Skip to main content
close
Font size options
Increase or decrease the font size for this website by clicking on the 'A's.
Contrast options
Choose a color combination to give the most comfortable contrast.
Image for event: The History of Howe House: A Panel Discussion IN PERSON

Registration now closed

The History of Howe House: A Panel Discussion IN PERSON

2023-02-08 18:30:00 2023-02-08 20:00:00 America/New_York The History of Howe House: A Panel Discussion IN PERSON Find out about the first Black-owned home in Montclair dating back to the 18th century, learn about local history, and hear about the plans for this historic structure. Zoom option also available. Main Library - Auditorium

Wednesday, February 08
6:30pm - 8:00pm

Add to Calendar 2023-02-08 18:30:00 2023-02-08 20:00:00 America/New_York The History of Howe House: A Panel Discussion IN PERSON Find out about the first Black-owned home in Montclair dating back to the 18th century, learn about local history, and hear about the plans for this historic structure. Zoom option also available. Main Library - Auditorium

Main Library

Auditorium

Find out about the first Black-owned home in Montclair dating back to the 18th century, learn about local history, and hear about the plans for this historic structure. Zoom option also available.

IN PERSON REGISTRATION IS CLOSED. Please come to the library auditorium and we will do our best to accommodate you. 

This hybrid program is co-presented by The Montclair Public Library Foundation, The Friends of Howe House, The Montclair History Center, The Montclair African American Heritage Foundation, St. Mark's United Methodist Church of Montclair (The Mark) and The Universalist Unitarian Congregation at Montclair. Attend in person or livestream on Zoom. Registration is required. Masks are optional but strongly encouraged at all Library programs. 

Join our panel discussion on the history of the Howe House with historians, genealogists, community scholars and a descendent of the Crane and Howe families, and participate in an audience Q&A.

The James Howe House at 369 Claremont Avenue is the first African American-owned home in Montclair, dating back to the 18th century. Formerly enslaved by Major Nathaniel Crane, a member of Montclair’s founding family, Howe received his freedom and the house in Crane’s will in 1836. Recently the Howe House featured prominently in the news: it came up for commercial sale and a group of local preservationists successfully banded together to buy it at the last minute. 

The story of the Howe House invites timely questions and reflections about local history: Did you know that New Jersey was the last Northern state to abolish slavery? Did you know that enslaved people helped to build Montclair? Did you know that the Underground Railroad ran directly through New Jersey's communities of free Blacks and abolitionists? The history of the Howe House takes us to all these places and more.

Moderator: Dionne Ford, a journalist, author, and a board member of The Friends of the Howe House. She co-edited "Slavery's Descendants: Shared Legacies of Race and Reconciliation" and is the author of the forthcoming "Go Back and Get It: A Memoir of Race, Inheritance, and Intergenerational Healing." 

Panelists:

  • James Amemasor serves as research specialist at The New Jersey Historical Society and teaches political science at Rutgers-Newark. 
  • Janice C. Gilyard is the president of The Afro American Historical and Genealogical Society (NJ Chapter), a member of the James Howe House Research Team, New Jersey Genealogical Society, charter member of The Harriet Tubman Chapter of Sons & Daughters of the US Middle Passage, and The National Genealogical Society, and a descendent of the Howe and Crane families.
  • Betty Holloway, a retired teacher, is a member of the Montclair African American Genealogy Group and the Montclair African American Heritage Foundation. She has created several projects about Montclair's African American community that reflect her interest in genealogy and historical research.
  • Geoffrey Zylstra is an associate professor of history at New York City College of Technology at CUNY. His research includes the formation of free Black neighborhoods in New York City and Philadelphia. He is a member of The Friends of Howe House.

The Friends of the Howe House is a community coalition dedicated to the preservation of the historic home of James Howe, the first African American homeowner in Montclair, and to the legacy of the local African American community. They are activists, community leaders, historians and ministers who came together with the hope of achieving State and National landmark status for the James Howe House. 

