Events

The Smithsonian Institution's "Water/Ways" exhibition dives into water - an essential component of life on our planet, environmentally, culturally, and historically.

Traveling to six New Jersey communities, all shaped by water in different ways, "Water/Ways" will encourage individuals to consider the different ways water impacts every day life.

The great state of New Jersey is shaped by water, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Raritan River, Lake Hopatcong to the Delaware Bay. Our lives, just like our geography, are shaped by water too. Recreation and travel (ever spent time at the Jersey shore?), water management and delivery infrastructure in our own communities (ever flushed a toilet?), and economic impact and transportation (ever purchased something from overseas?) – just like turning on the kitchen faucet, it’s all a part of our every day.

As part of building a statewide water story archive, NJCH is asking residents to reflect upon and share their perspectives and memories about water. We are hosting these hour-long public discussions in every county of the state (June 2019 – April 2020) to capture stories about the different ways water matters to New Jerseyans. What New Jersey water source or waterway is most meaningful to you? How do you want to preserve such resources for the future? Why? We want to know!

Each community conversation invites participants to share and/or listen and to meaningful memories and experiences of water in New Jersey. Participants will have the opportunity to contribute their water story to a statewide public archive documenting personal connections to water and waterways in New Jersey.

Why join the discussion?

- Your voice matters – contribute your water story to the archive for future generations.
- No prior preparation is needed to attend, and all are welcome to share or listen.
- Explore the connective role of water among diverse New Jersey communities.
- We rarely dedicate time and space to dive into dialogue about our most vital resource.
- Documentation of what water sources we value is critical for ensuring their protection.
- Everyone has a water story. What's yours?

What’s your water story? will be hosted in every county in the state between July 2019 and April 2020. For a complete listing of dates and locations, visit njhumanities.org.

Join us as we discuss No Ashes in the Fire: Coming of Age Black and Free in America by Darnell L. Moore.

Keith Green, PhD, associate professor of English at Rutgers University-Camden and One Book, One Cherry Hill humanities scholar, provides an overview of Langston Hughes’s visits to Cuba and discusses some of the poems that memorialize his interest in the island.

Have you ever thought about how New Jersey was created? Perhaps you’ve wondered about how East and West Jersey came to be? Or you’ve considered how life changed for landowners as the American Revolution intensified? The way the state developed before, during, and after the revolution, including some of its distinctive features that still remain today, is fascinating. In this session, significant topics like New Jersey’s role in politics, transportation, trade, and agricultural on the eve of revolution will be explored.

Jonathan Mercantini, Ph.D.
Acting Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Associate Professor of History at Kean University

Join us as we discuss No Ashes in the Fire: Coming of Age Black and Free in America by Darnell L. Moore.

The presenter brings an all new adaptation of this horror story written by Washington Irving. The interactive one-man interpretation of the story of the headless horseman draws the audience into the schoolmaster’s world in sleepy Tarry Town. The program, followed by discussion about this 19th century author who also wrote Rip Van Winkle, ends with a dramatic reading of the story’s postscript.

Neill Hartley
First Person Interpreter

Community oral histories provide a way to understand perspectives and experiences from more than voice. How do you record and preserve this type of information in an ethical and accurate way? How do you navigate the roles of the interviewer and interviewee? In this hands-on, guided session, participants will develop themes and questions, conduct practice interviews, and talk about legal and ethical considerations, especially as it pertains to vulnerable populations.

Abigail Perkiss, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of History at Kean University

Unlike autobiography, memoir is based on the idea that everyone has a story to tell, a story that matters. Writing memoir asks that one awaken and be guided by empathy towards oneself and others. In this way, memoir prompts a journey of self-discovery that enables writers to gain insights into their past. Through lessons in the craft of memoir, the exploration of editorial revisions, and invaluable writing suggestions, participants learn how to develop a writing practice and continue their writing life beyond the session.

Edvige Giunta, Ph.D.
Professor of English at New Jersey City University

The presenter brings an all new adaptation of this horror story written by Washington Irving. The interactive one-man interpretation of the story of the headless horseman draws the audience into the schoolmaster’s world in sleepy Tarry Town. The program, followed by discussion about this 19th century author who also wrote Rip Van Winkle, ends with a dramatic reading of the story’s postscript.

