Timbuctoo is a historic Black settlement located in Westampton, New Jersey. Established as early as the 1800s, it remains home to descendants of the original settlers who still reside in the community today.
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The New Jersey Historical Commission has released a valuable resource for history enthusiasts: a free online guide to selected sites on the Underground Railroad. This comprehensive booklet provides a chronology of events, detailed descriptions of sites and people involved, and suggested readings for further exploration. Alongside these insights, it's crucial to address and debunk several myths surrounding the Underground Railroad. Here are five common misconceptions:
Myth 1: Quilts Were Used as Signals
Contrary to popular belief, quilts were not used to signal freedom seekers. The Underground Railroad was a loose network of individuals and safe houses that assisted those escaping slavery. The notion of quilts as coded messages is a romanticized myth with no historical evidence to support it.
Myth 2: Quakers Were Solely Abolitionists
While Quakers were among the first and strongest abolitionists, it is important to recognize that they also participated in enslaving African Americans. The movement to free enslaved individuals was primarily driven by African Americans themselves, who played a crucial role in the struggle for liberation.
Myth 3: The Northern Promise Land
The idea that the North was a safe haven for freedom seekers is a simplification. By the time the term "Underground Railroad" was popularized in the 1830s to 1860s, southern enslavers often traveled north to capture those who had escaped. The 1850 Fugitive Slave Act intensified this danger, forcing many freedom seekers to continue their journey to Canada to ensure their safety.
Myth 4: Walking to Freedom
The image of freedom seekers solely walking to freedom is incomplete. While many did travel on foot, they also used various other methods, including traveling by sea, wagons, and trains. The journey to freedom often involved a combination of these modes of transportation.
Myth 5: Hush Puppies
A particularly outlandish myth circulating on social media claims that freedom seekers carried hush puppies to distract and feed dogs during their escape. This is entirely false. Such myths distort the true and often perilous experiences of those who sought freedom.
The guide by The New Jersey Historical Commission is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the history of the Underground Railroad. By debunking these myths and providing accurate historical context, we can better understand and appreciate the bravery and resilience of those who fought for freedom.
Explore the detailed history, visit the significant sites, and read about the remarkable individuals who were part of this extraordinary network. Let’s honor their legacy by learning and sharing the truth about their courageous journeys.
Steal Away, Steal Away, A Guide to the Underground Railroad in New Jersey
Once, I was told an awful story about a school district's misguided attempt to incorporate Black History tours into their curriculum. They chose the Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia as their destination. My heart sank just thinking about the impact labeling a trip to a prison as a "Black History Tour" could have on the psyche of a Black child. This happened not more than a few years ago.
For teachers and parents seeking more comprehensive and uplifting options when teaching the story of Black joy and determination, Rann Miller's book, "Resistance Stories from Black History for Kids," is an invaluable resource. The timeline of his subjects begins in Africa and extends to the present day. The short vignettes are powerful and engaging, featuring inspiring figures such as Ona Judge and her daring escape from George Washington, and highlighting significant events like "The Battle of Pine Swamp" in Timbuctoo, Westampton, NJ.
The history of Africans in America is indeed one of struggle, but it is also one of enduring strength and unwavering spirit. Miller's book, along with its expanded version, offers plenty to delight and inspire all youth, providing a much-needed narrative of Black joy and resilience. This is the kind of education that can truly uplift and empower, painting a more accurate and hopeful picture of Black history.
Expanded Version
https://www.amazon.com/Resistance-Stories-Black-History-Expanded/dp/B0CTGJ84LL
Original Version
https://www.amazon.com/Resistance-Stories-Black-History-Kids/dp/1646044452
As a family reunion planner, making history accessible has always been crucial to me. Each reunion year, we strive to find innovative ways to share the Toomer Family story. One year, I decided to create a set of postcards depicting people and places significant to our family. Normally, we create a publication for sale, but that year, we chose to give away reunion swag for free. Every family member, regardless of age, received a pack of these postcards. This simple gesture brought our family history to life in a tangible and memorable way.
Growing up in South Jersey, I've always been fascinated by the history that surrounds us. As a native of Lawnside and Berlin, I've developed a deep appreciation for the unique Black history and culture in these communities, as well as in the many others nearby. The rich historical tapestry of South Jersey has been a constant source of inspiration for me.
As a genealogist, my love for history has only deepened. Being able to see history visually and locally through primary sources has made it even more engaging. Viewing individuals in census records, maps, vital records, and newspapers brings the past to life in a way that is both informative and captivating.
To learn more about the inspiration and journey behind "Visualizing the Past," check out the Philadelphia Inquirer article by Melanie Burney
On July 13th, the Dr. James Still Center in Medford, NJ, will host a day where history comes alive through reenactment performances, nature ...
