Supporters Get Behind Montclair Howe House Juneteenth Events

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of a Montclair community member. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

Supporters have come out in force to get behind Montclair’s Howe House Juneteenth events on June 20 and 21. Organizers say they are hopeful both events will raise funds and interest for a commemorative marker at the historic Montclair property on Claremount Avenue.

The events include:

• On June 20, the group will hold a cocktail fundraiser entitled ‘Honoring the Journey’ at 7-10pm at Art is Bond gallery 8 Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair. The event will highlight the 3 landmarks now part of the NJ Black Heritage Trail and raise funds for a commemorative marker on the James Howe House.
• On June 21, the group will hold a Juneteenth festival in Nishuane Park from 12-5pm. The event will include family fun, music, food, performances, and a tour of the three Black Heritage Trail sites: the Howe House, Montclair History Center and St Marks United Methodist Church

Supporters which are behind the events include: Eureka Lodge #52, Golconda Temple #24, AAPI New Jersey, and Montclair Baseball Softball Club. Community partners which have made invaluable contributions include: Montclair Public Library, Montclair Community Pre-K, Jersey Bee, ICAP, and A Better Me.

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.

Kimberly Latortue, President of Friends of the Howe House said community support for the Howe House Juneteenth events is vital: “Without community support and sponsors we would not have been able to rescue the Howe House and start cementing its place in Montclair’s and New Jersey’s history. This Juneteenth we want to celebrate the journey the community has made to get the Howe House where it is today and we are urging folks to come along and celebrate with us. It’s also a time to remember the stories of those who endured, overcame, and made history.”

Cathy Smith, Vice President of Friends of the Howe House said: “The support our community has shown in getting behind the Howe House has been overwhelming and we are looking forward to marking this during our Juneteenth events. Let's come together to ensure the historic landmark’s place in the culture and community of Montclair and New Jersey.”

The Howe House was bought for over $400,000 in a dramatic bid to save the historic home in December 2022 by Friends of the Howe House. 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.

Together, we honor Juneteenth by uplifting Black history, heritage, and resilience—right here in Montclair.

Anyone keen to get involved in fund-raising, volunteering or donations in-kind are asked to reach out to info@friendsofthehowehouse.org

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