiring narrative and music.

Attend in person or remotely, via Zoom. House opens 9AM. Light refreshments. Admission - $15 (in person or Zoom); Reserve in advance via Eventbrite or at 732-369-3583. Children under 13 free.

"From Jazz to Soul, from Ella to Aretha,”
Saturday February 11 from 2-3pm
379 South Branch Road, Hillsborough

Presented by the Hillsborough Branch of the Somerset County Library System. Register at https://sclsnj.libnet.info/event/6884353

“Keeping the Stories Alive: A Black History Moment”
offered at three Somerset County Libraries starting February 13

• North Plainfield branch at 6 Rockview Avenue, February 13, 4-45 pm. Register at https://sclsnj.libnet.info/event/7126079
• Montgomery branch at 100 Community Drive in Skillman, February 23 from 6-6:45 pm. Register at https://sclsnj.libnet.info/event/7126140
• Somerville branch, 35 West End Avenue, February 25, 2-2:45 pm. Register at https://sclsnj.libnet.info/event/7126385

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