Lost Souls
Memorial Project
In 1818, 137 African American souls were kidnapped into the Van Wickle Slave Ring and sent from East Brunswick, NJ to permanent slavery in the Deep South. Learn More

It Is Time To Bring Their Memory Home

The victims of the infamous Van Wickle slave ring have mostly been forgotten in the 200 years since the ring was shut down. The Lost Souls Memorial Project is our chance to preserve their legacy with a memorial in the township where this travesty took place, East Brunswick.

The History

The Van Wickle Slave Ring

In 1818, corrupt Middlesex County Judge, Jacob Van Wickle oversaw a slave ring responsible for kidnapping nearly 200 Blacks and selling them into slavery.

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The Victims

At least 137 men, women and children, as young as just a few days old, were lost to the Van Wickle Slave Ring over the course of 1818.

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Timeline Of Events

Less than two decades after the Gradual Emancipation Act of 1804, the Van Wickle Slave Ring kidnapped five groups of African Americans were who were ultimately sold into permanent slavery.

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About The Memorial

The Lost Souls Memorial is dedicated to the 137 Lost Souls whose freedom was stolen by the Van Wickle Slave Ring. In partnership with the Township of East Brunswick, our vision is to build an artistic, community-centered memorial to preserve the names of those lost and honor their memory through engaging events, educational materials and more.

Upcoming Events

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Lost Souls Memorial Project

Nearly one hundred of New Jersey’s souls were lost to slavery,
It is time to bring their memory home.

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