There are so many ways to celebrate Black History Month in South Jersey – here are some spots to add to your list for this month, and the rest of the year.
Douglass Day
Feb. 14
Help make history during Noyes Arts Garage’s fourth transcribe-a-thon, where volunteers will transcribe correspondence from abolitionist Frederick Douglass in partnership with the Library of Congress. Lunch will be provided for those who RSVP. The event runs from noon to 3 pm. For more information, visit the website.
Harriet Tubman Museum
While Harriet Tubman’s time in Cape May was short – just 2 summers – her legacy will last forever. In a historic house on Lafayette Street, the exhibits at the Harriet Tubman Museum illustrate the history of Tubman’s work in Cape May and the work of her fellow anti-slavery activists who used that block as a home base. Purchasing tickets ahead of time is strongly recommended.
Black history and culture
All over Camden County, libraries will be hosting events spotlighting Black history and culture in the U.S. and beyond, like a theater story telling in South County (Feb. 6), Haddon Township (Feb. 10) and Voorhees (Feb. 22) or African Drum Circles in Bellmawr (Feb. 8), Gloucester Township (Feb. 10), Ferry Avenue (Feb. 11) and Merchantville (Feb. 15). And on Feb. 10, the Ferry Avenue library will be hosting a Black Genealogy workshop. For a full schedule of events, visit the website.
The history of Lawnside
Feb. 13
The Peter Mott House is hosting a special Black History Month program to explore and celebrate the unique heritage of Lawnside, New Jersey, a significant borough in the story of African American progress. The event begins at 7 pm at the Peter Mott House. For more information, visit the website.
The Black Panther Party & Art
Explore the legacy and current work of four artists from the Black Panther Party as Rowan University Art Gallery & Museum presents its exhibit, “Carrying On: Black Panther Party Artists Continue the Legacy.” The gallery will host a panel talk and reception with the artists on Feb. 8, from 3 to 7 pm (registration is required.) The exhibit will show through March 25. For more information, visit the website.
African American Heritage Museum
What started as a personal collection of cultural treasures has grown into a unique museum, where visitors can learn the significance of these artifacts, celebrate the accomplishments of African Americans in South Jersey and learn the impact of their history. The free museum (donations are encouraged) is housed at the Noyes Arts Garage and open from Wednesday to Saturday, 11 am to 6 pm and Sundays, 11 am to 5 pm. For more information, visit the website.