Neill Hartley
First Person Interpreter

The presenter brings an all new adaptation of this horror story written by Washington Irving. The interactive one-man interpretation of the story of the headless horseman draws the audience into the schoolmaster’s world in sleepy Tarry Town. The program, followed by discussion about this 19th century author who also wrote Rip Van Winkle, ends with a dramatic reading of the story’s postscript.

Neill Hartley
First Person Interpreter

Did Prohibition change the music of the 1920s? And did the Cold War impact the music of the 1950s? Yes, music - concert and popular - music was influenced by the technological and political changes. From the late 1800s to today, the times have shaped what and how American hear and experience opera, concert works, musicals, jazz, country and folk music, and rock and roll. In this session, participants can tune into a discussion about the sounds, aesthetics, and auras of each decade in the modern era.

Robert W. Butts, Ph.D.
Conductor & Educator

Join us as we discuss No Ashes in the Fire: Coming of Age Black and Free in America by Darnell L. Moore.

In 1735, Mother Leeds was about to deliver her thirteenth child. Feeling tired and weary of the burden, she cursed the unborn child. According to the folklore, she gave birth to the devil’s child at their home in the Pine Barrens. Today, the tale of Jersey Devil is often discussed as just that – a tale. However, during the time of the fabled Jersey Devil’s reign of terror, South Jersey residents were truly frightened. How the accounts were reported on and the folklore that developed will be discussed during this session.

Angus Kress Gillespie, Ph.D.
Professor of American Studies and Urban Studies

Join us as Jeff Wilhelms, Adjunct Professor of Sociology at Rutgers New Brunswick and Vice President, Toms River Area N.A.A.C.P., asks the question - what does the prevalence of poverty and our treatment of the poor tell us about the U.S.?

Twenty-five years after the collapse of the German Democratic Republic (GDR), filmmaker Petra Epperlein returns to her hometown of Karl Marx City to find the truth about her father’s suicide and his rumored Stasi past. Event: Screening of Epperlein's film, KARL MARX CITY, and director Q&A.

At one point, Vincent van Gogh wrote to his brother that since he had no children, he viewed his paintings as his progeny. A painter and pastor, van Gogh produced more than 2,000 “brilliant children.” In this session, dozens of his works of art, with a focus on pieces at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, will be explored. An overview of his life experiences and how it influenced his art will lead to a lively discussion, which will include talking about the differences between experiencing original artwork and reproductions.

Michael Norris, Ph.D.
Art Historian

Did Prohibition change the music of the 1920s? And did the Cold War impact the music of the 1950s? Yes, music - concert and popular - music was influenced by the technological and political changes. From the late 1800s to today, the times have shaped what and how American hear and experience opera, concert works, musicals, jazz, country and folk music, and rock and roll. In this session, participants can tune into a discussion about the sounds, aesthetics, and auras of each decade in the modern era.

Robert W. Butts, Ph.D.
Conductor & Educator

Award-winning author Darnell L. Moore joins us to discuss his novel, the One Book, One Cherry Hill selection No Ashes in the Fire: Coming of Age Black and Free in America. Conversation will be moderated by Dr. Keith Green, associate professor of English and director of Africana Studies at Rutgers-Camden.

Whitman sought to create “a new gospel of beauty”: a uniquely American voice. He escaped the Classic Structures demanded of verse, and gave us the free form voice that has become standard today. Whitman, a volunteer in military hospitals during the civil war, mourned the assassination of President Lincoln with the well-known “Oh Captain! My Captain!” His last days were spent in Camden, NJ and in his refuge in nature at the Stafford Farm and Timber Creek.

David Scott Taylor
First Person Interpreter

Did Prohibition change the music of the 1920s? And did the Cold War impact the music of the 1950s? Yes, music - concert and popular - music was influenced by the technological and political changes. From the late 1800s to today, the times have shaped what and how American hear and experience opera, concert works, musicals, jazz, country and folk music, and rock and roll. In this session, participants can tune into a discussion about the sounds, aesthetics, and auras of each decade in the modern era.

Robert W. Butts, Ph.D.
Conductor & Educator

The great state of New Jersey is shaped by water, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Raritan River, Lake Hopatcong to the Delaware Bay. Our lives, just like our geography, are shaped by water too. Recreation and travel (ever spent time at the Jersey shore?), water management and delivery infrastructure in our own communities (ever flushed a toilet?), and economic impact and transportation (ever purchased something from overseas?) – just like turning on the kitchen faucet, it’s all a part of our every day.