The Montclair History Center is a private, nonprofit organization that promotes the preservation, study and appreciation of local history. They serve as stewards of three historic houses in Montclair: the Crane House and Historic YWCA, the Nathaniel Crane House, and the Clark House.They preserve Montclair’s historic buildings, artifacts and documents, educate the community on local history and its importance through programs, advocacy and exhibits, and share the stories of the individuals and groups in Montclair. 

The Montclair African-American Heritage Foundation (the MAAHF) is a non-profit organization supported by a diverse committee of volunteers living both in and outside of Montclair.The MAAHF serves as an outreach organization to broaden minds and spirits. To preserve history, they recognize and promote cultural resources as an essential element of Montclair's economic and social well-being.​ 

St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, often called The Mark, was established in Montclair in 1880. The congregation prides itself on its spirit of innovation and a risk-taking mindset, bringing their legacy as trailblazers within their community to be active and relevant in an ever-changing world. 

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Montclair was founded in 1897 by women interested in providing their children with a liberally religious education. Grounded in faith but not held by doctrine, spiritual seekers come together to nurture the soul, inspire hope and bring into being a more just and loving world.

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Lectures/History/Culture |

TAGS: | history | black history month | African American |

Main Library

Phone: 973-744-0500

Hours
Mon, Apr 21 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Apr 22 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Apr 23 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Apr 24 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Apr 25 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Apr 26 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sun, Apr 27 1:00PM to 6:00PM

Upcoming events

Mon, Apr 21, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Main Library - Auditorium
set up for board meeting

Mon, Apr 21, 3:00pm - 5:30pm
Main Library - Teen Room
Come hang out with your friends in the Teen Room and make bracelets!
No registration required.

Mon, Apr 21, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Main Library - Auditorium
The Board of Trustees meets to discuss issues of governance of the Library. Meetings are open to the public in accordance with the Open... more
The Board of Trustees meets to discuss issues of governance of the Library. Meetings are open to the public in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act.

Tue, Apr 22, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Main Library - Tower Room
Free drop-in wellness screenings courtesy of Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center.

Tue, Apr 22, 4:00pm - 7:30pm
Main Library - Staff Instruction Room
Margarette (they/them) can assist you with a variety of services. 4-6:15 p.m. drop-in 6:30-7:15 by appointment

Tue, Apr 22, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Anderson Park
This is an Adult School class.
Register

Wed, Apr 23, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Online
This is a paid Adult School Class. When registering, you will be taken to the Adult School Website.
Register

Thu, Apr 24, 11:00am - 2:00pm
Main Library - Staff Instruction Room
Margarette (they/them) can assist you with a variety of services. Walk-ins: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Appointments: 12 p.m., 12:45 p.m., 1:30 p.m.

Sat, Apr 26, 7:30am - 8:30am
Anderson Park
This is an Adult School class.
Register

Sat, Apr 26, 11:00am - 2:00pm
Main Library
Margarette (they/them) can assist you with a variety of services. Walk-ins: 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Appointment: 1-1:45 p.m.

Sat, Apr 26, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Main Library - Classroom
andrea schultz Jessanne Collins

Mon, Apr 28, 3:00pm - 5:30pm
Main Library - Teen Room
Come hang out with your friends in the Teen Room and make bracelets!
No registration required.

Tue, Apr 29, 4:00pm - 7:30pm
Main Library - Staff Instruction Room
Margarette (they/them) can assist you with a variety of services. 4-6:15 p.m. drop-in 6:30-7:15 by appointment

Tue, Apr 29, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Anderson Park
This is an Adult School class.
Register

Wed, Apr 30, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Main Library - Tower Room
This is a paid Adult School Class. When registering, you will be taken to the Adult School Website.
Register

Wed, Apr 30, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Main Library - Auditorium
Sam 973-535-5017 Office of Rosie Bagolie

Wed, Apr 30, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Online
This is a paid Adult School Class. When registering, you will be taken to the Adult School Website.
Register

Thu, May 01, 11:00am - 2:00pm
Main Library - Staff Instruction Room
Margarette (they/them) can assist you with a variety of services. Walk-ins: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Appointments: 12 p.m., 12:45 p.m., 1:30 p.m.

