Weinberg, Beach Bill to Establish Historical Commission for the Commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the United States Signed into Law

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg and Senate State Government, Wagering Tourism and Historic Preservation Chair James Beach that will establish and implement a program to commemorate the 250^th anniversary of the United States was signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy today.

“New Jersey played a pivotal role in the founding of our nation, the first fourth of July was celebrated right here in New Jersey,” said Senator Weinberg (D-Bergen). “Many battles were fought here and Washington’s headquarters were in New Jersey for a significant amount of time. Lucky for us, we still have many of these historical sites and this will be a valuable opportunity to bring attention to them.”

“The semiquincentenial offers the perfect opportunity to highlight and promote our state’s rich history,” said Senator Beach (D-Burlington/Camden). “New Jersey was the crossroads of the American Revolution, with the Patriots stationed in Philadelphia and the British stationed in New York City – we should celebrate that more. This momentous anniversary has the potential to attract tourists from all over the country and all over the world”

The law will also allow the New Jersey Historical Commission to enter into public-private partnership agreements with private entities for the planning and undertaking of semiquincentennial programs and activities commemorating the founding of the United States and New Jersey’s significant role in the American Revolution.

Private entities will be eligible to enter into public-private agreements with the commission they are a tax-exempt nonprofit organization and are responsible for the maintenance and administration of a national heritage area dedicated to the history of the American Revolution as it relates to New Jersey.

The law is intended to ensure that the state honors the 250^th anniversary and New Jersey’s significant role in the Revolution. New Jersey hosted more battles than any other state during the Revolutionary War and George Washington spent much of his time as Commander-in-Chief here.