Discover more about the history of Black people and their contributions to Monmouth County. Join Gilda and Rick for an examination of three historic sites relating to the local Black Experience.

Tinton Falls Ironworks site in Tinton Falls

In 1675, Col. Lewis Morris purchased an ironworks along the Swimming River, calling it “Tinton Manor.” More than sixty enslaved Africans, the first to arrive in Monmouth County, were brought from Morris’s sugar plantations in Barbados and forced to work at what is now Tinton Falls. An unknown number of these enslaved people are buried in unmarked graves in the cemetery here.

Marlpit Hall in Middletown

Many enslaved Blacks, such as Elizabeth Van Cleaf, lived at Marlpit Hall, owned by the Taylor family. The current award-winning exhibit, Beneath the Floorboards, Whispers of the Enslaved shows how slavery took root in early Monmouth County, as well as the complex dynamics of daily life and relationships among the enslaved.

The T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center in Red Bank

Former home of the one-time enslaved Timothy Thomas Fortune who lived here into the early 20^th century while publishing Black newspapers in New York. An exhibit called The Black Press, Stewarts of Democracy and other aspects of Black cultural life will be on display. Catered lunch will be enjoyed at this location.

*Includes lunch and transportation

*Bus will depart from Parking Lot 1 on the Lincroft Campus

*Seating is limited – sign up early!

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