Events

This traveling exhibit from the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey details the role of New Jersey citizens in the Civil Rights movement. Free and self-guided.

The influence of writer and social critic James Baldwin reached far and wide. In this unique exploration of Baldwin’s groundbreaking literary and social justice work, actor/comic Grant Cooper and scholar Dr. Lindsey Swindall engage participants in an interactive dialogue that unravels the truths of racism in this country and examines other themes in Baldwin’s writings. Mr. Cooper’s dramatic interpretations of Baldwin’s writing are complemented by historical context from Dr. Swindall, leading to thought provoking questions that spark audience participation.

Lindsey Swindall, Ph.D. & Grant Cooper
Educator at Stevens Institute of Technology & Comedian

Washington was no stranger to New Jersey. From Trenton to Princeton to Morristown to Monmouth to Middlebrook, (and more), the General spent more time here than in any other state. Join General Washington as he reminisces about his brightest and darkest moments during the battles and encampments of the “Cockpit of the Revolution.” In this session, participants will learn more about New Jersey's role in the American Revolution from the perspective of George Washington.

David Emerson
Historical Interpreter and Storyteller

Bruce Springsteen expects attentiveness of his listeners. How do we know this? Over the past 50 years, Springsteen has written songs and created music that have been experienced by countless fans. But many don’t know the extent to which his work has been influenced by the American folk tradition. Through experimental reinterpretation and the creation of new traditions, The Boss has worked within known folk traditions, but at the same time, created new sounds and messages. In this session, participants can learn about some of the works that have influenced one of Jersey’s most celebrated musical artists.

Prudence Jones, Ph.D.
Professor at Montclair University

How often do you get to hear music and then have a high-energy conversation about its role in historical traditions, its cultural influence, and its style and technique? Until the early twentieth century, the fiddle was the centerpiece of American folk music and folk culture. In this interactive session, Backes explores the origins and history of American fiddle music—covering a range of styles and modes of expression—and raises along the way big questions about musical tradition and music making.

Matthew Backes, Ph.D.
American Studies at Rutgers University

Newark, the largest city in New Jersey, has a complex and rich history. Clips from three acclaimed, award-winning documentaries by filmmakers Marylou & Jerome Bongiorno – Revolution ’67 (explores the 1967 Newark Riots/Rebellion), The Rule (examines urban school reform using the model of St. Benedict’s Prep), and Rust (investigates solutions to intergenerational poverty including prisoner reentry) – will allow a look at the past, present, and future of Newark. Participants will be able to learn about and discuss the opportunities and challenges of urban environments by examining Newark as a microcosm.

Marylou & Jerome Bongiorno
Filmmakers

Never Caught details Ona Judge's escape from the Washington's and their pursuit of her. Additional discussion about the impact of abolitionists in Philadelphia and New Jersey per Dunbar's book, Fragile Freedom. Admission is$20, which includes a copy of Never Caught. Under 18 are free with a paid adult.

Final applications must be submitted through our online system by the 11:59 p.m. on June 20, 2019. Materials submitted late will not be considered.

To learn more visit: http://njhumanities.org/grants.

In 1883, Anandibai Joshee, a young woman from a small city in western India arrived in Roselle, New Jersey. She had traveled thousands of miles, overcoming incredible physical and emotional hardships. She arrived with a purpose and eventually became the first South Asian woman in the world with a degree in western medicine. South Asians have been a presence in the US for more than 130 years, but their stories are mostly unknown. In this session, participants will engage in an interactive discussion about underepresented populations, specifically examining South Asians, and how sharing community stories can help create a more inclusive future.

Samip Mallick
Co-Founder and Executive Director of SAADA

Washington was no stranger to New Jersey. From Trenton to Princeton to Morristown to Monmouth to Middlebrook, (and more), the General spent more time here than in any other state. Join General Washington as he reminisces about his brightest and darkest moments during the battles and encampments of the “Cockpit of the Revolution.” In this session, participants will learn more about New Jersey's role in the American Revolution from the perspective of George Washington.

David Emerson
Historical Interpreter and Storyteller

It’s a good thing that Elizabeth White of Whitesbog, along with Dr. Coville, proved that the “swamp huckleberry” could be cultivated. Without their determination, we might not have the cultivated the blueberry of the Pinelands that we have today. This wonder fruit, historically known for its healing qualities, has been an important part of New Jersey’s agricultural history. In this session, participants will learn more about the blueberry’s Jersey roots, healthful benefits, and ways to prepare and savor these delightful berries.

Judith Krall-Russo
Tea & Food Scholar

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

To register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/njch-workshop-building-programs-with-and-for-your-audience-tickets-62820657277.

This workshop will be held at Paterson Public Library, 250 Broadway, Paterson, NJ.

The best programs are built with the needs and interests of your audience in mind. Learn about strategies for involving your community at every stage of your project, from development to implementation.

