Famous Perth Amboy resident Thomas Mundy Peterson will be given a marker on the NJ Black Heritage Trail at Perth Amboy City Hall Circle. The Perth Amboy City Council passed resolution No R-113-2/25 authorizing the installation of the Black Heritage Trail Marker.

The marker will be titled “First Black Voter After Adoption of the 15th Amendment.” The text will read, “On March 31, 1870, Perth Amboy resident Thomas Mundy Peterson (1824-1904) cast his historic vote, making him the first African American to vote following the adoption of the 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which granted the right to vote to all US citizens. This act was the culmination of decades of activism by African Americans across the state and the country. Perth Amboy residents presented him with a medal to recognize his accomplishment. He was also the first Black person to serve on a jury in Perth Amboy and on the Middlesex County Commission. (572)”

The New Jersey Historical Commission in 2022 established the NJ Black History Trail, to highlight Black Heritage sites and promote awareness and appreciation of Black history, heritage and culture.

Monday March 31 is Thomas Mundy Peterson Day in NJ, honoring Peterson for casting his historic vote at Perth Amboy City Hall in 1870.