Click on the flyers below for more event information or to register
June 27, 2026
Photo credit: Lawnside School circa 1940. Works Progress Administration
Lawnside, New Jersey was officially established as the first northern independent, self-governing Black municipality on March 29, 1926.
In the twentieth century, Lawnside became well known for its jazz scene and several nationally recognized celebrities and performers visited the various jazz clubs in the town.
Following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King in 1968, Lawnside passed a resolution to honor his birthday as a holiday and thus became the first municipality to honor him in this way.
Please check out our "Lawnside: New Jersey's First Black Incorporated Town" presentation at www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMsGApq0ut4
For information about Lawnside Heritage Day, visit www.lawnsideday.com.
In the twentieth century, Lawnside became well known for its jazz scene and several nationally recognized celebrities and performers visited the various jazz clubs in the town.
Following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King in 1968, Lawnside passed a resolution to honor his birthday as a holiday and thus became the first municipality to honor him in this way.
Please check out our "Lawnside: New Jersey's First Black Incorporated Town" presentation at www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMsGApq0ut4
For information about Lawnside Heritage Day, visit www.lawnsideday.com.
AAHGS-NJ HYBRID MEETING
- Sat. June 20 2026 -
at 11 am
Please email [email protected] to register
MORRIS COUNTY LIBRARY
30 E Hanover Ave, Whippany, NJ
and via Zoom
Featuring dual presentations this month:
JUNETEENTH FRIDAY JUNE 19,2026
Help us support a sister chapter's event
HARLEM GENEALOGY FAIR
JUNE 13TH
Please click HERE to register
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR AAHGSNJ MEMBER MURIEL "DEE DEE" ROBERTS
FOR HER HISTORY LESSONS AND ANCESTOR LIBATIONS CEREMONY
FOR HER HISTORY LESSONS AND ANCESTOR LIBATIONS CEREMONY
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE DRAKE HOUSE MUSEUM
FOR THE INSTALLATION OF BLACK HERITAGE TRAIL MARKER HONORING THE LIFE OF CAESAR
FOR THE INSTALLATION OF BLACK HERITAGE TRAIL MARKER HONORING THE LIFE OF CAESAR
Join the Drake House Museum and the New Jersey Historical Commission on Thursday, May 14, 2026 in Plainfield, New Jersey at 11:00am for the dedication and unveiling of a New Jersey Black Heritage Trail marker honoring the life of Caesar (last name unknown) whose legacy represents the sacrifices and contributions of African Americans to the Revolutionary War era in New Jersey.
AAHGS-NJ MEETING
- Sat. May 16 2026 -
at 11 am
via Zoom
HONORING A FAVORITE WOMAN IN YOUR FAMILY TREE
OUR MEMBERS SPEAK SESSION
Please email [email protected] to register
AAHGS-NJ MEETING
- Sat. April 18 2026 -
Hybrid meeting 11 am
Both In Person and via Zoom
- ALL ARE WELCOME -
In Person: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
1600 Springfield Avenue
Maplewood, NJ 07040
Please email [email protected] to register
Sat. April 18th @ 10:30 am via Zoom
SAT. APRIL 18TH 11 am - 3 pm
Crane House - YMCA, 110 Orange Road, Montclair
Join the Montclair History Center and New Jersey Historical Commission
for the dedication and unveiling of a New Jersey Black Heritage Trail marker
honoring the enduring legacy of Montclair’s YWCA for Black women and girls.
Celebrate this important chapter in our shared history with us:
11 AM – Dedication Ceremony & Special Remarks
12 – 3 PM – Museum Tours Celebrating Black History
1 PM – Documentary Screening: A Place to Become: Montclair through the Eyes of
the Glenridge Avenue YWCA Women (1920–1965)
RSVP at www.bit.ly/montclairunveiling or email [email protected]
Crane House - YMCA, 110 Orange Road, Montclair
Join the Montclair History Center and New Jersey Historical Commission
for the dedication and unveiling of a New Jersey Black Heritage Trail marker
honoring the enduring legacy of Montclair’s YWCA for Black women and girls.
