FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 10, 2021
MEDIA CONTACT:
Derek Sands
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CULTURAL & HISTORIC AFFAIRS TO HOST JUNETEENTH TOUR AT GETHSEMANE CEMETERY
Featuring Q&A with Bergen County Historian Dr. Arnold Brown
(HACKENSACK, NJ) – In commemoration of Juneteenth, the County of Bergen will open historic Gethsemane Cemetery in Little Ferry to the public for self-guided tours on Saturday, June 19 from 1-4pm. The public viewing, which is being arranged by the County’s Division of Cultural & Historic Affairs (DCHA) will feature Bergen County historian Dr. Arnold Brown who will be on site to answer questions.
Gethsemane Cemetery was founded in 1860 as a burial ground for Hackensack’s African-American population. The graves of over 500 people have been documented. Among those buried are former slaves, wealthy landowners, and two Civil War veterans.
“We are always thrilled to open Gethsemane Cemetery to the public, and Juneteenth is a special date,” said Cynthia Forster, Director of the DCHA. “It allows us to highlight a historic site that belongs to all of us and especially our African-American population. The people buried here were not allowed to be buried in the general Hackensack cemetery due to their race. We want to make sure Bergen County residents don’t forget that history, but also feel encouraged by how far we’ve come.”
The DCHA is dedicated to preserving the often neglected history of Black Americans. Touring Gethsemane Cemetery provides an insight into an underrepresented aspect of Bergen County history.
No reservations necessary.
Who: The DCHA and Historian Dr. Arnold Brown
What: Self-guided tour of Gethsemane Cemetery – Dr. Arnold Brown available for questions
When: June 19th at 1-4pm
Where: Gethsemane Cemetery – Between Summit Place & Liberty Street (entrance on Summit Place) North of Rt. 46, Little Ferry
Why: To educate the public about an underrepresented aspect of Bergen County History.
The public can also access a recorded tour of Gethsemane Cemetery on the Bergen County website featuring Dr. Brown. The Cemetery is owned by Bergen County, and available for private tours through the Division of Cultural & Historic Affairs.
For more information regarding the Division of Cultural & Historic Affairs, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The Bergen County Division of Cultural & Historic Affairs is dedicated to supporting the arts, history, and historic preservation. The DCHA plays a leading role in building a flourishing cultural environment that benefits and distinguishes Bergen County as a New Jersey cultural destination, offering programs, services, and resources in all three areas.