Dear Robbins House Friends,

Unlike many of our peer historical institutions, The COVID-19 virus has not forced The Robbins House to formally close, as this is our “closed” season. Nonetheless, the Board of Directors of the Robbins House continues to update our exhibits with new research findings. Simultaneously, we join the community and world in safeguarding the health and well-being of everyone, including our over 7,000 thousand annual visitors and our interpretive staff.

We cordially invite you to get outside and enjoy the spring weather by visiting the outside of the Robbins House and the National Park! There is ample parking space and green areas surrounding the House that can be used for picnics, meditation, and quality time with family.  (It’s a great place to bring homebound kids). We invite you to use the house as a place of reflection; here are a few ways:

• At our pathway adjacent to the parking lot, read through the historic timeline which places the Robbins House and its inhabitants in the Long Civil Right Movement;

• Visit the greenery surrounding the house;

• Peer in the windows of the house, and study the external structure.  This historic early 1820s farmhouse invites us all to imagine life almost 200 years ago.  The home offers us a point of reflection on life as a self emancipated enslaved man from New Jersey and his daughter who fought for citizenship rights.

• Take a picture in front of the house and tag it using the hashtag #RobbinsHouse. Houses become homes because of the people who inhabit and visit them–become a part of the Robbins House community!

We are looking forward to seeing you in the future. Our Juneteenth Celebration will return as well as our Reading of Frederick Douglas together on July 4th. New programs are on the way as well including a Patriots Day event and Yoga at the House in the future! Please make sure to check our website and Facebook page for more information on these new and exciting events.

I think Ellen Garrison, born and raised in the house, said it best: “I think it is our duty as a people to spend our lives in trying to elevate [ourselves]. Who can feel for us if we do not feel for ourselves? Come what may, we will stand!” This pandemic has heightened our sense of collective anxiety, and so too has the impact we know this virus will have on everyone, and especially vulnerable populations. Feel welcome to visit the House, to possibly step away from

anxiety and bask in the natural beauty of our outdoor space. We hope to see you and thank you for your continued support.

We wish you and your family a healthy and safe spring. You can find us on our various social media platforms and we’re available anytime at info@robbinshouse.org.

With warm regards,

Robert Munro, PhD & Maria Madison, Sc.D
Presidents of the Robbins House