Big Turnout For Montclair’s Howe House At Juneteenth Events

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The future of a historic property in Montclair is more secure after a successful pair of fundraising events over the Juneteenth holiday, organizers say.

Supporters came out in force at the Montclair’s Howe House Juneteenth events on June 20 and June 21. Friends of the Howe House said that the effort will help secure the future of the historic property on Claremont Avenue.

Not familiar with the local landmark? According to a news release from organizers:

“James Howe worked as an enslaved man for Major Nathanial Crane in the early 1800s. After years of slavery, Crane ended Howe’s enslavement and in his 1831 will, Crane left Howe the house, $400, and approximately six acres of land … The local Montclair community group purchased the Howe House in December 2022, which was owned by James Howe, the first former enslaved person to own property in Montclair. Since then Friends of the Howe House have been working to secure its future as a vital part of New Jersey history. This year the Howe House and St Marks United Methodist Church joined the Montclair History Center on the New Jersey State Black Heritage trail. The group has also applied for state and national historic status for the landmark and says a commemorative marker on the Howe House will ensure its importance is acknowledged.”

Last week’s events included a big turnout at a cocktail fundraiser held on June 20 at Art is Bond gallery at Lackawanna Plaza. Funds raised will go towards a commemorative marker on the James Howe House.

Families turned out the next day for music, food and performances at a Juneteenth festival in Nishuane Park.

Supporters behind the events included Eureka Lodge #52, Golconda Temple #24, AAPI New Jersey, Union Congregational Church and Montclair Baseball Softball Club. Community partners which have made invaluable contributions include: Montclair YMCA, Montclair State University, Montclair Brewery, Casa of Essex, Uniquest Security, Willow North PM, Watchung Booksellers, Montclair NAACP, and Ironbound Farms.

“Yet again we have been overwhelmed by the community support for the Howe House and for ensuring its place in Montclair and New Jersey history,” said Kimberly Latortue, president of Friends of the Howe House.

“The events this Juneteenth embedded the Howe House in the commemoration of our shared past and the celebration of our resilience,” Latortue said. “There has never been a more important time to remember the stories of those who endured, overcame and made history.”

Want to help preserve this local landmark? Contact info@friendsofthehowehouse.org for more information about fundraising, volunteering or donating.

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