Celebrate this important chapter in our shared history with us:
11 AM – Dedication Ceremony & Special Remarks
12 – 3 PM – Museum Tours Celebrating Black History
1 PM – Documentary Screening: A Place to Become: Montclair through the Eyes of
the Glenridge Avenue YWCA Women (1920–1965)
RSVP at www.bit.ly/montclairunveiling or email [email protected]
Somerville Middle School Gym, 51 W. Cliff St., Somerville
(take Davenport or High St. entrances to the blacktop)
(take Davenport or High St. entrances to the blacktop)
April 6th 5:30- 7 pm |
AAHGS-NJ MEETING
- Sat. Mar 21 2026 -
11 am via Zoom
Guest Presenter: NEAL BRUNSON
ROOTS TECH 2026 FREE ONLINE EVENT MARCH 5 -7
SUN. FEB 22 2026 @ 2 pm
"Blacks in the American Revolution"
and an award winning poem set to music
"Blacks in the American Revolution"
and an award winning poem set to music
SAT. FEB 21 2026 @ 1 pm
NJSL PRESENTS:
The Price of Silence –
The Forgotten Story of New Jersey’s Enslaved People
The Price of Silence –
The Forgotten Story of New Jersey’s Enslaved People
|
“Tory Jack Day” “An Award-Winning Program for Excellence in History & Education”
Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission Featuring: Mr. Joseph Becton "We Were There:Commemoration of African Involvement with Service in the Continental Army” Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026 10:30AM – 1PM Abraham Staats House, 17 von Steuben Lane, South Bound Brook, NJ 08880 The Friends of Abraham Staats House are delighted to present the Annual “Tory Jack Day” program. The House will open for seating at 10:30AM.At 11AM:Our featured performer for two decades, renowned historian and former National Park Service Interpretive Specialist, Joe Becton, gives a special presentation focused on our country’s 250th Commemoration. Seating is limited; advance reservations encouraged. After his program, enjoy light refreshments and tour the historic Abraham Staats until 1 PM close. Admission - $10 per person 18 & under – Free Advance Reservations encouraged, at Eventbrite or www.staatshouse.org/By Phone: 732-369-3583 CLICK HERE TO REGISTER OR FOR MORE INFO |
FRIDAY FEB 13th
PLEASE GET YOUR TICKETS IN ADVANCE $12.51 Doors Open at 5:45 pm
PLEASE GET YOUR TICKETS IN ADVANCE $12.51 Doors Open at 5:45 pm
THURS FEB 12TH 2 pm
Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, and 400 Years of Black Women’s Magic
with Dr. Lindsey Stewart | FREE
Union Public Library Virtual Presentation
Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, and 400 Years of Black Women’s Magic
with Dr. Lindsey Stewart | FREE
Union Public Library Virtual Presentation
AAHGS-NJ MEETING
- Sat. Jan 17 2026 -
11 am
AAHGS-NJ Chapter Meeting
- Sat. Nov 8, 2025 -
11 a.m. via Zoom
AAHGS-NJ Chapter Meeting
- Sat. Sept 13, 2025 -
11 a.m. via Zoom
AAHGS-NJ Chapter Meeting
- Sat. June 14, 2025 -
11 a.m.
AAHGS-NJ Chapter Meeting
- Sat. May 10, 2025 -
11 a.m.
via Zoom
Please RSVP to [email protected] for zoom link
AAHGS-NJ Chapter Meeting
- Sat. Mar. 8, 2025 -
11 a.m.
via Zoom
Please RSVP to [email protected] for zoom link
AAHGS-NJ Chapter Meeting
- Sat. Feb. 8, 2025 -
11 a.m.
via Zoom
Please RSVP to [email protected] for zoom link
AAHGS-NJ Chapter Meeting
- Sat. Jan. 11, 2025 -
11 a.m.
via Zoom
Please RSVP to [email protected] for zoom link
AAHGS-NJ Chapter Meeting
- Sat. Nov. 9, 2024 -
11 a.m.
via Zoom
Please RSVP to [email protected] for zoom link
Our speaker will be genealogist Deborah Robinson,
who will be presenting on Gullah-Geechee history and culture. Deborah is a returning guest speaker who presented for us a few years ago and gave such a dynamic presentation. We are so excited to have her back!
