Sun. June 9 1-5pm Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom at Durand-Hedden Co-sponsored by SOMA Community Coalition on Race

Durand-Hedden and the SOMA Community Coalition on Race to present

Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom Sunday June 9 1-5pm

Maplewood -- Juneteenth, an African American holiday marking the end of slavery, will be celebrated on Sunday, June 9th, 2019 at the Durand-Hedden House, 523 Ridgewood Road in Maplewood, in collaboration with the South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race.

The event, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, will include reenactors from the Civil War 6th Regiment Colored Troops, African Drummers and Dancers, the Columbia High School Special Dance Company, a demonstration by Nubian Quilters, storytellers, and many activities for adults and children, including facepainting, read-alouds, and making paper quilt squares. The winners of the student essay contest will read their essays (information at www.durandhedden.org).

Vendors of African-themed books, clothing and jewelry will add to the excitement. Delicious individual pies and cookies will be available for sale.

Also available will be voter registration forms, free blood pressure screenings, and health information about sickle cell disease and bone marrow donation. Inside the house, an exhibit about the origins of Juneteenth and the history of slavery in New Jersey will provide historical context to the day.

The Country Store also will be open, offering history-themed treasures, including early American games, books, and toys; quill pens and ink; historic cookbooks; cookie molds; tin lanterns; and decorative items. There is local honey and the Original 1910 Chocolate Fudge Sauce.

Parking is available on neighboring streets. Admission is free; donations are appreciated.

About Durand-Hedden House and Garden

Durand-Hedden House is dedicated to telling the history of the development of Maplewood and the surrounding area in new and engaging ways. It is located in Grasmere Park at 523 Ridgewood Road in Maplewood. For more information or to arrange group tours call 973-763-7712. Visit www.durandhedden.org and find us on Facebook and Twitter.

About the SOMA Community Coalition on Race

The South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race is a nationally recognized non-profit organization that envisions a community that is a model for the nation in which people of different races, ethnic, groups, and backgrounds can interact, form friendships, and participate fully in the community’s economic, political, civic, educational, and cultural life. The Coalition creates strategies to support stably integrated residential neighborhoods, advocates for racial equity and excellence for all students in the schools, and brings the community together to learn, to build relationships across racial and cultural barriers, and to celebrate differences. The Coalition’s website is www.communitycoalitiononrace.org.