Native American history in Hopewell Valley will take center stage when the Hopewell Valley Heritage Weekend is held from May 23 through May 27.
During those five days, the events will feature stories, culture and contributions of Native Americans in the region.
“I think because we are having a national conversation about Native American history and we have such a rich history here in Hopewell Valley, we thought this was a great time to expose our community to the history here,” explained Catherine Fulmer-Hogan, event founder and Hopewell Valley Heritage Committee Chair.
She revealed that being aware that the conversation was going on, is what impacted the programming for the weekend events.
The weekend is organized by the Hopewell Valley Heritage Committee, which partnered with nine organizations to provide a multitude of events.
The partnering organizations are the Hopewell Museum, Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum, Hopewell Valley Historical Society, Stoutsburg Cemetery Association, Pennington African Cemetery Association, Hopewell Valley Veterans Association, Hopewell Public Library, Pennington Public Library and the Washington Crossing Park Association.
“I think having all these different voices give us glimpses into each of the communities. Having these voices was important,” Fulmer-Hogan said. “What we thought made sense was letting each of these organizations tell us what they would like to do to contribute to the event. We played with schedules to make it all work.”
Events for residents and guests will include an Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social along River Drive in Titusville, an opening reception with a special musical performance by local a capella ensemble, at Hopewell Hall, a USCT Civil War Encampment on the grounds of The Hopewell Museum complete with a Firing Drill & Demonstration, and a presentation on the history and current work of the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Nation by Rev. John H. Norwood, the Principal Justice of the Tribal Supreme Court and Councilman-at-Large for the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Nation in South Jersey, according to officials.
This is the second annual Heritage Valley Heritage Weekend in the Hopewell Valley region.
“When I came onto the board of the Hopewell Museum two years ago I wanted to make a contribution to the work the Hopewell Museum was already doing. What was important early on was working with the community and making our presence known,” she said. “That is why I created this weekend event to bring the community together and celebrate our history.”
Fulmer-Hogan said the Committee’s dream is to one day have a full week of events for their annual Heritage Weekend.
“We want people to understand this weekend that not only is there rich Native American history here in Hopewell Valley, but that there are Native Americans still here in this state. They are continuing to do important work,” she said. “We should listen to their stories and here what they have to say.”
For more information about the weekend slate of events, visit www.thehopewellmuseum.org.