By: Najla Alexander
Middlesex County officials announced that the County celebrated African American history and heritage at East Jersey Old Town Village, welcoming special guest Michele Jones Galvin, Harriet Tubman’s great-great-great-grandniece and co-author of Beyond the Underground—Aunt Harriet, Moses of Her People.
Presented by the Arts Institute of Middlesex County, the Division of History and Historic Preservation, and the NAACP Metuchen Edison and Piscataway Branch, the event brought together residents from across the region for an inspiring afternoon of storytelling, food, crafts, and interactive activities honoring African American culture and legacy.
MCPO officials say the celebration also highlighted the Cato Hoagland House’s new exhibit, which features artifacts, documents, and primary sources that share the stories of enslaved and free African Americans who lived in Middlesex County.
Cato Hoagland was a free Black man who purchased the house in 1862 and lived here until 1899, according to Middlesex County officials.
Middlesex County officials said the exhibit reflects the County’s ongoing commitment to preserving and amplifying underrepresented voices in history.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit East Jersey Old Town Village to explore the Cato Hoagland House exhibit, open during regular Village hours, MCPO officials say.
East Jersey Old Town has been designated as a New Jersey Black Heritage Trail site by the New Jersey Historical Commission. 
To learn more about upcoming arts, history, and cultural events in Middlesex County, visit MiddlesexCountyCulture.com and visit middlesexcountynj.gov/history.