Sat, May 03, 7:30am - 8:30am
Anderson Park
This is an Adult School class.
Register

Mon, May 05, 3:00pm - 5:30pm
Main Library - Teen Room
Come hang out with your friends in the Teen Room and make bracelets!
No registration required.

Tue, May 06, 4:00pm - 7:30pm
Main Library - Staff Instruction Room
Margarette (they/them) can assist you with a variety of services. 4-6:15 p.m. drop-in 6:30-7:15 by appointment

Tue, May 06, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Anderson Park
This is an Adult School class.
Register

Wed, May 07, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Online
This is a paid Adult School Class. When registering, you will be taken to the Adult School Website.
Register

Thu, May 08, 11:00am - 2:00pm
Main Library - Staff Instruction Room
Margarette (they/them) can assist you with a variety of services. Walk-ins: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Appointments: 12 p.m., 12:45 p.m., 1:30 p.m.

Thu, May 08, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Main Library - Tower Room
Join us for our monthly Teen Book Club. Each month, we'll read books from a different theme or genre and discuss! We meet on the second... more
Join us for our monthly Teen Book Club. Each month, we'll read books from a different theme or genre and discuss! We meet on the second Thursday of every month.
Registration is required.

Sat, May 10, 7:30am - 8:30am
Anderson Park
This is an Adult School class.
Register

Mon, May 12, 3:00pm - 5:30pm
Main Library - Teen Room
Come hang out with your friends in the Teen Room and make bracelets!
No registration required.

Tue, May 13, 4:00pm - 7:30pm
Main Library - Staff Instruction Room
Margarette (they/them) can assist you with a variety of services. 4-6:15 p.m. drop-in 6:30-7:15 by appointment

Tue, May 13, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Anderson Park
This is an Adult School class.
Register

Wed, May 14, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Main Library
A virtual, lively, and informative discussion on today’s financial markets and how they might fit into your portfolio.

Wed, May 14, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Main Library - Tower Room
This is a paid Adult School Class. When registering, you will be taken to the Adult School Website.
Register

Wed, May 14, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Main Library - Storytime Room
Join us for Pokémon Club -- you can battle your friends on Switch or using your cards! Don't have a deck? Don't worry, we have premade... more
Join us for Pokémon Club -- you can battle your friends on Switch or using your cards! Don't have a deck? Don't worry, we have premade sets ready to go! You will have to bring your own Switch.
This event is full

Wed, May 14, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Online
This is a paid Adult School Class. When registering, you will be taken to the Adult School Website.
Register

Thu, May 15, 11:00am - 2:00pm
Main Library - Staff Instruction Room
Margarette (they/them) can assist you with a variety of services. Walk-ins: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Appointments: 12 p.m., 12:45 p.m., 1:30 p.m.

Sat, May 17, 7:30am - 8:30am
Anderson Park
This is an Adult School class.
Register

Mon, May 19, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Main Library - Auditorium
set up for board meeting

Mon, May 19, 3:00pm - 5:30pm
Main Library - Teen Room
Come hang out with your friends in the Teen Room and make bracelets!
No registration required.

Mon, May 19, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Main Library - Auditorium
The Board of Trustees meets to discuss issues of governance of the Library. Meetings are open to the public in accordance with the Open... more
The Board of Trustees meets to discuss issues of governance of the Library. Meetings are open to the public in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act.

