Stories of Slavery in New Jersey
The Union County Historical Society is proud to host Rick Geffken as the October 5th speaker at the regular meeting of the organization at 2:00 p.m. at the Hanson House. His presentation is entitled “Stories of Slavery in New Jersey.”
“Most people in the Garden State,” Mr. Geffken said, “are not aware that New Jersey was a slave-holding state for two hundred years before it became the last northern state to outlaw human enslavement.”
Mr. Geffken is part of the New Jersey Slavery Record Index under the auspices of Rutgers University. He has authored numerous articles on New Jersey history and presented papers at the New Jersey History and Historic Preservation Conference. He has taught courses on New Jersey slavery at Monmouth University and Revolutionary War topics at Brookdale Community College, and works closely with the Middletown Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Mr. Geffken is the author of several books on New Jersey history, including The Story of Shrewsbury Revisited, 1965–2015, Lost Amusement Parks of the North Jersey Shore, Hidden History of Monmouth County, To Preserve & Protect, Stories of Slavery in New Jersey, and New Jersey’s Revolutionary Rivalry: The Untold Story of Col. Tye vs. Capt. Huddy.
UCHS Student Scholarship Awards
Pictured from left to right are President Joanne Rajoppi, Award Committee Member Charles Shallcross, Lucas Luchsinger of Elizabeth, Charles Canedo of Cranford, Grace Mondaro of Roselle Park, and Award Committee Member Richard Esperon. Scholarship recipient Sophia Mekeb of Scotch Plains was unable to attend.
UCHS Old Fashioned Picnic Enjoyed By All
The Society’s annual picnic was an overall success as dark clouds disappeared and the sun made its appearance on September 7th. Approximately thirty members, friends, and prospective members gathered to enjoy hot dogs, hamburgers, homemade side dishes, and desserts.
Society President Joanne Rajoppi noted that the annual picnic provides an important opportunity for members—many of whom belong to local historical groups—to share news, exchange information, and renew friendships.
Looking forward to seeing everyone on Sunday, October 5th at the Hanson House at 2:00 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who is the October 2025 UCHS speaker?
Rick Geffken, historian and author, will speak on “Stories of Slavery in New Jersey” at the October meeting.
When and where is the UCHS October meeting?
The meeting will be held on Sunday, October 5, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Hanson House.
What is the New Jersey Slavery Record Index?
It is a research project under Rutgers University documenting the history of slavery in New Jersey.
Who received UCHS scholarships in 2025?
Scholarship recipients include Lucas Luchsinger, Charles Canedo, Grace Mondaro, and Sophia Mekeb.
When was the UCHS annual picnic held?
The annual picnic was held on September 7, 2025.
Related Newsletters
UCHS leaders receive the DAR American 250! Commendation and share the 2026 events calendar and December holiday party details.
Issue 181 recaps the Caldwell Memorial Rededication in Elizabeth, NJ, including restoration, remarks, wreath laying, and upcoming picnic details.
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Our longtime friend and Society Treasurer, Bill Frolich, sadly passed away on September 30th 2021. He was 101 years old, a 45-year member of UCHS, and the writer/editor of our Newsletter. Bill and his extraordinary knowledge of Union County history will be greatly missed.