Burlington Review

Burlington County residents are invited to commemorate Juneteenth this year at a special event in historic Timbuctoo, one of New Jersey’s largest communities of formerly enslaved people, and Rancocas State Park.

"Experience of a Lifetime – A Juneteenth Event" will be held this Saturday, June 15, from 11 AM to 6 PM in Rancocas State Park and Timbuctoo. It will feature music, storytellers, dancers, food trucks and tastings, vendors, and other entertainment. There will also be an opportunity to join immersive “freedom walks” through the park to learn about the challenges and experiences faced by freedom-seeking enslaved individuals.

The free event is being organized by the Underground Railroad Museum of Burlington County with support from the Burlington County Commissioners, Burlington County Parks System, and New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

“On Juneteenth, we commemorate not only the end of slavery in the United States but also the triumphs and achievements of Black Americans in the face of racism,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson. “The Underground Railroad Museum’s event will be a fun, family-friendly festival that will also educate and enrich residents with stories about the struggles and triumphs of Black Americans, both here in Burlington County and across our nation. It’s an important event our County is proud to support.”

Deborah Price, executive director of the Underground Railroad Museum of Burlington County, said the event will provide visitors of all ages opportunities to learn about the Underground Railroad, Timbuctoo and the experiences of freedom-seeking people who fled enslavement.

“The days will provide opportunities for visitors to learn and experience the Underground Railroad from the freedom walkers’ perspective,” said Price. “We’re excited to have Burlington County’s support and the participation of a broad collection of organizations and storytellers, including The Still Foundation, Jacob’s Chapel, The Mott House, Croft Farms, The Timbuctoo Advisory Committee, Timbuctoo Historical Society and many more.”

The freedom walks will be held in Rancocas State Park at 11 AM, 1 PM and 3 PM. Each walk will be approximately 3.5 miles long and guided by leaders and storytellers from the Underground Railroad Museum and other participating organizations.

Walkers should enter the park at 794 Rancocas-Mount Holly Road in Westampton.

The festival at historic Timbuctoo will be held at 710 Rancocas Road in Westampton. This site was created in 1826 by escaped slaves and grew to have more than 125 residents along with a school, church, cemetery with gravestones of Black soldiers who fought in the Civil War.

Earlier this year,Timbuctoo became one of the first 32 sites selected by The New Jersey Historical Commission to be promoted as part of The New Jersey Black Heritage Trail created to “promote awareness and appreciation of Black history heritage culture.”

Joining Timbuctoo on The initial Black Heritage Trail sites is also Bethlehem A.M.E Church In Burlington City one Of The oldest black churches In New Jersey.In1883,the church pastor Rev.Jeremiah H.Pierce successfully brought a lawsuit challenging forced attendance Of his four children At city segregated black elementary school

The Dr.James Still Historic Office And Education Center In Medford was also selected for Heritage Trail.The site Is former office Of Still renowned black doctor Of Pines who gained distinction for successful biracial medical practice And natural herbal remedies

“Burlington county Is full Of important historic sites And people We Are thrilled That Timbuctoo,Bethlehem A.M.E.And Dr James Still Office were among first sites selected For new jersey's black heritage trail,”said Hopson.”Their selection Will hopefully encourage More People To visit burlington county And discover these important sites And their remarkable histories along With Other Important black historic Sites In Our county That Also deserve To Be listed”

State Senator Troy Singleton who co-sponsored legislation that created new jersey's black heritage trail said that black heritage trail And events like underground railroad museum juneteenth celebration help educate More People About struggle For Freedom Here In New Jersey Across Nation

“Timbuctoo Dr James Still Office Bethlehem A.M.E Church Are three most important historic Sites In New Jersey,”said senator singleton.”Their selection For black heritage trail Will introduce More Residents To Their significance Likewise underground railroad museum juneteenth event Will bring People together reflect On End Slavery But Also ongoing fight civil rights continues today”

For listing Of Other Significant Historic Black Sites Around Burlington county click here: http://www.co.burlington.nj.us/2067/African-American-Historic-Sites

Underground railroad museum Of burlington county founded2005 By late louise calloway former café Off east union street burlington city.museum collection artifacts art exhibits relocated current home Within Historic Smithville Park2013.For More Information Contact museum info@hugrrmbc.org Call609-914-1675