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UNITING
CULTURE AND PRESERVATION

We are a non-profit organization that aims to bring the local history and culture of Somerville, NJ to life. We are passionate about preserving and sharing the stories of our community in The Ville and we invite you to join us on our journey.

WELCOME!

Ubuntu Cultural Pavilion is a local community museum in Central Jersey that works to unearth, affirm, and celebrate the often overlooked and/or forgotten contributions of the African American community in The Ville and surrounding areas.  The Ubuntu Cultural Pavilion, Inc. (UCP) envisions a permanent Somerville location dedicated to the preservation of the community’s African American history and a public space to make connections to that past. UCP’s bold vision builds upon the community's legacy of activism.

 

We believe in this important work, and we desire to establish a permanent location to 
inspirationally create space, access, and opportunities to celebrate the African and African American experiences and history. Expanding the tapestry of Somerville’s rich history and surrounding areas.

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GETTING BACK TO OUR ROOTS

The mission of The Ubuntu Cultural Pavilion (UCP), a 501 c3 formed in 2022, is to uplift and document the stories of the African Americans who contributed to the growth of Somerville and preserve the community’s African American history. The Ubuntu Cultural Pavilion was established to augment the history of Somerville to include its history of contributions of Black and African American residents whose involvement and impact have been overshadowed, like much of American history involving formerly enslaved peoples, by the town’s Revolutionary War connections. It is the mission and purpose of UCP to challenge this neglect and change this tradition.

Upcoming Events & Exhibits

  • UCP Fall Pop-Up Museum Exhibit - November 9, 2024
    UCP Fall Pop-Up Museum Exhibit - November 9, 2024
    Sat, Nov 09
    Somerville Middle School Cafeteria
    Nov 09, 2024, 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
    Somerville Middle School Cafeteria , 51 W Cliff St, Somerville, NJ 08876 (High or Davenport St entrance on to the blacktop area)
    Nov 09, 2024, 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
    Somerville Middle School Cafeteria , 51 W Cliff St, Somerville, NJ 08876 (High or Davenport St entrance on to the blacktop area)
    Come and experience our Pop-Up Exhibit for a captivating exploration of impactful community narratives! All are welcome and it's free!
  • Ubuntu Cultural Pavilion "Roots & Wings" Walking Tour
    Ubuntu Cultural Pavilion "Roots & Wings" Walking Tour
    Sat, Aug 03
    Somerville Middle School -main entrance.
    Aug 03, 2024, 11:00 AM – 11:40 AM
    Somerville Middle School -main entrance., 51 W Cliff St, Somerville, NJ 08876, USA
    Aug 03, 2024, 11:00 AM – 11:40 AM
    Somerville Middle School -main entrance., 51 W Cliff St, Somerville, NJ 08876, USA
    Please arrive by 10:50 to check in.
  • Paul Robeson Arts Festival & Pop Up Museum - June 22, 2024
    Paul Robeson Arts Festival & Pop Up Museum - June 22, 2024
    Sat, Jun 22
    Somerville Middle School Cafeteria
    Jun 22, 2024, 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
    Somerville Middle School Cafeteria, Somerville, NJ 08876, USA
    Jun 22, 2024, 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
    Somerville Middle School Cafeteria, Somerville, NJ 08876, USA
    Join us for our inaugural Paul Robeson Arts Festival! This event promises to be a vibrant celebration of history and the arts. "The Women of the Ville" is a featured exhibit. The event is free and all are welcome. community and surrounding areas.
  • Rooted in Resistance, Grounded in This Place - November 11, 2023
    Rooted in Resistance, Grounded in This Place - November 11, 2023
    Sat, Nov 11
    Somerville
    Nov 11, 2023, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
    Somerville, Somerville, NJ 08876, USA
    Nov 11, 2023, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
    Somerville, Somerville, NJ 08876, USA
  • An Expanded “Rooted in Resistance, Grounded in This Place” - August 26, 2023
    An Expanded “Rooted in Resistance, Grounded in This Place” - August 26, 2023
    Sat, Aug 26
    Somerville
    Aug 26, 2023, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    Somerville, Somerville, NJ 08876, USA
    Aug 26, 2023, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    Somerville, Somerville, NJ 08876, USA
  • “Roots and Wings” Pop Up Museum - June 17, 2023
    “Roots and Wings” Pop Up Museum - June 17, 2023
    Sat, Jun 17
    Somerville
    Jun 17, 2023, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
    Somerville, Somerville, NJ 08876, USA
    Jun 17, 2023, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
    Somerville, Somerville, NJ 08876, USA
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