Honor Juneteenth with a Tour of Gethsemane Cemetery in Little Ferry

The Forgotten History Hidden in a 1-Acre NJ Cemetery—And How You Can Visit This Juneteenth

then staff of the Ridgewood blog

Little Ferry NJ, What if a crucial piece of your local history was hiding right in plain sight?

This Juneteenth, the Bergen County Parks Department is offering a rare opportunity to step back in time and uncover a powerful, often-overlooked chapter of North Jersey’s past. For anyone looking to honor the true spirit of the holiday while discovering local history, a visit to Gethsemane Cemetery in Little Ferry is an absolute must.

Here is the incredible story behind this sacred historic site and how you can experience it yourself.

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What is Gethsemane Cemetery? A Sanctuary in a Divided Past

Established in 1860, Gethsemane Cemetery is a modest, one-acre burial ground located in Little Ferry, NJ. But its small size belies its massive historical significance.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, strict segregation laws systematically barred Black Americans from being buried in standard public and private cemeteries. Gethsemane was created specifically as a final resting place for the African American community living in nearby Hackensack.

• The Silent Majority: While only 50 gravestones remain standing today, historical records show that over 500 people are buried on this single acre of land.

• Preserving the Past: Recognizing its profound cultural weight, Bergen County purchased and meticulously restored the site in 1985, ensuring these stories wouldn’t be lost to time.

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Meet Elizabeth Dulfer: Bergen County’s Trailblazing Entrepreneur

Among the hundreds of souls resting at Gethsemane is one of the region’s most fascinating historical figures: Elizabeth Dulfer.

Long before the Civil War tore the nation apart, Dulfer defied the staggering odds stacked against Black women of her era. She established a highly successful clay-and-brickmaking business right along the banks of the Hackensack River. Her entrepreneurship and resilience make her a foundational pillar of Bergen County’s early economic history.

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Plan Your Visit: Honor, Reflect, and Remember

In honor of Juneteenth, the Bergen County Parks Department, through the Division of Cultural & Historic Affairs, is inviting the public to explore this rich pocket of Black history.

• When: Friday, June 19

• Where: Gethsemane Cemetery, Little Ferry, NJ

• Format: Self-guided tours

Whether you are a history buff, a North Jersey local, or looking for a meaningful way to spend the holiday, this self-guided tour offers a quiet space to honor the memory of the deceased and reflect on the systemic challenges they overcame.

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• Tags: Juneteenth NJ Gethsemane Cemetery Little Ferry NJ Bergen County Parks Black History Month Elizabeth Dulfer New Jersey History Local Events NJ