Durand-Hedden House Presents To Cast a Freedman's Vote

Last Sunday, February 24, Durand-Hedden House hosted NJ historian, author, and lecturer Gordon Bond. Mr. Bond delivered an informative talk on Thomas Mundy Peterson, who has been a subject of his individual research. Mr. Peterson was a Perth Amboy, NJ, resident who, on March 31, 1870, made history as the first African-American to cast a vote under the Fifteenth Amendment.

Many factors had conspired to make that moment possible, from the bloody Civil War to surprisingly progressive local attitudes. The presentation explored who Thomas Mundy Peterson was, how he came to cast his historic vote, and what happened afterward. Mr. Bond talked about the much wider significance that this particular vote had, as all of us today identify citizenship and civic responsiblity with the right to vote. This has its roots in the fifteenth amendment and with Mr. Peterson's historic action.

About 50 people packed the front room of Durand-Hedden House to hear the presentation. The attendees consisted of New Jersey residents of mixed races -- representing Mr. Peterson's legacy in New Jersey. The conversation afterwards focused on our joint responsiblities for civic engagement and the torch that has been passed to us, particularly as New Jersey residents, by Mr. Peterson. Mr. Bond was on hand to answer questions and to sign copies of his book, North Jersey Legacies: Hidden History from the Gateway to the Skylands.

Next month, Durand-Hedden will host Finding Your Roots Through DNA. For more information, visit the Durand-Hedden website or call 973-763-7712. The Durand-Hedden House is located at 523 Ridgewood Road in Maplewood.