New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu


Celebrating Style and Spirit: African American Museum Unveils Special Exhibition on Women's Fashion in the Black Church

originally published: 09/05/2024

(SKILLMAN, NJ) -- On September 20, 2024, the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum (SSAAM) will have an Opening Reception for The Head that Wears the Crown, a special exhibition on Black women's headwear from slavery to freedom. The reception runs from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The exhibit will be on view Saturday, September 21 from 11:00am to 1:00pm.

For centuries, Black women have expressed their creativity and resistance through the crowns of their heads. From head wraps to “church hats,” headwear symbolized freedom, commitment to spiritual life, and a love for fashion that enslaved and free women shared. The Head that Wears the Crown explores the past, present, and future of African American women’s headwear. This special exhibit will feature portrait photography of community members of all ages modeling SSAAM’s collection of church hats, which date from the 1930s to the 2000s.

On Friday, September 20, SSAAM will hold an opening reception at the Reasoner-True House, a historically Black-owned property on Hollow Road in Skillman. Guests will be invited to the National Historic Register-listed Mt. Zion AME Church to view The Head that Wears the Crown and hear a talk from guest curator Kyra March. Rutgers University doctoral student Kyra March will open the exhibit with a presentation on the rich history of Black women’s headwear from the 18th century to the present day. SSAAM encourages guests to come dressed in their hats or headwear that reflects their personal style!

On Saturday, September 21, SSAAM invites community members to visit Mt. Zion AME Church to view the exhibit during the museum’s regular open hours.

The Head that Wears the Crown is part of SSAAM’s celebration of the 125th anniversary of Mt. Zion AME Church, the museum’s home. The National Historic Register-listed property was constructed in 1899 and served an active congregation until 2005. In January, SSAAM was one of 31 institutions—out of more than 500 applicants—to receive a Preserving Black Churches Grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation to create public programming sharing the story of Black faith, freedom, culture, and creativity at Mt. Zion AME Church. This grant, along with generous support from the Princeton University Art Museum, made this exhibit possible.

Please RSVP here and reserve your spot. Tickets are pay-what-you-can. Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum is located at 183 Hollow Road in Skillman, New Jersey.




Please support the advertisers at New Jersey Stage!
Want info on how to advertise? Click here



The mission of Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum (SSAAM) is to tell the story of the unique culture, experiences, and contributions of the African American community of the Sourland Mountain region.

FEATURED EVENTS

To narrow results by date range, categories,
or region of New Jersey
click here for our advanced search.


Theresa

Theresa Caputo Live: The Experience

Thursday, February 20, 2025 @ 7:30pm
State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
category: community


 

Miss

Miss Grand New Jersey

Sunday, February 23, 2025 @ 5:00pm
Hamilton Stage at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC)
360 Hamilton Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065
category: community


 

Artrageous

Artrageous 2025 - Sensory-Friendly Theater

Sunday, February 23, 2025 @ 2:00pm
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ 07065
category: community


 

Stories

Stories of a Lifetime Workshop for Union County Seniors – UCPAC Legacy Arts Club

Monday, February 24, 2025 @ 5:00pm
Hamilton Stage at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC)
360 Hamilton Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065
category: community


 

Illusionist

Illusionist Rick Thomas - Mansion of Dreams

Friday, February 28, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC)
30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, NJ 07631
category: community


 



Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info




EVENT PREVIEWS

Rahway

Rahway Hosts Inspiring Aviation Event Featuring Acclaimed African American Pilots

(RAHWAY, NJ) -- The City of Rahway is soaring to new heights with an aviation-focused event celebrating Black History Month. Hosted by the Social Justice Committee, along with Mayor Raymond A. Giacobbe and the Rahway City Council, Career Day with the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals offers a unique opportunity for residents to explore careers in aviation and aerospace. The event takes place on Saturday, February 22, 2025, from 12:00pm to 2:00pm at The Gallery Space (1670 Irving Street) in Rahway.



Follow

Follow Alice Paul's Path to Equality at the Ocean County Library Lacey Branch

(LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ) -- Garden State native Alice Paul stands tall among the pioneers of women’s rights in America. In honor of Women's History Month, the Ocean County Library is pleased to present "Alice Paul: New Jersey's Crusader for Equality" at the OCL Lacey Branch on Thursday, March 13, 2025. The event begins at 3:30pm.



State

State Theatre New Jersey presents A Night in Lights Benefit Gala

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey will host A Night in Lights: State Theatre New Jersey Benefit Gala on Saturday, June 7, 2025. Proceeds from the gala directly support its mission to provide transformative arts education programs, affordable ticketing initiatives, and community outreach efforts that bring the joy of live entertainment to everyone, regardless of their circumstances. Held at the historic State Theatre, the evening includes dinner, dancing, a silent auction, and an intimate performance by Tony® Award-winning Broadway star Kelli O'Hara.



Ocean

Ocean County College Hosts "The Homage Exhibit" for Black History Month

(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- In celebration of Black History Month, Ocean County College will host "The Homage Exhibit" on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 on the College's main campus in Toms River. This special event is sponsored by OCC's Organization for Black Unity and Office of Student Life in collaboration with the Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Commission.



Gloria

Gloria Gaynor to be Honored at bergenPAC's Annual Women's Spring Luncheon

(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) has announced that two-time Grammy Award-winning artist Gloria Gaynor will be honored and serve as a guest speaker at its annual Spring Luncheon on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 11:30am.