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The recently reopened Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson welcomed spectators starting in 1932, hosting an array of notable events throughout its history such as Negro Leagues baseball games. - MATTHEW FAZELPOOR
The recently reopened Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson welcomed spectators starting in 1932, hosting an array of notable events throughout its history such as Negro Leagues baseball games. - MATTHEW FAZELPOOR
NJ wants input for statewide Black Heritage Trail
Kimberly Redmond//June 5, 2023//
Listen to this articleAs New Jersey works to develop a statewide trail recognizing Black history and culture, officials are encouraging organizations and community members to share their visions for what they’d like to see included.
As part of a law signed into effect by Gov. Phil Murphy in September 2022, the New Jersey Historical Commission has been tasked with establishing a path linking landmarks, museums, heritage sites and attractions that highlight moments of artistic, cultural, political, military and social importance related to Black history in the state.
Led by Secretary of State Tahesha Way, the effort is being conducted in collaboration with several other state agencies, including the Division of Travel, the New Jersey Historic Preservation Office and the New Jersey Black Cultural and Heritage Initiative.
Although the state established a virtual Black Heritage Trail in 2021, the bipartisan legislation allocated $1 million to the historical commission to put historical markers at sites along a physical path and promote the experience.
Our plan is to showcase the many contributions of Black Americans to more than 300 years of New Jersey history – a time period that spans from before the Revolutionary War.
— Noelle Lorraine Williams, director, Historical Commission’s African American History Program
In a bid to incorporate public feedback into the project, the historical commission launched an online survey, which can be found here. A community meeting is also scheduled for June 22 in Trenton.
As the state looks to designate historical markers, officials said special consideration will be given to sites that are in close geographic proximity, thematically linked by surrounding arts and other tourism destinations, or recommended by the New Jersey Black Cultural and Heritage Foundation.
According to the Historical Commission, input may also be used to help inform future programs and events related to the trail program.
“Our plan is to showcase the many contributions of Black Americans to more than 300 years of New Jersey history – a time period that spans from before the Revolutionary War,” said Noelle Lorraine Williams, director of the Historical Commission’s African American History Program. “The struggles for equality and contributions to democracy, culture, and economics must be represented. It is critical that we include frequently underrepresented populations such as women and the LGBTQ community. Public input allows us to be as comprehensive as possible in our planning.”
A launch date for the Black Heritage Trail has not been announced, but state officials have said it will be made available on downloadable three-day trip itineraries and map views.
During the bill’s signing last fall, officials named a few possible sites that may get markers on the trail, including the Harriet Tubman Museum in Cape May, Hinchcliffe Stadium in Paterson and the Underground Railroad Museum in Burlington County.
