February 14: TORY JACK DAY AT THE ABRAHAM STAATS HOUSE

The Friends of the Abraham Staats House invite you and your family to a very special celebration for Black History Month, Tory Jack Day, honoring the life of a slave in the Staats who reputedly supported the American Revolution by spying on the British! The celebration will feature a presentation about the Underground Railroad by historian and re-enactor Joe Becton and a re-enactment of the 3rd Regiment United States Colored Troops Civil War!

DATE: Saturday, February 14
TIME: 11:00AM to 4:00PM
PLACE: The Staats House,
17 von Steuben Lane
South Bound Brook
(map/directions)
TKTS: Suggested donation, $3.00
INFO: info@staatshouse.org

[From the Staats House Website]

As part of its annual “Tory Jack Day” program celebrating Black History Month, the South Bound Brook Historic Preservation Advisory Commission, in conjunction with The Friends of the Abraham Staats House, Inc., and in partnership with the Women’s Guild of South Bound Brook, will present eminent historian, Joe Becton. Mr. Becton, will speak on the topic “Samuel Burris Speaks: Conductor on the Underground Railroad” at 11:00 am. Mr. Becton, a National Park Service Interpretive Park Ranger, has been recognized with the Community Service award for setting a standard of excellence in interpretation and for his role in connecting Americans to our national parks through wonderful stories and varied media.

Members of the 3^rd Regiment United States Colored Troops Civil War re-enactors will also participate as part of the presentation, and be on hand to answer questions and interact with the public.

Following Mr. Becton’s presentation, the public is invited to tour the historic Abraham Staats House and view an exhibit on slavery and the contributions of blacks to our national heritage, presented by local historian and Women’s Guild member, Mrs. Joyce Smith. Tours will end at 4 pm.