AAHGS-NJ Chapter Meeting
- Sat. Sept 14, 2024 -
11 a.m.
via Zoom
Please RSVP to [email protected] for zoom link
Dr. Linda Caldwell Epps
will be presenting on New Jersey and the Great Migration
AAHGS-NJ Chapter Meeting
- Sat. June 22, 2024 -
11 a.m.
via Zoom
Please RSVP to [email protected] for zoom link
AAHGS-NJ Chapter Meeting
- Sat. May 11, 2024 -
11 a.m.
via Zoom
Please RSVP to [email protected] for zoom link
AAHGS-NJ Chapter Meeting
- Sat. April 13, 2024 -
11 a.m.
via Zoom
Please RSVP to [email protected] for zoom link
AAHGS-NJ Chapter Meeting
- Sat. Mar. 9, 2024 -
11 a.m.
In Person and via Zoom
Please RSVP to [email protected] for zoom link
If you would like to join us in person, the address is
1600 Springfield Avenue, Maplewood, NJ.
We will be meeting upstairs for this meeting.
NJ AAHGS Chapter Meeting
- Sat. Feb. 10, 2024 -
11 a.m.
via Zoom
Please RSVP to [email protected]
NJ AAHGS Chapter Meeting
- Sat. Jan. 13, 2024 -
11 a.m.
at the Family History Center/LDS Church
1600 Springfield Ave., Maplewood, NJ
and via Zoom
Please RSVP to [email protected]
Chapter Activities
The activities of the chapter are in keeping with the objectives of the national society - to promote scholarly research and publication of African American History and the African Diaspora genealogy, and to provide a network within which members may shair their research techniques and findings.
The activities of the chapter are in keeping with the objectives of the national society - to promote scholarly research and publication of African American History and the African Diaspora genealogy, and to provide a network within which members may shair their research techniques and findings.
AAHGS NJ Chapter Meeting
- Sat. Nov.11, 2023 -
11 a.m.
via Zoom only
Please RSVP to [email protected]
AAHGS NJ Chapter Meeting
- Sat. Oct. 14, 2023 -
11 a.m.
Please RSVP to [email protected]
AAHGS NJ Chapter Meeting
- Sat. Sept 9, 2023 -
In Person and via Zoom
11 a.m.
Please RSVP to [email protected]
for the Zoom link or to say you will attend in person
AAHGS NJ Chapter Meeting
- Sat. June 24, 2023 -
10:30 a.m. via Zoom
Please RSVP to [email protected]
for the link
AAHGS NJ Chapter Meeting
- Sat. May 13, 2023 -
11 a.m. via Zoom
Please RSVP to [email protected]
for the link
AAHGS NJ Chapter Meeting
Please RSVP to [email protected]
- Sat. April 8, 2023 -
10:30 a.m.
LDS CHURCH & RESEARCH CENTER:
1600 SPRINGFIELD AVE.
MAPLEWOOD, NJ 07040
(PARKING AVAILABLE ON SITE)
AAHGS NJ Chapter Meeting
- Sat. March 11, 2023 -
11 a.m. via Zoom
Legacy: Discovering Your Family History
Sunday Feb.19, 2023
7 - 9 p.m.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
26 East 39th Street
Paterson, N.J.
FREE!
pre-registration required
register online at tinyurl.com/AAHGSEvent
Click link below
https://tinyurl.com/AAHGSEvent
AAHGS NJ Chapter Meeting
- Saturday Feb.11, 2023 -
11 a.m. via Zoom
AAHGS NJ Chapter Meeting
- Saturday Jan. 14, 2023 -
11 a.m. via Zoom
AAHGS NJ Chapter Meeting
- Saturday Dec. 10, 2022 -
11 a.m. via Zoom
AAHGS NJ Chapter Meeting
- Saturday Nov. 12, 2022 -
11 a.m. via Zoom
AAHGS NJ Chapter Meeting
- Saturday Oct. 8, 2022 -
11 a.m. via Zoom
AAHGS NJ Chapter Meeting
- Saturday Sept 10, 2022 -
11 a.m. via Zoom
AAHGS NJ Chapter Meeting
- Saturday June 11, 2022 -
11 a.m.
