I live in another state or country.  Can I still participate in this project?

Yes! The people represented in The Black Poster Project come from all around the U.S.A. Even though we are limited to traveling in New Jersey and New York, we do not have any limitations of where people are located.

How much does it cost to have a poster made? Can I make a donation?

There is no cost to any grieving family to have a loved one included in this project. However, since this project has been self-funded since the beginning, we absolutely accept and greatly appreciate all donations from sources outside.  The cost to make each poster is approximately $50 as well as many other expenses.  We rely solely on the generosity of others (aside from our grieving families) to help fund this important awareness project. 

How do you find the people included in this project?

We do not seek out families – we serve them.  We use social media and word of mouth. This is a very emotional exhibit; it is very heavy on the heart and it is not for everyone.  Therefore, the decision to participate needs to initiate from the family of the loved one. 

Can I volunteer?

Yes, please! These displays are huge and it takes many helping hands. We typically arrive at the location three hours ahead of time. The initial setup requires the most volunteers, but if time is of a concern, it isn’t necessary to be present the whole duration of the event. Although, you may change your mind and decide to stay. It is a very personally humbling experience.  We also welcome and encourage all community groups (i.e. scouts, schools, town organizations, etc.) to participate and receive credit towards community service.

How can I bring The Black Poster Project Silent Memorials to my community?

We present in all types of areas - schools, community halls, places of worship - even hospitals.  If the location’s area can accommodate the project, and you would like to explore the possibility of having the exhibit visit your community, please reach out to us at theblackposterproject@gmail.com. Additionally, at all displays, we encourage community leaders, particularly Police, Fire, EMT and First Responders, school officials, and any other resources to be present.

Do you honor loved one’s who have served in the military in any way?

Yes, we do.  The military will always be featured in their own section. They are each marked with a number of special items for their branch of service: a medallion, personalized dog tags, military and USA flags. 

How large are the displays?

Each board is 20” x 36” and there is a minimum of 6” between each one. To assist you with envisioning the size, if you were to line up the entire collection of posters with this spacing, it would be approximately the length of over 5 football fields.

I’ve posted all of my loved one’s information on your social media asking to be included. Why don’t I see the poster in the Silent Memorials displays?

We do not take any poster requests via posts on social media. The only way to have a poster included in the display is to complete all information we require.  Once received, we will confirm your loved one’s poster has been added to the display. 

How long will my loved one be included in the displays?  Will I receive my loved one’s poster after the displays have concluded at the end of the season?

This is an ongoing project.  All posters remain in the possession of our organization and will be used for any and all displays. If a family decides to remove their loved one from the project, the materials will be reused. Pictures are strongly mounted and are not removed intact.

What happens if I want to exit the display?

Upon request, we will remove your loved one’s poster from the display as well as on our website’s Gallery of Angels. Please be aware pictures or videos previously taken may continue to include your loved one’s poster.

Are all the posters displayed in alphabetical order?

The people represented in this project are no longer with us because their lives were out of order.  We’ve always felt by keeping the posters in A -To -Z order, in some small loving gesture, it represents that their lives are now in order. The main section of The Black Poster Project will be in alphabetical order. However, the Friends & Family is not alphabetical as they are connected by their relationship (i.e., brothers, sisters, friends, etc.).

Does the display travel whole or is it sometimes broken down into smaller parts?

All posters travel as a group to the full displays for Silent Memorials.  However, we do work side by side with Alumni in Recovery.  This organization does school and community-based events.  For these, we will pull a smaller grouping of posters (about 200). These will be rotated so all souls will be continually represented.

How did you come up with the name The Black Poster Project Silent Memorials?

Short Answer: Because this all began with printing beautiful pictures on a few black posterboards.

Long Answer: When the project started, there was no ‘formal’ name. The presentation would be referred to as ‘the black posters’ - but eventually it deserved a more distinctive name. The Black Poster Project. With Covid, we came up with a way to continue displaying the loved ones. Traveling with the display and setting up outdoors in local communities allowed people to be socially distanced and safely walk along the posters, reading about each loved one. It is somewhat somber, hence the name The Black Poster Project Silent Memorials.

Is this project affiliated in any way to religious or political entities?

No, it is not. However, we do display in religious houses of worship, as requested.

When I visit the display, may I leave a memento beside a poster?

Yes, you may do so.  However, we cannot be responsible for returning same to you.  Also, due to the amount of time it takes to set up the display, we will not be able to include it at other displays.

Would it be possible to purchase a copy of one of the posters?

Unfortunately, we cannot offer this.  Due to the high cost involved, It is simply not possible for us to make extras.