As part of building a statewide water story archive, NJCH is asking residents to reflect upon and share their perspectives and memories about water. We are hosting these hour-long public discussions in every county of the state (June 2019 – April 2020) to capture stories about the different ways water matters to New Jerseyans. What New Jersey water source or waterway is most meaningful to you? How do you want to preserve such resources for the future? Why? We want to know!

Each community conversation invites participants to share and/or listen and to meaningful memories and experiences of water in New Jersey. Participants will have the opportunity to contribute their water story to a statewide public archive documenting personal connections to water and waterways in New Jersey.

Why join the discussion?

- Your voice matters – contribute your water story to the archive for future generations.
- No prior preparation is needed to attend, and all are welcome to share or listen.
- Explore the connective role of water among diverse New Jersey communities.
- We rarely dedicate time and space to dive into dialogue about our most vital resource.
- Documentation of what water sources we value is critical for ensuring their protection.
- Everyone has a water story. What's yours?

What’s your water story? will be hosted in every county in the state between July 2019 and April 2020. For a complete listing of dates and locations, visit njhumanities.org.

Rob Aptaker has been telling Native American stories teaching programs on pre-colonial Lenni Lenape life for over 25 years. More than just a storyteller, he provides context, shares information about the tribal nation, and honors the lineage of those who carried the story to the present day.

New Jersey has a big story about immigration, packed into a small state. Many may not immediately think of New Jersey, but it is a gateway state that holds an important part of America’s immigration history. Immigrant histories in Jersey have been and continue to be distinct by region and in comparison to the rest of the country. Considering and learning more about what this means can lead to more informed communities. Through the examination of film clips, texts, and media coverage, participants will have a candid discussion about issues that are being examined and debated, nationally and in local communities, by many today.

Carlos Ulises Decena, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Chair of Latino and Caribbean Studies at Rutgers University

Did Prohibition change the music of the 1920s? And did the Cold War impact the music of the 1950s? Yes, music - concert and popular - music was influenced by the technological and political changes. From the late 1800s to today, the times have shaped what and how American hear and experience opera, concert works, musicals, jazz, country and folk music, and rock and roll. In this session, participants can tune into a discussion about the sounds, aesthetics, and auras of each decade in the modern era.

Robert W. Butts, Ph.D.
Conductor & Educator

Join us for an evening of international queer films celebrating the diversity of the LGBTQ community. Each of the films is curated from around the world by Krissy Mahan and Patricia Silva of Feminist Film Workshops.

Reception begins at 7pm. Films begin promptly at 8pm.

FREE. Registration required - seating is limited. Accessible venue.

Did Prohibition change the music of the 1920s? And did the Cold War impact the music of the 1950s? Yes, music - concert and popular - music was influenced by the technological and political changes. From the late 1800s to today, the times have shaped what and how American hear and experience opera, concert works, musicals, jazz, country and folk music, and rock and roll. In this session, participants can tune into a discussion about the sounds, aesthetics, and auras of each decade in the modern era.

Robert W. Butts, Ph.D.
Conductor & Educator

At one point, Vincent van Gogh wrote to his brother that since he had no children, he viewed his paintings as his progeny. A painter and pastor, van Gogh produced more than 2,000 “brilliant children.” In this session, dozens of his works of art, with a focus on pieces at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, will be explored. An overview of his life experiences and how it influenced his art will lead to a lively discussion, which will include talking about the differences between experiencing original artwork and reproductions.

Michael Norris, Ph.D.
Art Historian

In many instances, efforts to conserve and preserve start because of community members that develop awareness of a place, objects, or a situation that may need protection. Key components of conservation and preservation are education, advocacy, and stewardship. Through the lens of the community work done with the Ramapough Lenape Indian Nation, including a look at the relevant New Jersey history and significance of the land, participants will learn about how grassroots efforts can be impactful and engage in discussions about links between environmental and cultural resources.

Judith Joan Sullivan, Esq.
Chair and Founder, Sullivan Law and Government Affairs Firm

The web creates an ideal environment for news and other content to spread like wildfire. Propaganda has existed as long as language itself; and yet “fake news” seems somehow different. Is it? The digital world has changed how we give and receive information. But how do we track the origin and assess the legitimacy of the information that we receive? In order to effectively read and evaluate sources, we can develop awareness about how they reach us and how we read them. In this session, participants will examine fake news and ways to evaluate the kinds of sites, technologies, and processes that participate in circulating falsehoods online.

Jason Luther, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Writing Arts, Rowan University