ABOUT
Our Story
Mt. Zion AME Church
Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum
The Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum was founded in 2016, born from decades’ worth of research conducted by its co-founders Beverly Mills and Elaine Buck. SSAAM is located in Skillman, NJ at Mt. Zion AME Church and The Reasoner/True House, two historically African American-owned properties in Skillman, New Jersey.
Who We Are
Our strength lies in our diversity. At SSAAM, we are proud to have a team that reflects the rich tapestry of the African American experience and embraces a wide spectrum of backgrounds, perspectives, and talents.
Our diverse team is the heart and soul of our institution, and their collective dedication and passion drive our mission forward. Here, you will find historians, curators, educators, artists, administrators, and many others who bring a multitude of skills and experiences to the table.
We present exhibits, lectures, and cultural programming throughout the year. Our mission is to foster a broader understanding of the untold parts of American history.
Our work gives voice to individuals who were relegated to the margins, by unearthing, preserving, and sharing their stories with the broader community. This work is essential if we are to imagine and advance a more just and equitable future.
— Catherine Fulmer-Hogan
President
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A Brief History
SSAAM was founded in 2016 with headquarters at Mt. Zion AME Church. The historic church was listed to the New Jersey State Register of Historic Places in 2018 and the National Register of Historic Places in 2021. In 2022, SSAAM and the Sourland Conservancy partnered to save the The Reasoner/True House, a historically African American-owned Small Land-Holding that now forms part of SSAAM’s museum complex.
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