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Monthly Speaker Series Presentation – The History of the Juneteenth National Independence Day, Presented by Ralph Hunter
June 6, 2024 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
The Historical Society of Hammonton (HSH) presents another fun FREE-to-ALL Speaker Series event on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at 7:00 PM at the Canoe Club Senior Center, Hammonton Lake Park. No pre-registration required.
This event will focus on Juneteenth, a significant day in American history. Juneteenth, combining ‘June’ and ‘Nineteenth,’ marks the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas in 1865, at the end of the Civil War. Also known as Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day (Texas), Freedom Day, and Black Independence Day, it was first celebrated in 1866.
Our speaker, Ralph E. Hunter Sr., is the founder of the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey, established in 2002. The museum, located in Newtonville, NJ, and a second location in Atlantic City, features Hunter’s personal collection amassed over 45 years, along with donated memorabilia, paintings, carvings, statues, Shona stones, African masks, and periodic artist displays.
The Historical Society of Hammonton is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich, multi-cultural social, economic, and political heritage of our town and its people. Our mission is to increase awareness of Hammonton’s rich history and to establish public access by collecting, conserving, interpreting, and promoting it to the widest possible audience.
Our Museum, built in 1887, is a treasure in itself. Formerly the Hammonton Town Hall, it also served as a Town Library and Kindergarten. Located in Hammonton Veterans Memorial Park, it is open to the public on Tuesdays from 10 AM to Noon and Saturdays from 11 AM to 2 PM.
We are always looking for new member and volunteers, even if you’re new to Hammonton. Volunteering with us is a fun way to learn about and appreciate our great town. We uncover exciting new bits of Hammonton history every week! Our Museum also sells many books highlighting local history, including out-of-print titles. All proceeds support the Historical Society of Hammonton.