On March 31, 1870, Thomas Mundy Peterson became the first African American in the nation to vote under the 15th Amendment …
when he cast his ballot in a Perth Amboy, NJ city charter referendum election. He was encouraged by his white employer to exercise a citizen’s right at the poll, but went home for lunch first to think it over. This raises the question: Where did he make his mind up? Where did Peterson and his family call home?
Researching Peterson’s life for his 2020 book, “To Cast a Freedman’s Vote,” historian and author Gordon Bond reveals the fascinating story of how they came to own their own home and the opportunity for archeology on the site.
Special “Zoom” Program with Author Gordon Bond Event Details/Register
Join us in person at the Abraham Staats House, or remotely, to view a Zoom presentation by Gordon Bond as he explores this intimate aspect of the life of an underappreciated figure in civil and voting rights history!
Admission: $15 ~ Advance Reservations encouraged — Two Options: attend remotely, via Zoom OR in person, to view Mr. Bond’s Zoom presentation at the historic Abraham Staats House. Light refreshments and tours to follow. House open for seating at 1:30 PM. Zoom lecture: 2 PM. House closes at 3:30 PM.