AAHGS NJ Chapter Meeting
- Saturday May 14, 2022 -
11 a.m.
AAHGS NJ Chapter Meeting
- Saturday April 9, 2022 -
11 a.m.
AAHGS NJ Chapter Meeting
- Saturday Mar. 12, 2022 -
11 a.m. presentation
AAHGS NJ Chapter Meeting
- Saturday Feb. 12, 2022 -
11 a.m. presentation
(meeting will follow )
via ZOOM
AAHGS NJ Chapter Meeting
- Saturday Jan 8, 2022 -
11 a.m. meeting
followed by the presentation
via ZOOM
AAHGS NJ Chapter Meeting
- Saturday Dec. 11, 2021 -
11 a.m. meeting
followed by the presentation
via ZOOM
AAHGS NJ Chapter Meeting
- Saturday Nov. 13, 2021 -
11 a.m. meeting
followed by the presentation
via ZOOM
AAHGS NJ Chapter Meeting
- Saturday Oct. 9, 2021 -
11 a.m. meeting
followed by the presentation
via ZOOM
Our guest presenter is Ressie Luck-Brimmer, President of AAHGS Danville/Pittsylvania Counties, VA,
(Genealogy Discoveries – One Woman’s Story)
Conference Info - click here
Please email [email protected]
to register for the presentation and get the link
AAHGS NJ Chapter Meeting
- Saturday Sept. 11, 2021 -
11 a.m. presentation
followed by our meeting
via ZOOM
Our guest presenter is Stacey Bell from The Afro-American Historical & Genealogical Society, Jean Sampson Scott Greater New York Chapter. She will make a genealogy presentation ("Begats of Our Own") and share tips on effectively using the U.S. Freedmen’s Bureau Records.
Please note that Stacey will make her presentation at 11 a.m. and we will have our meeting immediately following her presentation
AAHGS NJ
- SUMMER PRESENTATION -
Saturday, Aug.14th at 12 noon via Zoom
Adrienne Fikes
(James Dent Walker DC Chapter of AAHGS)
"Joy, Genealogy, and Justice"
AAHGS NJ
- SUMMER PRESENTATION -
via ZOOM
Saturday, August 14th at 12 noon
Adrienne Fikes (AAHGS-DC Chapter) is our guest presenter
- Genealogy Research and Your 16 Greats Challenge -
AAHGS NJ
- SUMMER PRESENTATION -
Saturday, July 31st at 12 noon via Zoom
Diane Warmsley
(AAHGS-NY Chapter)
Focus on
the U.S. and Caribbean Genealogy Connection
JUNETEENTH JUNE 19
This banner with a bursting star in the middle
is the Juneteenth Flag,
a symbolic representation
of the end of slavery in the United States.
June 19, 1865 represents the day
that enslaved black people in Galveston, Texas,
became Americans under the law.
Juneteenth is celebrated every year on June 19.
The holiday, also known as Emancipation Day, Freedom Day or Jubilee Day, commemorates June 19, 1865, the day the last remaining enslaved people in America learned that they were free.
While the Emancipation Proclamation was handed down on January 1, 1863, news didn't travel as quickly back then as it does today, and in Texas, slavery continued for years after, because many people simply weren't aware of the news that the Civil War had ended and that Congress had passed the 13th Amendment.
By 1866, formerly enslaved Black Texans began marking the day with annual "Jubilee Day" festivities.
Juneteenth is traditionally a barbecue holiday, where families and friends will gather around the almighty grill (or pit). But a Juneteenth meal just isn't complete without red desserts and beverages, and many also wear the color red.
Red symbolizes the bloodshed by enslaved ancestors due to the transatlantic slave trade, explains James Beard Award winner Adrian Miller, author of Black Smoke: African Americans and the United States of Barbecue.
