(SKILLMAN, NJ) -- The Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum (SSAAM), Central New Jersey's only museum sharing the history of African Americans since the trans-Atlantic Slave trade, will hold its third annual Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 15, 2024 from 12:00pm to 4:00pm (rain or shine) at Mt. Zion AME Church and historic True Farmstead in Skillman.
Juneteenth "Freedom Forward" Celebration: This year’s theme, "Freedom Forward," will explore the power and influence of gospel music. Join us for a day filled with outstanding music, interactive workshops, and enriching experiences that celebrate African American freedom, resilience, culture, and history. The event features live gospel music, dancing, original performances, local artisans, games and creative workshops for all ages, and delicious cuisine, including vegan options.
Featured Artists,Storytellers, and Exhibitions include Rap Artist: Dayne Carter; SSAAM 13 member Gospel Choir; Candance Ray and the Band - Gospel; Interactive Praise Dance Workshop Leader: Tomia MacQueen; Authors & SSAAM Founders: Beverly Mills & Elaine Buck; Award-Winning Author: Dr. Isabela Morales; Actor & Poet: Olivia Altidor; Featured Exhibition: "Art of the Witness Stones Project," featuring student artwork from Timberlane Middle School's 8th-grade classes that honors the lives of three enslaved individuals from Hopewell; and Tours of the historic True Farmstead, Mr. Zion AME church, and heritage garden.
Juneteenth is celebrated across Central New Jersey, but there’s nothing like experiencing it with the SSAAM community. This event provides a wonderful opportunity for SSAAM to connect with new friends and supporters while sharing our future-focused mission and important history.
Tickets - Adult admission: $30 online; $35 at the venue. Children 14 and under: $20 online; $25 at the venue. Tickets are available for purchase online.
Event sponsors include: the Somerset Patriots, Penn Medicine, Princeton University Art Museum, Genmab, and Bloomberg Corporation. This event is also made possible by a generous Preserving Black Churches grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, as well as many local artists, businesses, and organizations. We appreciate their generous support in making this event possible.
The Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum was founded in 2016, born from decades’ worth of research conducted by its co-founders Beverly Mills and Elaine Buck. SSAAM is located at Mt. Zion AME Church and True Farmstead, two historically African American-owned properties in Skillman, New Jersey.