Tue, May 20, 4:00pm - 7:30pm
Main Library - Staff Instruction Room
Margarette (they/them) can assist you with a variety of services. 4-6:15 p.m. drop-in 6:30-7:15 by appointment

Tue, May 20, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Anderson Park
This is an Adult School class.
Register

Wed, May 21, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Offsite
High school juniors and their families will learn how to use the summer productively to create a compelling college... more
High school juniors and their families will learn how to use the summer productively to create a compelling college application.
Presented by our friends at Stand Out for College.
Register

Wed, May 21, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Online
This is a paid Adult School Class. When registering, you will be taken to the Adult School Website.
Register

Thu, May 22, 11:00am - 2:00pm
Main Library - Staff Instruction Room
Margarette (they/them) can assist you with a variety of services. Walk-ins: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Appointments: 12 p.m., 12:45 p.m., 1:30 p.m.

Sat, May 24, 7:30am - 8:30am
Anderson Park
This is an Adult School class.
Register

Mon, May 26, 3:00pm - 5:30pm
Main Library - Teen Room
Come hang out with your friends in the Teen Room and make bracelets!
No registration required.

Tue, May 27, 4:00pm - 7:30pm
Main Library - Staff Instruction Room
Margarette (they/them) can assist you with a variety of services. 4-6:15 p.m. drop-in 6:30-7:15 by appointment

Tue, May 27, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Anderson Park
This is an Adult School class.
Register

Wed, May 28, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Main Library - Tower Room
This is a paid Adult School Class. When registering, you will be taken to the Adult School Website.
Register

Wed, May 28, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Online
This is a paid Adult School Class. When registering, you will be taken to the Adult School Website.
Register

Thu, May 29, 11:00am - 2:00pm
Main Library - Staff Instruction Room
Margarette (they/them) can assist you with a variety of services. Walk-ins: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Appointments: 12 p.m., 12:45 p.m., 1:30 p.m.

Sat, May 31, 7:30am - 8:30am
Anderson Park
This is an Adult School class.
Register

Sat, May 31, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Main Library - Classroom
andrea schultz Jessanne Collins

Mon, Jun 02, 3:00pm - 5:30pm
Main Library - Teen Room
Come hang out with your friends in the Teen Room and make bracelets!
No registration required.

Tue, Jun 03, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Anderson Park
This is an Adult School class.
Register

Wed, Jun 04, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Online
This is a paid Adult School Class. When registering, you will be taken to the Adult School Website.
Register

Mon, Jun 09, 3:00pm - 5:30pm
Main Library - Teen Room
Come hang out with your friends in the Teen Room and make bracelets!
No registration required.

Wed, Jun 11, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Main Library
A virtual, lively, and informative discussion on today’s financial markets and how they might fit into your portfolio.

Wed, Jun 11, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Main Library - Storytime Room
Join us for Pokémon Club -- you can battle your friends on Switch or using your cards! Don't have a deck? Don't worry, we have premade... more
Join us for Pokémon Club -- you can battle your friends on Switch or using your cards! Don't have a deck? Don't worry, we have premade sets ready to go! You will have to bring your own Switch.
This event is full

Wed, Jun 11, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Online
This is a paid Adult School Class. When registering, you will be taken to the Adult School Website.
Register

Thu, Jun 12, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Main Library - Tower Room
Join us for our monthly Teen Book Club. Each month, we'll read books from a different theme or genre and discuss! We meet on the second... more
Join us for our monthly Teen Book Club. Each month, we'll read books from a different theme or genre and discuss! We meet on the second Thursday of every month.
Registration is required.

Mon, Jun 16, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Main Library - Auditorium
set up for board meeting

Mon, Jun 16, 3:00pm - 5:30pm
Main Library - Teen Room
Come hang out with your friends in the Teen Room and make bracelets!
No registration required.

Tue, Jun 17, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Main Library - Tower Room
Free drop-in wellness screenings courtesy of Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center.

Wed, Jun 18, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Online
This is a paid Adult School Class. When registering, you will be taken to the Adult School Website.
Register

Mon, Jun 23, 3:00pm - 5:30pm
Main Library - Teen Room
Come hang out with your friends in the Teen Room and make bracelets!
No registration required.

Mon, Jun 30, 3:00pm - 5:30pm
Main Library - Teen Room
Come hang out with your friends in the Teen Room and make bracelets!
No registration required.