A day many years in the making came to reality this week in the Meadowlands.

On June 18, officials cut the ribbon on the New Jersey Hall of Fame‘s new Entertainment and Learning Center (ELC) at American Dream. The $20 million, 10,000-square foot, state-of-the-art facility offers a number of a cool, interactive features oozing with Jersey pride.

“We are incredibly excited that America’s first state-focused Entertainment and Learning Center will be right here in the Garden State,” said Gov. Phil Murphy. “Located at American Dream, the space will embrace our rich history and celebrate the achievements of over 230 outstanding New Jerseyans. This Center will serve as a testament to our one-of-a-kind entertainment culture and supply knowledge and inspiration for generations to come.”

“The State of New Jersey boasts a rich history full of iconic moments and legendary heroes, which will now be celebrated for the world to see at American Dream,” said Don Ghermezian, CEO of American Dream. “We are excited to inspire our guests with leading entertainers, athletes, and influential individuals from the arts, education, science, and public service sectors at this one-of-a-kind Entertainment and Learning Center.”

There are just three other state Halls of Fame in the country (California, South Dakota, South Carolina). As Murphy noted, New Jersey is the only with a state-of-the-art Entertainment and Learning Center.

The NJHOF at American Dream features:

• Great Hall and New Jersey Wall of Fame;
• Full slate of New Jersey inductees’ memorabilia, pictures, videos and more – including a Jersey Proud Theater;
• Simulated “Fly Me to the Moon” space ride;
• Model T Exhibit;
• Everyday Heroes Wall;
• Karaoke stage where visitors can sing alongside holograms of local music legends, such as Gloria Gaynor, Tony Orlando, Frankie Valli and Tommy James. In attendance for the ribbon-cutting event, James took the stage alongside his hologram during an exclusive, pre-opening media tour;
• “Late Night Jersey” studio where visitors can interview holograms of Danny DeVito, Jason Alexander, Jon Bon Jovi, Connie Chung and other notable Jersey greats;
• Boardwalk Shop and much more.

The facility is slated to open to the public June 28.

A sense of pride

The project was funded through a combination of state grants and private donations from sponsors. Hackensack Meridian Health serves as lead NJ Hall of Fame sponsor.

New Jersey Hall of Fame Chairman Jon Hanson noted the bipartisan efforts of the sponsors, stakeholders and government leaders who came together to bring this project to fruition. The Hampshire Cos. chairman nodded to his developer background, thanking those stakeholders for their investment. Hanson said the goal is to seed projects that are rewarding.

“With a project such as this, I find it very rewarding,” said Hanson, adding it filled with him pride about the State of New Jersey. “And I’m sure all of you today feel that same pride.”

In addition to Murphy, Ghermezian and Hanson, other notable leaders and dignitaries/honorees on hand for the event included: First Lady Tammy Murphy; NJ Hall of Fame President Steve Edwards; Joe Piscopo; state Sens. Paul Sarlo, D-36th District, and Joe Cryan, D-20th District; Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, D-19th District; HMH Chief Executive Officer Robert Garrett; NJ Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tom Bracken; Meadowlands Chamber CEO President and CEO Jim Kirkos; and others.

‘Today is about talent’

As Murphy took the podium, he described touring the new facility and looking at a plaque of Piscopo, when the actor and comedian walked up behind the governor.

“It’s one thing to go to the annual induction event, which is a very cool experience – that I think we all look forward to going to every year,” said Murphy. “But up until now, the Hall has been an abstract reality for the other 364 days of the year. And now, here we are. This is extraordinary.”

The governor said that American Dream is an ideal home for the facility. He referenced his New Jersey pitch for when he meets with other leaders.

“The first two words out of my mouth are – talent and location,” said Murphy. “I think this location is second-to-none – but today is about talent.”

Murphy emphasized that New Jersey punches way above its weight. He said that ranges from historical times to performing arts to business, our trailblazers and more, citing Albert Einstein as an example. The governor said the ELC facility captures all of that and is just another example of the state punching above its weight.

Murphy described New Jersey as the No. 1 talent state — despite being the fourth smallest geographically.

He closed with reference to the late, great Anthony Bourdain.

“He had a phrase that I love. And I rip it off from him all the time,” said Murphy. “’There are two types of people in this world. There are folks who come from New Jersey – but then there are folks who say they come from New Jersey.’”

20 years in the making

Everyone who spoke at the event lauded the efforts of Edwards, who has been a driving force behind this project. He said that Jersey pride is important and that this place is about the state’s heroes.

“When we feel good about where we come from, we feel anything is possible,” said Edwards. He added that we have a moral obligation to provide children with the heroes and wisdom they need to realize their highest, best sense of self in a very tough world.

After the ribbon cutting and tours, NJBIZ spoke to Edwards. He said he felt profound fulfillment to see this day come to reality. Edwards noted the about 20-year journey to get to this point. He also expressed a tremendous sense of gratitude. Edwards applauded the efforts of lawmakers’ bipartisanship and everyone rowing in the same direction. He said that allows a project like this to take shape.

And while the official public opening is still a few days away, and there are some last-minute items to take care of beforehand, Edwards said he’s already thinking about the next frontier for this ambitious initiative.

“The goal now is to have world-class programming all-year round,” Edwards told NJBIZ.

Discussing some of the key features, Edwards explained there are things to do and wisdom to collect for visitors of all ages.

While he believes the Jersey Shore is the ultimate hub of state pride, Edwards said this new ELC will become a huge symbol of the Garden State’s might.

“I think it’s going to become a special place,” said Edwards.

Find out how to nominate a future New Jersey Hall of Famer, as well as eligibility/requirements, here.