The City of Perth Amboy Celebrates The 148th Year Anniversary of Thomas Mundy Peterson's Vote at the Unveiling of A Memorial Plaque
Perth Amboy, New Jersey (June 29, 2018) - Mayor Wilda Diaz and the Perth Amboy Historic Preservation Commission unveil a plaque in honor of Thomas Mundy Peterson on, Friday, June 29th from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The unveiling took place at St. Peter's Episcopal Church located at 183 Rector St. in Perth Amboy.
The forty by fifty-eight inch bronze plaque is being presented in recognition of the historic vote cast on March 31, 1870. Thomas Mundy Peterson was the first African American to vote in the United States after the ratification of the Fifteenth Amendment. Peterson cast his vote in a local Perth Amboy election over the question of the revision of the town's charter.
The forty by fifty-eight inch bronze plaque is being presented in recognition of the historic vote cast on March 31, 1870. Buckeye Partners donated $5,800 and the Historic Preservation Commission contributed $2,662.50 towards the plaque.
"Perth Amboy plays such a significant part in American history and we are proud to memorialize such a monumental event. It is so important to commemorate historical events such as these," states Mayor Wilda Diaz. "Thomas Mundy Peterson's vote marked the beginning of a political, social, and cultural shift in the United States of America. It is important to treasure our civil liberties-and although there are still challenges to be faced-we must value how far we have come and the plight of those before us."
Mayor Diaz along with long time Perth Amboy historians Anton Massopust, John Dyke, and Gordon Bond, shared remark on several historic milestones. The historical remarks will give more insight on the impact and significance of Peterson's vote. Also in attendance was Congressman Frank Pallone Jr., New Jersey Secretary of State Tahesha Way and Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez. After the plaque's unveiling, there will be a wreath presentation at Peterson's gravesite, located in the church's cemetery.
About the City of Perth Amboy, Middlesex County, New Jersey
Perth Amboy, an urban community with a rich cultural history and a more than three hundred-year-old maritime and industrial legacy, is an interconnection point for major highways, roadways and waterways. Founded in 1683 and chartered in 1718, it served as the state capital until 1790 and is home of the Royal Governor William Franklin's Mansion. For additional information about the City of Perth Amboy, please visit: www.ci.perthamboy.nj.us.