Ubuntu Cultural Pavilion, Inc. (UCP), This Week Offers: Quilting Traditions & Archival Mysteries in Bridgewater and Princeton

This weekend brings two powerful cultural programs to Somerset and Mercer Counties — each celebrating history, memory, and community storytelling in its own way. Both events are connected through the work of Ubuntu Cultural Pavilion, Inc. (UCP), a New Jersey nonprofit dedicated to preserving African American history, culture, and community memory.

UCP leads the Citizen Archivists Project, an initiative that trains community members to explore historical records, family archives, church documents, and genealogical resources. Through this work, UCP helps uncover stories that shape our understanding of local history — and supports programs like the quilting showcase in Bridgewater and the archival mystery presentation in Princeton.

Saturday, September 26, 2026 — Quilting Time: Stitching Stories, Preserving Memory, Building Community

Every quilt tells a story — and this weekend, visitors can explore the artistry, history, and storytelling woven into the African American quilting tradition. Meet Christine, a self‑taught quilter whose handcrafted pieces have been featured at UCP’s Paul Robeson Arts Festival.

Attendees will hear about her quilting journey, view her beautiful creations, and enjoy a live demonstration that highlights how quilting preserves memory, honors tradition, and builds community across generations.

Bridgewater Public Library – Meeting Room B
🗓 Saturday, September 26, 2026
⏰ 1:00–2:00 PM
📬 1 Vogt Dr, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
🎟 Register: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/quilting-time-stitching-stories-preserving-memory-building-community

 Sunday, September 27, 2026 — What Happened to Lucy’s Son? An Archival Mystery Tour

On Sunday, archivist Helene van Rossum and local historian Davie‑Lyn Jones‑Evans lead an archival mystery tour tracing the life of Lucy, a young Black woman in 1824 Hillsborough, and her son Abraham Tromp. Using family, church, and national archives, they explore questions of identity, freedom, and community history.

This program was developed through UCP’s Citizen Archivists Project, with support from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities. An interactive training version of the project will be available on UCP’s newly redesigned website — launching soon.

Princeton Public Library – Community Room
🗓 Sunday, September 27, 2026
⏰ 3:00–4:00 PM
📬 65 Witherspoon St, Princeton, NJ 08542

 About Ubuntu Cultural Pavilion, Inc.

Ubuntu Cultural Pavilion, Inc. (UCP) is a New Jersey nonprofit committed to preserving and celebrating African American history, culture, and community memory. Through public programs, archival research, arts initiatives, and educational partnerships, UCP creates spaces where stories are honored and communities connect through shared learning.

Their ongoing Citizen Archivists Project empowers residents to explore historical records and uncover narratives that deepen our understanding of local history. With support from statewide and national humanities organizations, UCP continues to expand its cultural programming and public history work.

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