The New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC) unveiled a New Jersey Black Heritage Trail historical marker at The Point at the intersection of Ellis and Potter Streets on Borough of Haddonfield-owned and maintained land.
On the basis of the nomination submitted by Haddonfield Public Library and The Preserving Black Haddonfield History Project, this location has been designated for inclusion on the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail.
Although there are some 400 historic designations in Haddonfield, this is the first official marker to commemorate the African American Experience. Haddonfield’s once vibrant African-American community housed most of the earliest residents here. From the mid-1840s, this small yet vibrant free Black community continued to grow throughout the 19th century. By the start of the 20th century, about 10% of Haddonfield's population was Black, most living in The Point.
Signed into law by Governor Murphy on September 7, 2022, the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail legislation calls for the NJHC to establish a Black Heritage Trail that will “highlight Black heritage sites through historical markers and a trail-like path that connects the stories of Black life and resiliency.”
“The stories of our Black communities are inextricably linked to the story of New Jersey,” said Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, who oversees the New Jersey Historical Commission in her role as Secretary of State. “That is why it is so important to uplift the histories of neighborhoods like The Point in Haddonfield and to explore the legacy left by those who lived there.”
“This marker is more than a sign—it’s a long-overdue tribute to the African-American families, leaders, and institutions who helped shape Haddonfield,” said Mayor David Siedell. “As we approach the 250th anniversary of America’s independence, we must ensure the full story is told—one that includes the vibrant community that once thrived at The Point.”
“We are extremely grateful to Governor Murphy, the New Jersey Historical Commission and Black Heritage Trail, as well as the Borough of Haddonfield, the Haddonfield Historic Preservation Commission, Haddonfield Alumni Society, Historical Society of Haddonfield, Haddonfield Plays & Players, Camden County Cultural Awareness Commission, and our co-applicant Haddonfield Public Library for making history with us in this manner,” said C. Adrienne Rhodes, founding president, The Preserving Black Haddonfield History Project.
Since 2022, 119 nominated sites have been selected for the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail. In addition to The Point in Haddonfield, other sites include: the Historically Black Franklin Street School, a school for Black Cape May students when New Jersey public schools were segregated, Hinchliffe Stadium, the former home of Negro League Baseball, and Thomas Mundy Peterson, the first Black voter after the adoption of the 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
The trail is intended to be a living trail, inviting visitors and passersby to engage with the sites’ art and history. Each historical marker will be 30x42 inches with black letters against a white background with gold trim. The markers will be mounted on a 7-foot pole. A square 6x6-inch aluminum plate will be attached to most marker poles with a QR code that leads visitors to the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail website. On select markers, visitors will find a 5x10-inch aluminum plate with a Virtual Museum QR code. The New Jersey Black Heritage Trail Virtual Museum invites viewers to learn more about Black history and heritage sites in New Jersey through photographs, documents, and other related information. No application is required to access the Virtual Museum, but visitors will need to scan the QR code and follow the on-screen prompts to activate the experience.
“Our goal is to make the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail an engaging experience for the public,” said NJHC executive director Sara Cureton. “Through itineraries, events, and virtual museums, visitors can become active participants in their exploration of the past.”
New Jersey Black Heritage Trail sites are selected through a community-driven process. Each year, the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail reviews nominations from the public as well as staff recommendations. The final selections are approved by the New Jersey Historical Commission.
In addition to historical markers, the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail provides programmatic opportunities. Those interested in attending a Black history event connected to the Trail can find a curated list of offerings at https://linktr.ee/blackhistorynj.
As part of the legislation establishing the Black Heritage Trail, the New Jersey Historical Commission works in cooperation with other state agencies, each of which has a unique role in implementing the project. This includes the Division of Travel and Tourism, New Jersey’s leading voice for promoting the importance of tourism as essential to the state’s economy, image, and overall quality of life; the New Jersey Historic Preservation Office, which is charged with preserving, protecting, and promoting the state’s historic resources; and the New Jersey Black Heritage Foundation, which prioritizes broadening and diversifying statewide participation in and appreciation for Black arts, history, and culture.
Through private funding led by the Haddonfield Foundation with support from the Haddonfield Rotary Club Foundation, two markers were installed earlier this year at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church and the Lincoln Avenue School, a segregated school (now, Tarditi Commons, located at 325 Lincoln Avenue). Two additional markers at sites included on the walking tour are planned for 2026.