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

Friends of the Howe House are urging support during Juneteenth events to further ensure the historic landmark’s place in the culture and community of Montclair and New Jersey. The group hopes funds and interest can be raised to install a commemorative marker at the historic Montclair property on Claremont Avenue.

  • On June 20, the group will hold a cocktail fundraiser entitled ‘Honoring the Journey’ at 7 to 10 p.m. at Art is Bond gallery, 8 Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair. The event will highlight the three 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

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.

Kimberly Latortue, President of Friends of the Howe House said the group is excited to celebrate the 160th anniversary of Juneteenth and the Howe House’s addition to the Black Heritage Trail. A commemorative marker on the Howe House will ensure its importance is acknowledged:

“Juneteenth is not only a celebration of freedom, but a call to remember the stories of those who endured, overcame, and made history. The Howe House, the first home in Montclair owned by a previously enslaved African American, is one of those stories. This year, Friends of the Howe House is proud to honor that legacy by hosting a fundraiser to place a permanent commemorative marker at the Howe House and bring people together in celebration, reflection, and unity at our Juneteenth Festival. We invite everyone to join us in supporting this vital piece of history and ensuring it continues to inspire for generations to come.”

Cathy Smith, Vice President of Friends of the Howe House said:

“Since the community rallied to purchase the Howe House over two years ago, the support has been overwhelming and we need this to continue to amplify the significance of the Howe House. Let’s come together to honor the past and ensure a vibrant future for Montclair’s Black history.”

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.

This year’s events are made possible thanks to the generous support of our proud sponsors: Eureka Lodge #52, Golconda Temple #24, and the Montclair YMCA.We also extend heartfelt thanks to our community partners for their invaluable contributions: Montclair Public Library, Montclair Community Pre-K, Jersey Bee, ICAP, and A Better Me.

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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