The Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum (SSAAM) located in Montgomery Township has named their next leader.
Princeton, NJ —An important transition has taken place within the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum (SSAAM). Donnetta Johnson, the museum’s former executive director stepped down from her role on June 30, 2024. During her tenure, Donnetta was a driving force behind SSAAM's growth and success. Her dedication, vision, and hard work significantly advanced the museum’s mission of preserving and sharing the African American story from the trans-Atlantic slave trade to the present day, especially with the historical content relevant to the mid New Jersey region of our state.
SSAAM’s Board Chairperson Catherine Fulmer-Hogan and Donnetta Johnson, the museum’s former executive.
Under Donnetta’s leadership, SSAAM achieved remarkable milestones, including securing crucial grants, launching impactful programs, and fostering valuable partnerships. SSAAM’s Board Chairperson Catherine Fulmer-Hogan stated, “I have had the pleasure of watching SSAAM move through several chapters in its lifespan. It’s always equal parts joy and trepidation. We are grateful for the chapter that included Donnetta at the helm. There was so much good that was realized. Her vision mixed with the dedication of our amazing staff and board, and the overwhelming support from the community was a recipe for tremendous success. We celebrate that and we embrace this new chapter under Anita’s leadership. There are big things ahead for SSAAM. There have always been.”
As SSAAM navigates this transition, the board announced on July 1st that Anita Williams Galiano has been appointed as the Interim Executive Director. Anita brings over 15 years of experience in strategic planning, team building, and operational management. Her involvement with the Executive Committee and extensive experience in both nonprofit and for-profit sectors makes her well-equipped to lead SSAAM through this new chapter.
Anita and her talented team of museum professionals have started the process of reaching out to existing supporters, volunteers, and program partners and is dedicated to fostering the reassurance that SSAAM’s commitment to the community and the museum’s mission remains steadfast. Anita offered, "SSAAM's important work of preserving, celebrating, and reframing the history of African American families and the communities they lived in within the Sourland Region will continue with vigor. We stand arm in arm with our dedicated donors, partners, and community members who have been integral in building SSAAM into the vital institution it is today. As we move forward, my vision is to deepen our impact by expanding our programs, forging new partnerships, and ensuring that the stories we tell resonate with future generations. We will honor the past and shape an inclusive future. I encourage you all to stay engaged and invested in SSAAM's journey ahead.”
The entire museum board including Founders Beverly Mills and Elaine Buck offer their gratefulness for everyone’s unwavering support and dedication to SSAAM thus far. Beverly chimed, “Together, we will continue to honor the past and inspire the future.” And Elaine stated, “We have come so far in our original mission and our hope remains that visitors will find the museum to be a sanctuary alive in history and inspired by our shared future.”
f you are interested in learning more about SSAAM you can visit the museum’s website here. One exciting event coming up this August is the New York Black Yankees Tribute Baseball Game to be held Friday, Aug 30, 2024 at 6:30 PM at TD Bank Ballpark where the Somerset Patriots will pay homage to the Negro Leagues and will be playing in honor of the New York Black Yankees. The Patriots will be wearing special uniforms during the game, which will include the SSAAM logo on it. These player-worn Jersey's will be available for Live Auction during the game to help raise funds and awareness for the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum. Get your tickets here.
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