New Jersey Black Heritage Trail
According to the New Jersey Historical Commission, the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail legislation, signed into law by Governor Murphy on September 7, 2022, was enacted “to promote awareness and appreciation of Black history, heritage, and culture” that will “highlight Black heritage sites through historical markers and a trail-like path that connects the stories of Black life and resiliency.”
In October 2024, the Sea Isle City Historical Society and Museum, in concert with the City of Sea Isle City, nominated Sea Isle City for inclusion in the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail to memorialize the Niagara Movement Meetings held in Sea Isle City in 1909 and 1910. In January 2025, we were notified by the New Jersey Historical Commission that our nomination was approved for inclusion in the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail.
The Niagara Movement, led by William Monroe Trotter and W. E. B. Du Bois, was established in 1905 to address and redress racial oppression in the United States. The Niagara Movement’s 1909 and 1910 Annual Meetings were held at the original Methodist Church in Sea Isle City. It was here, in 1910, that W. E. B. Du Bois closed the Niagara Movement’s historic final meeting, encouraging all to support the fledgling National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Dr. Du Bois became the Editor of the NAACP’s magazine, The Crisis.
We are now working with the City and New Jersey Historical Commission to finalize the plans for the historical marker and its installation.