{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/governor-phil-murphy-lieutenant-governor-tahesha-way-and-congresswoman-bonnie-watson-coleman-launch-new-jerseys-commemoration-of-americas-250th-anniversary-celebration", "Governor Phil Murphy, Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, and Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman Launch New Jersey\u2019s Commemoration of America\u2019s 250th Anniversary Celebration", "2024-11-01", "2024", "2024-11", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Bonnie Watson Coleman", "W000822", "watsoncoleman.house.gov", "watsoncoleman", "https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "New Jersey to Celebrate the Nation\u2019s Semiquincentennial by Revitalizing Revolutionary War Sites and Hosting Educational Programming and Events Across the State\n\nMANALAPAN \u2013 At Monmouth Battlefield State Park, Governor Phil Murphy, Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, and Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman today launched New Jersey\u2019s celebration of the nation\u2019s 250th Anniversary, kicking off a multi-year schedule of events and projects that will take place through the nation\u2019s semiquincentennial, from 2026 to 2033. As a leader in education, technology, AI, film, science, and more, New Jersey will celebrate its revolutionary legacy and its critical role in American history.\n\n\u201cNew Jersey is not just home to revolutionary history\u2014we are, to this day, the birthplace for revolutionary possibilities,\u201d said Governor Murphy. \u201cFrom our eclectic culinary landscape, to our leadership in emerging industries like clean-energy and generative Artificial Intelligence, to our steadfast reputation as one of the most diverse states in the nation, New Jersey is where the future is being built. As we launch New Jersey\u2019s official Commemoration of America\u2019s 250th Anniversary Celebration\u2014and prepare to welcome in visitors from across the globe\u2014we are going to unite together around our core, American values every step of the way.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur nation\u2019s rich and diverse history has unfolded over the last 250 years,\u201d said Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way. \u201cIn my role as Secretary of State, I oversee the New Jersey Historical Commission, and I am thrilled to celebrate our country\u2019s layered history\u2014much of which has roots here in New Jersey. This shared legacy reflects our resilience and strength as united Americans, standing together through generations.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Battle of Monmouth was a vital turning point to winning our nation's independence nearly 250 years ago. So much of the story of our nation's founding took place right here in New Jersey,\u201d said Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman. \u201cAs a member of the Semiquincentennial Commission, I'm so excited to help New Jersey show the rest of the country why we're known as the \u2018Crossroads of the American Revolution.\u2019\u201d\n\nThe launch event included musical accompaniments by the Washington Crossing Fifes and Drums; a posting and retirement of the colors by reenactors of the Continental Army; the Pledge of Allegiance led by Ava Porta, a fifth grade student from Taylor Mills Elementary School in Manalapan; the National Anthem performed by Melissa Walker, an acclaimed jazz vocalist and recording artist from Montclair; and an essay read by Malay Gupta, an eighth grade student and first-place winner in America\u2019s Field Trip scholastic contest at John Adams Middle School in Edison.\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s launch of America250 in New Jersey honors our state\u2019s rich history and its pivotal role in America\u2019s fight for independence during the Revolutionary War,\u201d said Senator Cory Booker. \u201cPreserving our historic war sites keeps our nation\u2019s stories alive and inspires future generations to engage with the values it was founded on: democracy and freedom.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs we prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, it brings me great joy to see arrangements being made to showcase the history of New Jersey and our involvement in the American Revolution to the world,\u201d said Senator George Helmy. \u201cOur state played a pivotal role in the Revolutionary War, from turning the tides of the conflict at the Battles of Trenton and Princeton, experiencing more military engagements than anywhere else in the thirteen original Colonies, to providing refuge as George Washington strategized during his time as Commander-in-Chief. I applaud the work of the Murphy Administration and RevolutionNJ in revitalizing New Jersey's Revolutionary War sites and making sure the stories of our state\u2019s important role in the founding of our country are told. I am eager to see New Jerseyans engage in our nation's rich and complex history and learn how the ideals of the American Revolution remain relevant today.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmerica250 is thrilled to welcome New Jersey as it joins dozens of states and territories in coordinating events and programs in honor of the nation\u2019s 250th anniversary,\u201d said Rosie Rios, America250 Chair. \u201cAs one of the 13 original colonies, New Jersey will play a vital role in marking this historic moment. Governor Murphy\u2019s leadership and the work of RevolutionNJ, along with the $25 million investment to revitalize New Jersey\u2019s Revolutionary War sites, will ensure the stories of New Jersey\u2019s role in our nation\u2019s independence are brought to life for generations to come.\u201d\n\nThe years-long initiative will be led by RevolutionNJ, New Jersey\u2019s official organization charged with planning and promoting the state\u2019s 250th anniversary commemoration.\n\nRevolutionNJ serves as New Jersey\u2019s representative to America250, the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission. The partnership promotes any opportunities offered by the national commission, such as the recent America\u2019s Field Trip, where 13 New Jersey students received awards, including Malay Gupta, who presented his award-winning essay at the launch event.\n\nNow through 2026, RevolutionNJ and the New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism will engage locals and visitors in experiences that highlight New Jersey\u2019s critical role in the nation\u2019s history. New Jersey\u2019s latest economic impact report on tourism, released by the New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism this year, confirmed the Garden State welcomed 120.5 million visitors in 2023, representing a 5% year-over-year increase that reached 4% above 2019\u2019s banner-year volumes. This upward trend is forecasted to continue into 2026 and beyond, as travelers to New Jersey visit Revolutionary War sites in celebration of America\u2019s 250th anniversary and renowned heritage attractions. Programming offered by RevolutionNJ will include:\n\nTavern Talks: An interactive series of events that takes you back in time, featuring history that happened on your doorstep. Reenactors immerse participants in the past using questions and prompts to help you explore not only the past, but also issues you and your community face today. This popular program is taking place across the state at different microbreweries.