Camden County History Month: Exhibit About the Enslaved Africans of Pomona Hall
Thursday, October 06, 2022
Camden City, NJ—The Camden County Historical Society invites the public to join us for the opening of an exhibit “Say My Name”: Enslaved Africans of Pomona Hall on Sunday, October 9, 2022 from 3PM to 5PM at 1900 Park Boulevard in Camden, NJ. The event will feature a presentation of stories and documents relating to the lives of seventeen people held in bondage at the historic house during the 18th century.
Although Pomona Hall was the home of the Quaker Cooper family from 1726-1795, the owners of the house held men, women, and children in bondage until the 1790s. The exhibit traces the stories of these enslaved persons through primary documents relating to their enslavement, their obtainment of freedom, and their lives as free persons of color in early Camden County. Artistic portrayals of each of the individuals, created by photographer Erik James Montgomery, will be unveiled at the event. CCHS librarian and genealogist Bonny Beth Elwell will also briefly discuss her new research that resulted in the exhibit and the artistic portrayals. The event is free and open to the public.
This event is one of more than seventy activities taking place during Camden County History Month from October 1 to October 31, 2022, when thirty participating historic sites and history organizations throughout Camden County will be open with special exhibits, reenactments, and guided tours for adults and children. A full list of all the events during Camden County History Month, with hours and locations, is available at www.camdencountyhistoryalliance.com, or pick up an event guide at any of the local historic sites. Camden County History Month is hosted by the Camden County History Alliance, an association of 50 Camden County history organizations, historic sites, and support agencies. For updates on upcoming events, visit www.camdencountyhistoryalliance.com.
For more information about the “Say My Name”: Enslaved Africans of Pomona Hall exhibit, please contact the Camden County Historical Society at 856-964-3333, [email protected], or www.cchsnj.org. We look forward to your visit!