State promotes Revolutionary roots ahead of US turning 250

By: Kyle Morel
Newton New Jersey Herald
USA Today Network - New Jersey

MORRISTOWN - New Jersey's role in the founding of the United states is well-documented throughout Morris County, but experts say that recognition is not shared by much of the rest of the country.
..... Local elected officials and historical groups are trying to change that as the American Revolution approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026. the initiative got a boost Monday, [08/28/2023] as two prominent legislators visited Morristown to discuss ways to promote heritage tourism and, in turn, the state's economy.
..... U.S. senator Cory Booker and Representative Mikie Sherrill spent about an hour at the Washington's Headquarters Museum on Monday. [08/28/2023] the Democrats toured the exhibits with Tom Ross, superintendent of the Morristown National Historical Park, before taking part in a panel discussion on how to advertise the history the area has to offer.
..... "We want to tell the story of New Jersey," said Sherrill, who represents Morristown as part of the 11th Congressional District. "We want to tell the story of all of our great sites and come together to really make sure people around the country can really appreciate all the history we have here."

'Crossroads' of Revolution

..... Historians have nicknamed New Jersey the "Crossroads of the American Revolution" because of its location between New York, which was controlled by the British during the war, and the colonial headquarters in Philadelphia. The Garden State was the site of numerous pivotal chapters in the war, from George Washington's escape from New York across the Hudson River to his raid across the Delaware to the brutal winter his troops spent in the Morristown area in 1789 and 1790.
..... Sherrill said the Continental Army, led by Washington, spent more time in New Jersey than in nay other state.
..... citing Ross, she also noted that more than 1 million people visited the Washington's Headquarters Museum for the country's bicentennial in 1976. the turnout is proof that New Jersey's ample Revolutionary War history can be a financial asset if more people are made aware of the attractions, officials said.
..... "This is a treasure not just because of the historical significance, but it's also an economic engine for our state," Booker added.
..... The Morristown National Historical Park, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary, attracts about 275,000 visitors annually.

Local initiatives underway

..... Organizations like the New Jersey Historical Commission and the Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage area are hard at work preparing for the 250th anniversary. The two groups have cerated revolutionNJ, a website that highlights the state's unique impact on the country's founding by promoting the diversity of those involved in the effort.
..... "Our goal through all of this is for everyone to find themselves in our state and national story," said Sara Cureton, the commission's executive director.

Funding for projects

..... Buoyed by advocacy groups, New Jersey invested $25 million in American Rescue Plan funding to expand accessibility and upgrade facilities at historic sites said Carrie Fellows, executive director of the Crossroads.
..... Locally, Morris County received more than $6 million to repave roads and repair soldier huts in Jockey Hollow and $3.2 million to rehabilitate other historic buildings, Ross said.
..... The investments are already underway, and officials are ready to ramp up their efforts as the anniversary approaches.
..... "We look forward to working with everyone in partnership to really make 'America 250' something that we can all be proud of," Ross said.
..... For more information on RevolutionNJ or to get involved, visit revnj.org .

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