More than 150 visitors participated in the Juneteenth 2021 celebration hosted by the Durand-Hedden House, in partnership with the South Orange-Maplewood Community Coalition on Race. Part of a MAPSO-wide program, the event allowed people to gain insight into the years leading up to the Civil War through the work of historical reenactors portraying Harriet Tubman; a formerly enslaved man; and Mary Todd Lincoln’s seamstress and confidante. Three poets from the Maplewood Black Poets Project performed, and there was an exhibit by African American artist Mansa Mussa.
The exhibit on Slavery in New Jersey: A Troubled History was on view during the day, and moved to the Columbia High School Gallery in November 2021.
Durand-Hedden also has created a book based on the exhibit. To order a copy for $12.50 (including shipping), use the Donation button on the homepage to pay and put your name and address in the Comments box. Books can also be ordered by sending a check to Durand-Hedden House, PO Box 206, Maplewood, NJ 07040. Organizations wishing to order the book in quantity should write to info@durandhedden.org. The book can be previewed online.