On Saturday, June 7, the Dr. James Still Historic Site and Education Center on Church Road in Medford will be hosting a special event entitled “Juneteenth Celebration: Africans in America.” From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., a series of presentations, performances, and activities will be scheduled to be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. This event is provided through a Medford Historical Society and Burlington County College partnership.
Featured speakers will include Ralph Hunter, president and founder of the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey, Terrell Person, great-great-grandson of Dr. James Still and pastor of Jacob’s Chapel, Paul Schopp, historian, speaker, author and recognized expert on African American history in Southern New Jersey, Samuel Still, great-great-grandnephew of Dr. James Still, speaker, and raconteur, Angeline Dean, self-described social activist and author of “Not Just a Slave!”, Rev. Dr. Jeannie Muetz Francis, herbalist and recognized expert in Dr. Still’s medicinal use of herbs, Diane Emerson, nationally recognized clay and water-color artist, and more.
Musical performances will be provided by Kym Still during the opening program at 11 a.m., and “old time Gospel” music will be provided by the Golden Spirit Singers, eight musicians from the South Jersey and Philadelphia area, during a community luncheon. A dance performance will be staged by Annie Koukaui, of Cameroon, central Africa.
From 12 noon to 1 p.m. a community luncheon will be held. Anyone who brings a dish to share will receive tickets for two people to eat for free. Otherwise, luncheon tickets will cost $5 each.
Also to be revealed at the event will be four murals, three created by middle school students and another by an adult artist. These murals will hang permanently on the grounds of the Education Center. Invited vendors will also be set up at the event. Items for sale will include original artwork of several media, herbs and herb products, 19th century antiques and replicas, educational materials, and other items that will enhance the event experience for visitors. Children will have the opportunity to make a hands-on craft to take home, and those who wish may, for a small donation to support educational programs, create a quilt square on-site that will be included in a large quilt on permanent display in the education center. Guided tours through the back acres and buildings of the late 19th and 20th century farm will also be offered.
Admission is free, but donations are always welcome. Free overflow parking will be available at Fellowship Alliance Chapel at 199 Church Road, Medford, and free shuttles will be running between their parking lot and the event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, please contact organizers at [email protected] or visit www.facebook.com/drjamesstill.
