Story after story came to light about the early African American settlers of this region, some of whom were their ancestors. Mills and Buck began to understand the magnitude of what they had begun, and it became clear that these stories and this powerful history needed to be shared.
The two decided to co-author a book, If These Stones Could Talk. The book aims to provide a clearer understanding of the African American experience and their accomplishments in Hopewell Valley (and surrounding area). Hopefully, it will be used as an addendum to the little known, missing black history facts left out of our family histories, our textbooks and libraries. The goal is to engage readers – and educate students – not only in New Jersey but also across America and beyond.
In support of the book Mills and Buck began scheduling appearances throughout the state. They were hired to lecture in 2014 by The Sourland Conservancy as part of their Train Station Series at the historic Hopewell Borough Train Station. That lecture, entitled “A Proud Heritage,” sparked a series of conversations that would lead to a partnership between the Stoutsburg Cemetery Association and the Sourland Conservancy. The product of that union was the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum.
