Events

This three-session virtual course taught by Rick Geffken will cover the period of historic New Jersey slavery starting in the 1620s to the passage of the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1865. Attendees will learn that New Jersey was the last northern state to agree to abolish slavery once and for all, after many furtive attempts. The course will highlight the enslavement of African Americans and Lenape Native Americans in Monmouth County. Runaway slave ads in newspapers, maps, and images of the enslaved and slaveholders will illustrate how endemic and important slavery was to the growth of the Garden State. Stories gathered from contemporary descendants of enslaved people will provide insight into a vital part of American history only now coming to public attention. Attendees will be introduced to the work of many scholars who have studied and published books on slavery in New Jersey.

This three-session virtual course taught by Mike Farragher (88) builds on the wildly popular Intro to Memoir Writing workshops with an emphasis on character development, dialogue, and scene setting that will make any story a page turner. Practical lessons are interspersed with writing prompts to get the creativity going during this 3 week course. No prior writing experience needed and all levels welcome!