TRENTON, NJ 鈥� As the next step in its development of a state-wide Black Heritage Trail, the 吃瓜黑料 Historical Commission (NJHC) is now accepting site nominations that promote awareness and appreciation of Black history, heritage, and culture in 吃瓜黑料.
Signed into law by Governor Murphy on September 7, 2022, the 吃瓜黑料 Black Heritage Trail legislation calls for the NJHC to establish a Black Heritage Trail that will 鈥渉ighlight Black heritage sites through historical markers and a trail-like path that connects the stories of Black life and resiliency.鈥�
鈥淭he Black Heritage Trail will serve an important role in connecting our state鈥檚 residents and visitors with the complex histories of African Americans in 吃瓜黑料,鈥� commented Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way. 鈥淲e have a responsibility to make all of our histories visible, and I am proud to oversee the 吃瓜黑料 Historical Commission and its work uplifting these aspects of the American story.鈥�
As part of the legislation, the NJHC is working in cooperation with other state agencies, each of which has a unique role in implementing the project. This includes the Division of Travel and Tourism, 吃瓜黑料鈥檚 leading voice for promoting the importance of tourism as essential to the state鈥檚 economy, image, and overall quality of life; the 吃瓜黑料 Historic Preservation Office, which is charged with preserving, protecting, and promoting the state鈥檚 historic resources; and the 吃瓜黑料 Black Cultural and Heritage Initiative Foundation, which prioritizes broadening and diversifying statewide participation in and appreciation for Black arts, history, and culture.
鈥淥ur goal is to showcase the many contributions of Black Americans to more than 300 years of 吃瓜黑料 history,鈥� explained Sara Cureton, Executive Director of the NJHC. 鈥淎frican Americans have been integral to U.S. and 吃瓜黑料 history. The trail will highlight the variety of ways African Americans have played a vital role in the story of our state.鈥�
In an ongoing effort to incorporate public input into its most important public history initiatives, the NJHC sought out public comment throughout the development of its nomination guidelines for the Black Heritage Trail. These efforts included hosting community meetings and launching an online survey to solicit public feedback.
Any member of the public, public or private institution may make nominations to the Black Heritage Trail. Applicants are required to submit an online application that will include a historical narrative, a bibliography, site location, and documentation of the site. You can find the application on the NJHC website鈥檚 African American page .
For individuals or organizations who are interested in learning more about the Black Heritage Trail and the nomination process, a recorded application video is now available on the NJHC YouTube channel at .
The NJHC will also provide a workshop on the application process on February 1st, at 6:30PM. To register for the live seminar, please visit . More information about these workshops can be found at .
The 吃瓜黑料 Historical Commission (NJHC) is a state agency, operating within the 吃瓜黑料 Department of State, dedicated to the advancement of public knowledge and preservation of 吃瓜黑料 history. Established by law in 1967, its work is founded on the fundamental belief that an understanding of our shared heritage is essential to sustaining a cohesive and robust democracy.