CCM Continues the Celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary CCM Continues the Celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary

Community is Invited to Explore the Remarkable Story of Revolutionary War Veteran Jacob Francis 

In celebration of the founding of our nation, County College of Morris (CCM) is continuing its America 250 programming this fall. Historical researcher, author and speaker William L. “Larry” Kidder will present “The Revolutionary World of a Free NJ Black Man,” sharing the story of Jacob Francis, of Amwell Township in Hunterdon County, who served during the American Revolution.  

Presented in partnership with the Morris County Library, the program will bring to light a little-known story of freedom, military service and family legacy during this poignant time in history. The event, free and open to the public, will be held on Wednesday, September 23, at 12:30 p.m. in CCM’s Learning Resource Center, Room 121. It will also be available live via Zoom. Community members interested in attending virtually can RSVP at tinyurl.com/njfreeman to receive the Zoom link. 

CCM’s Library is excited to welcome Larry Kidder to campus,” said Heather Craven, Dean of CCM’s Learning Resource Center. “His presentation is the second in a series of history talks presented as part of the CCM Library’s America 250 initiatives. The first presentation, held on July 8 at the Morris County Library, was such a success!” 

Indentured as a young man, Francis eventually regained his freedom and enlisted in a Massachusetts Continental regiment in 1775. After serving through the siege of Boston, the New York campaign and the Battle of Trenton, Francis returned to his hometown in New Jersey and became an experienced member of the local militia. The presentation will bring history to life, concluding with an engaging Q&A session where attendees can ask questions. 

“The Morris County Library is proud to continue our partnership with CCM on this important America 250 initiative,” said Anne Mizera, Programs & Outreach Coordinator at the Morris County Library. “Jacob Francis’s story offers our community a powerful and often overlooked perspective on the Revolutionary War. Following the success of our first program together in July, we’re thrilled to bring Larry Kidder’s compelling research to an even wider audience this September.” 

For questions, call the CCM Library at 973-328-5308. CCM is located at 214 Center Grove Road in Randolph. Visitors may park in Lot 7.    

For more information about Larry Kidder, including details about education, military service, employment and authored publications, please visit his website.  

Those interested in learning more about the Revolutionary era and America’s founding also can explore a specially curated reading list featuring books available through CCM and the Morris County Library system at CCM America 250 Reading List. 

CCM is a leading community college serving students and businesses throughout Morris County and the surrounding region. The college offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs, along with a wide range of workforce development and professional training opportunities designed to prepare students for transfer, career advancement and the evolving needs of the regional workforce.  For more information about CCM, visit www.ccm.edu.