It may also have roots in the favorite colors of West African royal courts, but Miller notes that's a less commonly held theory.
Historically, red drinks date back to two drinks carried across the Atlantic from West Africa by enslaved people: hibiscus drinks and cola. Even barbecue itself can bring that red connection, especially in tomato-based sauces or the reddish ring around properly smoked meats.
Here's what each element of the
JUNTEENTH FLAG represents.
THE STAR
The white star in the center of the flag has a dual meaning.
For one, it represents Texas, the Lone Star State.
It was in Galveston in 1865 where Union soldiers informed the country's last remaining enslaved people that,
under the Emancipation Proclamation issued two years earlier, they were free.
But the star also goes beyond Texas, representing the freedom of African Americans in all 50 states.
THE BURST
The bursting outline around the star is inspired by a nova,
a term that astronomers use to mean a new star.
On the Juneteenth flag, this represents a new beginning for the African Americans of Galveston and throughout the land.
THE ARC
The curve that extends across the width of the flag represents a new horizon: the opportunities and promise that lay ahead for black Americans.
THE COLORS
The red, white and blue represents the American flag,
a reminder that slaves and their descendants were
and are Americans.
AAHGS NJ Chapter Meeting
- Saturday June 12, 2021 -
via ZOOM
SONS & DAUGHTERS OF THE UNITED STATES MIDDLE PASSAGE
HEREDITARY SOCIETY
present their
4TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
"Voices of Resistance"
in conjunction with the New Jersey Chapter of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society
Friday, May 21 Annual Awards ceremony
Saturday, May 22 Annual Conference
Click here to register and for additional information
sdusmp.org/conference2021
or contact
Conference Volunteers - Sons & Daughters of the U.S. Middle Passage
(520)485-8767 [email protected] [email protected]
HEREDITARY SOCIETY
present their
4TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
"Voices of Resistance"
in conjunction with the New Jersey Chapter of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society
Friday, May 21 Annual Awards ceremony
Saturday, May 22 Annual Conference
Click here to register and for additional information
sdusmp.org/conference2021
or contact
Conference Volunteers - Sons & Daughters of the U.S. Middle Passage
(520)485-8767 [email protected] [email protected]
NEXT AAHGS NJ Chapter Meeting
- Saturday May 8, 2021 -
@ 11:00 a.m.
via ZOOM
Please email [email protected]
to register for the presentation and get the link
NEXT AAHGS NJ Chapter Meeting
Combined meeting with AAHGS Greater NY Chapter
- Saturday April 10, 2021 -
@ 1:00 p.m.
via ZOOM
Zoom - AAHGS - NJ Chapter Meeting
Sat. April 10, 2021 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Please email [email protected]
to register for the presentation and get the link
Zoom - AAHGS - NJ Chapter Meeting
Sat. Mar 13, 2021 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Please send an email to [email protected] to get the link to the meeting
Sat. Mar 13, 2021 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Please send an email to [email protected] to get the link to the meeting
After our next chapter meeting, at 11:30 am, we will celebrate Women’s History Month with guest, Robin Foster, from Genealogy Just Ask.
Robin will share techniques on finding female ancestors and how she found her 3rd Great Grandmother.
Robin will share techniques on finding female ancestors and how she found her 3rd Great Grandmother.
AAHGS NJ Chapter Meeting
- February 13, 2021 -
@ 11 a.m.
Please email [email protected]
to register for the 11:30 a.m. presentation
AAHGS-NJ CHAPTER BOOK CLUB
Meeting Saturday, January 30th at 2:00 pm via Zoom
with the Authors of "If These Stones Could Talk"
PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY JAN. 5TH
Meeting Saturday, January 30th at 2:00 pm via Zoom
with the Authors of "If These Stones Could Talk"
PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY JAN. 5TH
AAHGS NJ Chapter Meeting
- January 9, 2021 -
@ 11 a.m.
Please email [email protected]
to register for the meeting
LOCATION:
AAHSM, INC Afro-American Historical Society Museum Inc.
