Effort To Buy Montclair House Steeped In Black History Continues

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Community activists continue their campaign to purchase a historic home in Montclair that once belonged to the first African American man to own property in the township.

Friends of the Howe House recently held a benefit event to help raise funds to purchase the property at 369 Claremont Avenue known as the James Howe House. While successful, more money is needed, advocates said.

A GoFundMe campaign seeks to raise $379,000 to aid in the preservation effort. Learn more or make a donation here.

According to the fundraiser page:

“If we don’t preserve African American history, it WILL be erased. History is not for sale! We need your help today, not tomorrow. The James Howe House is an essential part of African American History in Montclair, NJ. The Howe House is one of the oldest properties in Montclair and the first property owned by an African-American, James Howe. After manumitting Howe, Nathaniel Crane left him THIS house, six acres of land, and $400 in his will. This house came to be known as the Freed Slave House.”

Here's the problem, organizers said:

“This house is on the market now, listed initially with the title ‘Attention Investors!’ This is where you can help us save the Howe House. The goal is to purchase the property to ensure the preservation of this treasured piece of the town’s history. Through community efforts, we have raised over $25,000 for a down payment, but that isn’t enough. We need YOUR help, and we need it NOW. Please consider helping us reach our goal and secure the necessary funds to purchase this property. #PrincipleOverProfit.#HoweHouseMatters.”

Organizers added:

“The fight to save heritage is not new, and the erasure of African American History is rampant. Montclair is no different. Home to many African Americans who have paved the way for generations, James Howe’s home has signified the importance of home ownership to the African American community since 1831. This is the moment we have in Montclair and Essex County to stem the tide of black loss. The James Howe House could be, for our region a monument to truth, a bulwark against erasure, and a place where all can visit and learn the full truth of Montclair's history as it is told, not sold. The struggles we are currently facing in this zero hour, is to ensure that the property isn’t sold to a developer and ownership is returned to the African American community in a manner that is worthy and good, it will require support from people like you. Please consider donating to this effort, any amount is appreciated.”

Learn more about the effort to preserve the James Howe House here.

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