Celebrating Black History Month ~ 2023 

The Abraham Staats House Presents “Tory Jack Day”

An Award-Winning Program for Excellence in History & Education ~
Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission.

The Friends of Abraham Staats House and South Bound Brook Historic Preservation Advisory Commission are delighted to once again present the “Tory Jack Day” program at the Abraham Staats House.

This annual event, held each February in honor of Black History Month, celebrates the contribution and sacrifices of Afro-Americans in the foundation of our nation.

This year we have two featured presentations:

• 9:30AM: Welcome – Somerset County Commission Director Shanel Y. Robinson
  
• 9:35AM: Award-winning author Cindy Williams Newsome discusses her recently published book: “Hobbstown:  The Forgotten Legacy of a Unique African American Community.”
  
• 11AM: Our featured performer at the event for two decades, Joe Becton, renowned historian and former National Park Service Interpretive Specialist, is joined by his brother for a special presentation, “The Becton Brothers’ Musical Walk Through History.”  Joe Becton sets a standard of excellenc connecting Americans to our historic past through his inspiring narrative and music.

We are offering two options for attending.  When you reserve an online ticket, you may select either:    In-Person     OR     Remote (via Zoom) 

The in-person seating is limited; house opens 9AM, programs begins at 9:30AM. After, tour the historic Abraham Staats House until 1:30PM. Light refreshments.

Admission is $15; Children 12 & under are free. ***To guarantee seating, advance reservations are encouraged for those attending in-person.***  To Register for in-person or Zoom attendance, click on “Tickets.”

Please allow two-week notice for accessibility and assistive services requests.

We ask that our visitors be mindful of any current COVID recommendations.  

Click here for the Tory Jack flyer.

Special video: “The Old Kitchen at the Abraham Staats House: A Window into Slavery in New Jersey,” gives a glimpse into the reality of slavery in New Jersey and the lives of the enslaved people who were part of the living history of the Staats’ homestead during the 18^th and 19^th century.  Click here to view this video.