Woodbridge Library Presents “Black Americans in Woodbridge History: From Unseen to Seen”

Woodbridge Library Presents  “Black Americans in Woodbridge History: From Unseen to Seen”

When

Fri, Jun 2, 2023 - Thu, Jun 29, 2023    
All Day
FREE

Where

Woodbridge Main Library
1 George Frederick Plaza, Woodbridge Township, NJ, 07095

Event Type

WOODBRIDGE – The Woodbridge Public Library, with support from the Woodbridge Township Historic Preservation Commission, is proud to present “Black Americans in Woodbridge History: From Unseen to Seen,” a multimedia exhibit combining mixed-medium art installations by local Woodbridge artist S. Scott with historic documents and accompanying interpretation.

The exhibit will be on display on the 2nd floor of the Woodbridge Main Library, 1 George Frederick Plaza, Woodbridge NJ, from June 3 through June 29, 2023. An opening reception will be held on Friday, June 2 from 6:30-8:30. The reception will feature music by Derrick Braxton and John “DJ Wes” McGee. Light refreshments will be served.

Woodbridge is the oldest incorporated township in the State of New Jersey, chartered in 1669, and for much of its over 350-year history, 6-10% of Woodbridge’s population has been Black. Yet, except for a few anecdotes in popular histories and a scattering of sentences in academic volumes, the history of this population has not been recorded, compiled, and presented to the public. With “Black Americans in Woodbridge History: From Unseen to Seen” Woodbridge Public Library and the Woodbridge Township Historic Preservation Commission seek to start to correct the errors of omission that have stood in the way of inclusive history of our Township.

S. Scott is a Woodbridge artist and resident. A long-time participant of the Raritan Valley Community College’s annual Creativity Expo, her work has also been displayed at the WPL Main and Iselin branches.

Grant funding has been provided by the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners through a grant award from the Middlesex County Cultural and Arts Trust Fund. For additional information email localhistory@woodbridgelibrary.org or call 732-634-4450 x7120.