200+ orgs, 100 NJ communities step up planning for nation's 250th birthday

Kimberly Redmond//February 7, 2025//

Battle of Monmouth reenactment, Ocean Shore Region.

Battle of Monmouth reenactment in Manalapan. - PROVIDED BY NEW JERSEY DIVISION OF TRAVEL & TOURISM

Kimberly Redmond//February 7, 2025//

Listen to this article

With about less than two years left before the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, New Jersey is ramping up efforts to help businesses and nonprofits get ready for the July 2026 celebration.

RevolutionNJ, a partnership between the New Jersey Historical Commission and nonprofit Crossroads of the American Revolution Association, is offering organizations from all sectors the tools and resources needed to leverage a unique moment in the state’s history.

Since its 2023 launch, the “Proud Partner” program has now accepted over 100 communities and 200 organizations from across New Jersey, according to the state.

Besides getting official recognition by RevolutionNJ, participating entities receive a branding kit, events calendar, and access to exclusive networking events and planning resources. There is also an option to take part in cooperative advertising and marketing opportunities.

The initiative is open to:

Historic sites
Re-enactment groups
Higher education & K-12 schools
Historical societies
Performing arts and cultural groups
State, county and local government entities
State, regional and local chambers of commerce
Destination marketing organizations
Philanthropic groups
Corporations
Small businesses
Nonprofits

More information about RevolutionNJ’s Proud Partners program is available here.

‘Building a better future’

Carrie Fellows, executive director of the Crossroads of the American Revolution Association, shared, “New Jersey is a diverse state in many ways, so we know there will be no one-size-fits-all commemoration.”

“Our goal is to empower New Jersey communities, organizations, and businesses to find their own connection to America’s 250th whether that be through a community clean-up event, the creation of a new symphony, or a fireworks display,” she went on.

Sara Cureton, executive director of the New Jersey Historical Commission, added, “Participating in the 250th commemoration is an excellent opportunity to unite New Jerseyans while building a better future for the next generation.”

“As seen during the 1976 bicentennial, milestone anniversaries can serve as a catalyst to build heritage tourism, strengthen history education in public schools, encourage civic engagement, generate funding for local organizations, and bring together various groups of people around a common cause. Through the RevolutionNJ Community and Proud Partner programs, we aim to provide New Jersey with the tools and resources necessary to achieve these goals in 2026 and beyond,” she stated.

‘Special moment’

Across New Jersey, historic sites, nonprofits and tourism officials are intent on gaining recognition of the state’s role in America’s founding. During the American Revolution, New Jersey was home to more than 600 skirmishes – including three landmark battles that historians consider having changed the course of the war: Trenton, Princeton and Monmouth.

Planning efforts have been underway for quite some time to ensure the state can handle the expected influx of interest leading up to July 4, 2026, and beyond. The preparations include capital upgrades to make Revolutionary War era battlefields, museums and houses must-see destinations for visitors.

The state is beginning work on a new visitor center for Washington Crossing State Park. Shown here is a rendering of the future view of the center from the Washington Crossing pedestrian bridge. — Last year, the state began work on a new visitor center for Washington Crossing State Park. Shown here is a rendering of the future view of the center from the Washington Crossing pedestrian bridge. – PROVIDED BY NJDEP

According to New Jersey officials, events related to the United States Semiquincentennial will continue through 2033 – the 250th anniversary of when the Treaty of Paris was signed. Besides ending the Revolutionary War, that pact also recognized U.S. independence.

New Jersey Secretary of State and Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way Tahesha Way — Way

Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way described 2026 as “a unique opportunity for all New Jerseyans to assess the last 250 years of our history and to look forward to the next 250 years.”

“In this endeavor, New Jersey’s businesses, municipalities, counties, and community groups will play an essential role,” said Way, who oversees the New Jersey Historical Commission in her role as New Jersey secretary of state. “We hope they will take advantage of the free tools and resources provided by the RevolutionNJ Proud Partner and Community programs to prepare for this special moment in our nation’s and state’s history.”