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AJR 234

Celebrates and commemorates Timbuctoo's 200th anniversary.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Andrea Katz

New Jersey officially celebrates Timbuctoo's 200th anniversary, recognizing its role in the Underground Railroad and its status as a beacon of African-American resilience.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee
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Bill Summary · AJR 234

AJR 234 Summary — Joint Resolution Celebrating Timbuctoo’s 200th Anniversary

Purpose and Intent

  • AJR 234 is a joint resolution introduced in the New Jersey Assembly on November 17, 2025, aimed at celebrating and commemorating the 200th anniversary of Timbuctoo, an unincorporated African-American settlement in Westampton Township, Burlington County.
  • The resolution emphasizes Timbuctoo as a symbol of African-American resiliency and historical contributions, including its role in the Underground Railroad and the broader history of freedom for Black New Jersey residents.

Background and Context

  • Timbuctoo is located along the Rancocas Creek and was established by formerly enslaved and free African-Americans.
  • Early settlement details: the first four men to settle in 1826 were David Parker, Wardell Parker, Ezekiel Parker, and Hezekiah Hall, who had escaped slavery in Maryland.
  • The settlement first appears on a deed in 1830 and residents begin appearing on the census in that year.
  • The name references the ancient African city Tombouctou (Timbuktu).
  • In 1854, land was purchased for the Zion Wesleyan Methodist Episcopal African Church, reflecting ties to the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church denomination, which had notable abolitionist associations.
  • Timbuctoo served as a stop on the Underground Railroad and was strategically located for access from the Delaware River.
  • A notable historical event: in 1860, locals defended a resident, Perry Simmons, against slave catcher George Alberti in an incident later called the Battle of Pine Swamp.
  • In March 2024, Timbuctoo was selected as one of the first 32 sites for the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail program, overseen by the New Jersey Historical Commission (a division of the Department of State), which aims to promote awareness of Black history, heritage, and culture.

Key Provisions

  1. The State of New Jersey celebrates and commemorates the 200th anniversary of Timbuctoo.
  2. Copies of the resolution, filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted to:
    • New Jersey Black Heritage Trail Advisory Committee
    • Timbuctoo Advisory Committee
    • Timbuctoo Historical Society
  3. The joint resolution takes effect immediately.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Status: Introduced in the Assembly and referred to the Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee.
  • Introduced Date: November 17, 2025.
  • Related/Companion Legislation: SJR 170 (companion).

Impact and Who Is Affected

  • Primarily symbolic and ceremonial recognition of Timbuctoo’s 200th anniversary.
  • Raises public awareness of Timbuctoo’s history, Underground Railroad significance, and contributions to African-American heritage.
  • Potentially supports local heritage organizations (Timbuctoo Advisory Committee, Timbuctoo Historical Society) by formal acknowledgment and encouragement to engage the public.
  • No explicit fiscal provisions are stated in the text; the impact is informational and commemorative.

Notes

  • The resolution highlights Timbuctoo’s early settlement by formerly enslaved and free African-Americans, its Underground Railroad connections, and its defense against slave catching, as well as its designation under the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail program.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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