Is it better to set a guilty person free or lock up an innocent person? How certain must guilt be to justify punishment? If you were on trial, would you trust the criminal justice system to treat you fairly? This session explores, in a practical way, the U.S. justice system – how it works, when it works, and what can be done when it doesn’t work.

Kiki Jamieson, Ph.D.
President of The Fund for New Jersey

Bringing his vigorous persona (and his boisterous family) to the White House, “TR” helped catapult the U.S. into a new century. War hero to Nobel Peace Prize winner, naturalist to imperialist, The 26th President promoted progressive reform and stronger government control of business. Believing that the security of the American People would be achieved through leadership on the World Stage, President Roosevelt expanded U.S. influence around the globe.

Peyton Dixon
First Person Interpreter

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

She was a Kennedy. She was an Onassis. She did not define herself by her husbands. Realizing that future generations would need the insights of the past for guidance, her preservation efforts galvanized the rest of the country to protect its historic monuments. Aided by her public profile, her work helped bring about the Historic Preservation Act of 1966: the most far-reaching preservation legislation ever enacted in the United States.

Jill Lawrence
First Person Interpreter

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

When many think of adventure and exploration, exotic locations and ancient civilizations may come to mind. However, urban exploration, or “UrbEx,” can happen in our backyards. There’s a lot that can be learned from uninhibited and abandoned landscape. In this session, through case studies from the tristate area, participants will examine abandoned properties and the narratives that accompany them. The value of learning about these abandoned spaces in our backyards as well as the safety and ethical aspects of UrbEx will be discussed.

Luke Boyd
Public Historian

Have you considered the black part of the nation’s favorite pastime? What black baseball in America meant, including pioneers like Jackie Robinson and the rich relationships in “Blackball” during America’s era of segregation, across the nation and in New Jersey is a multifaceted narrative. During this session, a robust conversation, an account by a veteran Negro Leaguer, a rendition of an "iconic" baseball poem "K.C at the Bat" by its author, Kevin Kane, and selections from the documentary “Before You Can Say Jackie Robinson” will further participants’ understanding.

Lawrence Hogan, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus of History at Union County College

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

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

Annie Oakley, a diminutive sharpshooter and exhibition shooter, competed in a sport and in a world dominated by men. She felt strongly that women were just as capable as men and insisted that they should strive to achieve any goal or occupation that interested them. Her motto was to “Aim for a high mark…for practice will make you perfect.” and her hope was that all women would reach the “Bulls-eye of Success.”

Kim Hanley
First Person Interpreter

Discover the personal side of Abraham Lincoln. The program covers the great man’s formative years, his courtship and marriage, the beginnings and development of his abolitionist view point, and his first – though not very successful – trip to Congress. Discussion points also include the causes of the Civil War, major events and turning points within the war, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the Gettysburg Address.

Bob Gleason
First Person Interpreter

She was a Kennedy. She was an Onassis. She did not define herself by her husbands. Realizing that future generations would need the insights of the past for guidance, her preservation efforts galvanized the rest of the country to protect its historic monuments. Aided by her public profile, her work helped bring about the Historic Preservation Act of 1966: the most far-reaching preservation legislation ever enacted in the United States.

Jill Lawrence
First Person Interpreter

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

The influence of writer and social critic James Baldwin reached far and wide. In this unique exploration of Baldwin’s groundbreaking literary and social justice work, actor/comic Grant Cooper and scholar Dr. Lindsey Swindall engage participants in an interactive dialogue that unravels the truths of racism in this country and examines other themes in Baldwin’s writings. Mr. Cooper’s dramatic interpretations of Baldwin’s writing are complemented by historical context from Dr. Swindall, leading to thought provoking questions that spark audience participation.

Lindsey Swindall, Ph.D. & Grant Cooper
Educator at Stevens Institute of Technology & Comedian

Check back for the registration link.

This workshop will be held in Central Jersey. Location TBD.

How do you know if a program is successful? This workshop will help you consider how to build evaluation into your programs, from setting the program goals and evaluation metrics to gathering data and analyzing what it means.

Bringing his vigorous persona (and his boisterous family) to the White House, “TR” helped catapult the U.S. into a new century. War hero to Nobel Peace Prize winner, naturalist to imperialist, The 26th President promoted progressive reform and stronger government control of business. Believing that the security of the American People would be achieved through leadership on the World Stage, President Roosevelt expanded U.S. influence around the globe.

Peyton Dixon
First Person Interpreter

Clara Barton was born on December 25, 1821, in Massachusetts. In 1852 she founded one of the first free public schools in New Jersey. During the American Civil War, she headed for the front lines, taking supplies to wounded soldiers and earning the title “Angel of the Battlefield.” She established the first chapter of the American Red Cross. Clara’s example of indomitable strength, dogged determination and boundless good will is a model for all Americans.

Pat Jordan
First Person Interpreter