Jersey City Free Public Library: Earl A. Morgan Branch (formerly Greenville Branch)
1841 Kennedy Boulevard 2nd Floor
Jersey City, NJ 07305
AAHSM, INC Afro-American Historical Society Museum Inc.
Jersey City Free Public Library: Earl A. Morgan Branch (formerly Greenville Branch)
1841 Kennedy Boulevard 2nd Floor
Jersey City, NJ 07305
- December 12, 2020 -
@ 11 a.m. -
AAHGS-NJ BOOK CLUB MEETING
Saturday August 22, 2020
12 p.m.
RSVP at [email protected]
Next Meeting - Sat. July 11th at 11:30 am
We are excited to have as our special guests, Sharee Burress and her son, DeVonn. They recently shared their research experience (collaborating with Ancestry.com) on NBC’s Roots Less Traveled. Their family history is so amazing!
Please click on the following link to view their segment: https://www.nbc.com/roots-less-traveled/video/connecting-to-a-landmark-court-case/4149068.
After viewing the segment, please forward any questions that you may have for our guests to [email protected] by Thursday, July 9th (Please be sure to include your name with your question) so that we may prepare in advance for our Q&A session.
The Zoom information for this meeting is listed below. (Registration is required. Please do so in advance - asap please.)
Thank you and we look forward to meeting with you.
AAHGS-NJ Chapter
Zoom Meeting Information – Registration Required
(By Thursday, JULY 9th PLEASE)
Click the link below to register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0kdOyhqzIjGNeUyhE-03-f6MVwuZMxjxT3
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Please click on the following link to view their segment: https://www.nbc.com/roots-less-traveled/video/connecting-to-a-landmark-court-case/4149068.
After viewing the segment, please forward any questions that you may have for our guests to [email protected] by Thursday, July 9th (Please be sure to include your name with your question) so that we may prepare in advance for our Q&A session.
The Zoom information for this meeting is listed below. (Registration is required. Please do so in advance - asap please.)
Thank you and we look forward to meeting with you.
AAHGS-NJ Chapter
Zoom Meeting Information – Registration Required
(By Thursday, JULY 9th PLEASE)
Click the link below to register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0kdOyhqzIjGNeUyhE-03-f6MVwuZMxjxT3
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
- African American Cemeteries
in New Jersey -
Presented by AAHGSNJ member
Cherekana Feliciano
Tuesday Feb 25, 2020
12 noon - 1 p.m.
at the NJ State Library
185 W State St.
5th Floor Meeting Room
Trenton, NJ 08608
Anyone interested in attending may register on NJSL’s webpage
Register HERE
in New Jersey -
Presented by AAHGSNJ member
Cherekana Feliciano
Tuesday Feb 25, 2020
12 noon - 1 p.m.
at the NJ State Library
185 W State St.
5th Floor Meeting Room
Trenton, NJ 08608
Anyone interested in attending may register on NJSL’s webpage
Register HERE
History is made everyday by ordinary people, much of which relates to our own family history. The story of our families is unique and well-worth preserving. One way we try to preserve that history and the memories of our loved ones are through cemeteries.
As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, Cherekana Feliciano, from the New Jersey Chapter of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, will touch on this very personal aspect of history by examining African American cemeteries in New Jersey.
She will provide an overview of the history of these cemeteries in New Jersey, their current state and what the future may hold for them, including examining what role/responsibilities the general public and the African American community at large has in ensuring their upkeep and survival.
As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, Cherekana Feliciano, from the New Jersey Chapter of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, will touch on this very personal aspect of history by examining African American cemeteries in New Jersey.
She will provide an overview of the history of these cemeteries in New Jersey, their current state and what the future may hold for them, including examining what role/responsibilities the general public and the African American community at large has in ensuring their upkeep and survival.
AUGUST 2019
400th anniversary of the arrival of Africans
in the English colonies, at Point Comfort, Virginia, in 1619.
PAST EVENTS
NJ AAHGS is the proud co-sponsor of
1619: Their Legacy Lives On
AN INFORMATIONAL EDUCATIONAL MOTIVATIONAL CONFERENCE
June 7 & 8th
Rider University
1619 -2019
A 400 Year Commemoration Event



