Home » Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum Camp Meeting Revival is a Success

Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum Camp Meeting Revival is a Success

by MercerMe Staff

It was a glorious day for the Camp Meeting Revival fundraiser held in Skillman Park on Saturday, and a good time was had by all. Families and friends from near and far relaxed in the shade, picnicked, clapped and sang along with the renowned gospel singer, Bertha Morgan and Capital City Gospel Singers. Participants raised their voices (and some much-needed funds) to support the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum (“SSAAM”), in the Sourlands.

Sourland Conservancy Executive Director, Caroline Katmann, kicked off the event by thanking sponsors, volunteers, and participants, and updated the crowd on SSAAM’s work already in progress. Board members, Sourland Conservancy staff, and volunteers are working with Hopewell Valley, Princeton, and Montgomery teachers to write social studies lesson plans and curriculum supplements highlighting local African-American history. The board is also working with other school districts to arrange events and site visits for their students. The museum board also co-hosted a series of vision planning workshops, inviting experts on African-American history, staff from other museums, historians, and members of the community to provide input regarding the museum’s mission, goals, and objectives.

Jim Davidson, Denise Gonsiewski and Elaine Buck – photo by Laurie Cleveland
Kimberly Nagy, Bertha Morgan and Caroline Katmann (Photo by Laurie Cleveland)
John Buck, President of Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum board, addresses the crowd (Photo by Laurie Cleveland)

The mission of the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum is to tell the story of the unique culture, experience and contributions of the African-American community of the Sourland Mountain Region. The museum, currently in the planning stages, plans to open its doors next year.  It will be housed in the charming one-room Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church on Hollow Road, one of the most historic buildings in the Sourlands.

The SSAAM board would also like to thank Eric Henderickson for donating the stage for this event and Cliff Wilson for donating and operating the sound system. For more information, follow the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum’s Facebook page, call 609-309-5155 or email [email protected].

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