\n\nRevolutionary Lives: Living the American Experiment Then and Now Traveling Exhibition: Coming in 2025, this exhibition will bring the stories of diverse people during the American Revolution in New Jersey to audiences across the state. This program will be offered free of charge and will take place at libraries, senior centers, and city halls, among other sites.\n\nThe RevolutionNJ Race Series: Launched at Monmouth Battlefield State Park in August 2024, this race series will include 5k races around several key Revolutionary War sites in New Jersey and will continue through the anniversary period. These races will continue again in spring 2025.\n\nHistory Happened Here: This educational programming invites middle and high school students to conduct research on a topic of their own choosing that connects to the American ideals of freedom, justice, equality, self-determination, and the pursuit of happiness.\n\nFoundations of Democracy: This resource provides teachers with a comprehensive annotated list of elementary civics materials, including activities that cultivate active citizenship and foster a democratic classroom.\n\nArt Installations: RevolutionNJ will also be partnering with the New Jersey Arts Council to launch a series of Revolutionary-inspired installations throughout the state showcasing local artists.\n\nRevolutionNJ's programming will culminate in a marquee event to celebrate July 4, 2026, the nation's 250th anniversary, which will feature performances, reenactments, and much more.\n\nFor more information on programming, visit RevNJ.org.\n\n\u201cIn a time when the nation is divided on many issues, this anniversary provides an invaluable opportunity to re-engage our colleagues, neighbors, and most importantly our students, with the ideals of the Revolution \u2013 liberty, equality, justice \u2013 and to recommit to working together toward that more perfect union that Americans have long striven for,\u201d said Sara Cureton, Executive Director of the New Jersey Historical Commission.\n\n\u201cRevolutionNJ is seizing this opportunity to share New Jersey\u2019s dramatic history with local, regional, and international visitors,\u201d said Carrie Fellows, Executive Director of Nonprofit Crossroads of the American Revolution. \u201cWe believe that connecting people with our state\u2019s fascinating historic sites will strengthen our communities, our economy, and our understanding of democracy for generations to come.\u201d\n\nThe New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has been leading enhancements to ensure the state\u2019s Revolutionary War historic sites fully shine as part of America\u2019s 250th anniversary. This includes implementing Governor Murphy\u2019s investment in ten signature revolutionary war sites.\n\n\u201cNew Jersey is at the heart of our nation\u2019s founding, with historic sites, critical battlefields and key lands that helped turn the tide of victory in the Revolutionary War,\u201d said Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. \u201cAs we kick off America250, the Department of Environmental Protection is making capital investments in New Jersey\u2019s Revolutionary War historic sites, including the development of a new visitor center with immersive exhibits at Washington Crossing State Park, thanks to funding provided by Governor Murphy and the State Legislature. These enhancements will ensure that New Jersey is ready to showcase our part of the Revolutionary War for the Semiquincentennial milestone anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn 2026, we will have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to celebrate New Jersey\u2019s role in the founding of our country,\u201d said State Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio. \u201cIt is a chance to commemorate all that strengthens, inspires, and unifies us as Americans. Treasury looks forward to being a part of these efforts to share and remember our unique history.\u201d\n\nIn 2022, New Jersey announced a $25 million investment from federal American Rescue Plan funds would be allocated to RevolutionNJ, in partnership with the New Jersey Historical Commission and Crossroads of the American Revolution, to help restore the following Revolutionary War sites:\n\nMonmouth Battlefield State Park\n\nWashington Crossing State Park\n\nTrenton\u2019s Old Barracks\n\nBattle Monument in Trenton\n\nPrinceton Battlefield State Park\n\nProprietary House in Perth Amboy\n\nThe Indian King Tavern in Haddonfield\n\nWallace House in Somerville\n\nBoxwood Hall in Elizabeth\n\nRockingham in Kingston\n\nNew Jersey is also investing in the construction of a brand new permanent gallery space in downtown Trenton, at the New Jersey State Archives. Along with the State Museum, this new gallery will launch an exhibit examining New Jersey's Revolutionary story and will showcase some of the state's foundational historic documents to the public.\n\n\u201cThe 2,727 members of The New Jersey State Society Daughters of the American Revolution are thrilled to collaborate with Governor Murphy, Lt. Governor Way, and other leaders within our state and communities, in the celebration of America 250! New Jersey Daughters are working on many different initiatives, including cataloging the names and service of every person who fought in a battle within New Jersey and by placing DAR America250 markers throughout the state to honor the service of the women and men who served during the Revolution along with many other projects to get New Jersey citizens involved in this upcoming celebration,\u201d said Diane Waugh Oliver, State Regent, New Jersey State Society Daughters of the American Revolution.\n\nAbout RevolutionNJ\n\nRevolutionNJ is a partnership between the New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC), a division of the New Jersey Department of State, and the nonprofit Crossroads of the American Revolution Association to plan the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in New Jersey.\n\nAbout The Battle of Monmouth\n\nOn June 28, 1778, the land that is now Monmouth Battlefield State Park was the site of one of the longest battles of the American Revolutionary War. There, Washington restored his force\u2019s reputation battered by defeats in 1777. In the day-long battle in the hills, wood lots, farm fields and meadows, the main Continental Army, retrained at Valley Forge, repulsed attacks by the main British Army.?By the end of the battle, over 600 people were dead, dying, or wounded and the Continental Army held the field.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/governor-phil-murphy-lieutenant-governor-tahesha-way-and-congresswoman-bonnie-watson-coleman-launch-new-jerseys-commemoration-of-americas-250th-anniversary-celebration"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 2.147040329873562, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}