The Genealogical Society of Salem County will host a program entitled "America 250-From Hearth and Home to the Battle: The Black Colonial Presence" presented by Ellen D. Alford. The War for Independence was fought by white, black, and native men on both the Patriot and British sides. N.J. was more than the crossroads; it was also the state where soldiers, slaves, and common citizens were in the crosshairs of danger and in the line of fire. Come learn about some of these people and how their actions made America.
Ellen D. Alford is a graduate of Howard University in Washington, D.C. with a degree in English and Communications and studied American History in the Graduate program at Rutgers University-Camden. She has worked as a newspaper journalist, teacher, and college administrator as well as an author of the history researched-based book, Abolition and the Underground Railroad in South Jersey: Not Without a Fight from the History Press. She has also written several articles for both the Gloucester County Historical Society Bulletin and the Vineland Historical Society Magazine.
Ms. Alford also was awarded the:
• Rutgers University/Camden – A&S Academic Excellence Fellowship. (2011)
• Member of Phi Alpha Theta National History Honor Society.
• Winner of the Lloyd P. Burns Award for public service from the New Jersey Press Association.
• First place winner for spot news from Sigma Delta Chi Association, Philadelphia Chapter.
• First place winner for spot news from the New Jersey Press Association.
• Honorable mention from the Philadelphia Press Association for spot news.
Currently she researches and writes about slavery across South Jersey. 
This program is free and open to the public.