Stoutsburg Sourland Museum Honors Black Civil War Legacy as Central Jersey’s First African American History Site Plans Juneteenth Celebration

Juneteenth Festival Returns to Historic Central Jersey Museum Site

The Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum (SSAAM) will host its fourth annual Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 21. The event takes place from noon to 4 p.m. at True Farmstead in Skillman, New Jersey.

This isn’t just any location. The museum sits on land once owned by a Black Civil War veteran. Nearby is the Mount Zion AME Church, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Together, these sites tell powerful stories of Black heritage in Central Jersey.

A Celebration of Freedom and African American Culture

Juneteenth is the oldest national celebration of the end of slavery in the United States. SSAAM’s event reflects that spirit with a day full of music, culture, and education.

The program features live performances of traditional African songs and rhythms. Baritone and storyteller Keith Spencer will also take the stage, along with a lively drum circle. An exhibit exploring the history of African American women’s headwear will add depth to the day.

Fun, Learning, and History for All Ages

Families can enjoy scavenger hunts, guided tours, and garden walks throughout the grounds. At the oral history booth, visitors can share their own thoughts on freedom and community legacy.

Organizers describe the event as both family-friendly and rain-or-shine. That means the celebration continues—no matter the weather.

Affordable Access to a Rich Cultural Experience

Advance tickets cost $20 for adults and $10 for children. Tickets at the gate will be $25 for adults and $15 for children. Guests can purchase tickets online at ssaamuseum.org/juneteenth-2025.

Located at 189 Hollow Road in Skillman, the museum invites people of all backgrounds to take part. SSAAM remains Central Jersey’s only Black history museum.

Preserving Black Legacy in the Sourland Mountains

SSAAM is not just about Juneteenth. It is committed to preserving and telling the stories of African Americans in the Sourland Mountain region and beyond. The museum’s home, True Farmstead, is part of that history.

By hosting events like this, SSAAM helps keep local Black history alive for future generations. It also highlights the importance of protecting historic Black landmarks in New Jersey.