GoElizabethNJ250 presents a special online conversation with descendants of families tied to Elizabeth’s Old First Cemetery. This unique monthly gathering brings together historians, community leaders, and family members to share stories of lineage, healing, and living history as we prepare for the 250th Anniversary Celebration.
These virtual meetings support ongoing outreach, genealogy research, speaker coordination, and the collective planning required for the in-person Descendants Reunion in 2026. Whether you’re a longtime researcher or newly exploring your family’s ties to early Elizabethtown, this series helps preserve and uplift the stories that shaped both Elizabeth and the American experience.
Featured Speakers & Descendant Panelists
- December 20, 2025 – Bob Gula
Descendant of the Harriman and Whitehead Families; Sons of the American Revolution - January 17, 2026 – Aimee Fernandez-Puente
Co-Chair, GoElizabethNJ250 Planning Committee - February 21, 2026 – Dr. Linda Caldwell-Epps
Historian; President/CEO, 1804 Consultants
Featured Speaker: Dr. Linda Caldwell-Epps
Our February gathering welcomes Dr. Linda Caldwell-Epps, historian and President/CEO of 1804 Consultants. A leading voice in African American public history and statewide historical initiatives, Dr. Caldwell-Epps brings decades of experience uncovering, interpreting, and elevating overlooked New Jersey narratives.
Her presentation will explore the intersections of race, memory, and genealogy, with a focus on how descendant communities reclaim family stories and restore historical accuracy. Dr. Caldwell-Epps’ work continues to shape the way New Jersey tells its history, making her an invaluable voice in our lineage-focused series.
Presented By
GoElizabethNJ250 Planning Committee
Mayor J. Christian Bollwage (Co-Chair)
Rev. Dr. Wanda M. Lundy (Co-Chair)
Aimee Fernandez-Puente (Co-Chair)
What We Cover Each Month
- Updates on descendant outreach and new family connections
- Monthly presentations from featured speakers
- Research coordination and historical documentation
- Planning for the 2026 in-person Descendants Reunion
- Story-driven initiatives tied to Elizabeth’s 250th Anniversary
Who Should Attend
These gatherings are open to all known descendants of individuals interred at Old First Cemetery—especially those from the Ogden, Woodruff, Crane, VanDeVere, Harriman, and Whitehead Families. Researchers, historians, students, and community partners are also welcome.
Zoom Access
Meeting Time: 4 PM EST
Zoom Meeting ID: 820 6288 4604
Join us each month as we honor the legacy of Elizabeth’s earliest families, strengthen descendant connections, and prepare for the 250th Anniversary celebration.
