22 Jul Romus Broadway’s Photography to be Showcased in New Public Art Project
An important portion of the rich history of Princeton’s Historic Witherspoon-Jackson Neighborhood resides in the memories and family stories of many of its residents.
Recognizing the importance of preserving and documenting these recollections, the Arts Council of Princeton announces a public art project celebrating the photographic work of late
W-J resident Romus Broadway.
Broadway, who passed in the summer of 2020, was the unofficial photographic historian for generations of proud residents who lived in the Witherspoon-Jackson community. While on display at various events, church services, schools, and community programs – including at the Arts Council for many years – these photo collages bring forth laughter, tears, and so many memories.
In June of 2022, the Arts Council hosted a “Naming Party”, an opportunity for community members and longtime W-J residents to come together to view Broadway’s photos and help preserve the names of friends, family, and community members featured in his collages. This event was held as part of a larger, ongoing effort to identify the subjects and stories featured in the collages; the next opportunity to participate will be at the Arts Council-hosted Joint Effort Safe Streets event on August 10, 2022.
To celebrate Romus’ eye for capturing life’s everyday moments, reproductions of his many photo collages will be displayed from utility poles throughout the Witherspoon-Jackson neighborhood from August 10, 2022 through May 2023.
"Romus’ photos feature years of Witherspoon-Jackson residents at proms, cookouts, dances, graduations, buying new cars … he captured the everyday social fabric of his neighborhood. Attendees of those exhibitions enjoyed seeing the collages and I observed how powerful they were. Upon viewing the photographs, people would immediately begin to offer memories of places, names, and events. Romus had visually captured the pulse of a neighborhood and I knew the collages had to be preserved and more widely displayed. I wanted to honor Romus and the Broadway family for keeping all these memories safe over the years. Sadly, Romus passed in 2020, but the idea of keeping his work alive for generations to come is an exciting one."
A special thank you to those who made this project possible:
- Special Collections, Firestone Library, Princeton University
- Joint Effort Safe Streets Program
- Witherspoon-Jackson Historical & Cultural Society
- Witherspoon-Jackson Neighborhood Association
in the news:
Romus Broadway photo collection featured in banner exhibit celebrating Princeton’s historic Black neighborhood, princeton.edu, August 11, 2022
Romus Broadway photo collages to be on display in Witherspoon-Jackson neighborhood, princeton.edu, August 2, 2022
With Banners Flying, Princeton Celebrates Romus Broadway’s Extraordinary Vision, TAP Into Princeton, July 30, 2022
“A New Form of Public Art to Be Displayed by Arts Council”, Town Topics, July 20, 2022
“Naming Party” on June 25 to Highlight Witherspoon-Jackson Family Stories, Town Topics, June 15, 2022