Authors Share History of African Americans in New Jersey

Elaine Buck and Beverly Mills, co-authors of “If These Stones Could Talk: African American Presence in the Hopewell Valley, Sourland Mountain and Surrounding Areas of New Jersey” spoke with Lawrentians via Zoom on Feb. 11. They shared the sad and forgotten truth of the enslaved African Americans who lived in pre-Civil War New Jersey.

Buck and Mills began their journey through the state’s history with efforts to save Stoutsburg Cemetery, a small graveyard located less than 20 miles from Lawrenceville’s campus, from development. Ultimately, their research led them on a fascinating and eye-opening foray into the history of African Americans in the state.

Read more about the authors in the New York Times story, “Uncovering Lost Black History, Stone by Stone.”

For additional information, please contact Lisa M. Gillard Hanson, director of Public Relations, at lgillard@lawrenceville.org.