Juneteenth Celebration and Program
On Sat., June 11, 2022, the Kenilworth Historical Society will present a colorful, enlightening program celebrating African-American culture and the significance of the Juneteenth holiday, which annually commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans. It will feature an inspiring interactive visit with renowned anti-slavery abolitonist and Underground Railroad “conductor” Harriet Tubman, as portrayed by acclaimed actress and historical interpreter Dr. Daisy Nelson Century.
The planned Juneteenth program and celebration will take place at the historic Oswald J. Nitschke House (49 South 21 Street, Kenilworth), starting at 1 p.m. Traditional Juneteenth refreshments will be served. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children under the age of 12. Advance registration is requested, as seating is limited. The Nitschke House has an elevator and is fully accessible. For information and reservations, please call 908-709-0434.
Participants in the program, which has universal value for all cultures and age groups, will have the opportunity to learn about Harriet Tubman, the Civil War and the Underground Railroad in addition to the historical significance of the Juneteenth holiday, which is observed on June 19. Tubman, who was born into slavery, escaped and subsequently made some 13 missions to rescue approximately 70 enslaved people using the network of antislavery activists/abolitionists and safe houses known as the Underground Railroad, hence fulfilling her role as a “conductor.”
The June 11 program at the Nitschke House is made possible in part by a 2022 HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant from the Union County Board of County Commissioners. The Kenilworth Education Association F.A.S.T. Committee is generously contributing food for the event.
Proceeds will benefit the Kenilworth Historical Society’s Oswald J. Nitschke House (c. 1880) “living history” museum and cultural arts center by helping defray operating and programming costs.
Dr. Daisy Nelson Century is a Philadelphia-based educator, actress, historical interpreter, motivational speaker, author and radio talk show host whose programs have inspired and delighted audiences throughout the United States.
She holds B.S., M.Ed. and Ed.D. degrees and has taught for more than 20 years in the Philadelphia School System as an award-winning science teacher. Her acting career has included lead roles in several independent movies, and an affinity for history led to her successful profession as a historical interpreter who travels throughout the United States effectively portraying such historical figures as Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Mary Fields, Phyllis Wheatley, Hatshepsut, Madame CJ Walker and Bessie Coleman. As an author, she has penned four books: Belle, Ms. Emmaline’s Little Book of Wit and Wisdom, Zach and His Lucky Zebra Socks and Deedle, Deedle Your House is on Fire!
The Kenilworth Historical Society (www.kenilworthhistoricalsociety.org) is an independent, non-profit, tax-exempt, 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to the research, preservation and interpretation of the Oswald J. Nitschke House, local history and culture.
