The New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC) has announced the selection of 32 sites to receive markers for the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail. The initiative, signed into law by Governor Murphy on September 7, 2022, aims to establish a trail that highlights Black heritage sites through historical markers and connects stories of Black life and resilience.
Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way stated, "The Black Heritage Trail will serve an important role in connecting our state’s residents and visitors with the complex histories of African Americans in New Jersey. We have a responsibility to make all of our histories visible, and I am proud to oversee the New Jersey Historical Commission and its work uplifting these aspects of the American story."
In March, the NJHC Black Heritage Trail team received over 60 responses to their first call for nominations. Following eligibility and historical accuracy reviews, 32 sites were presented at a public meeting on April 19th and were unanimously approved.
"Our goal is to showcase the many contributions of Black Americans to more than 300 years of New Jersey history," explained Sara Cureton, Executive Director of the NJHC. "The creation and maintenance of this trail will be an ongoing process, but I am thrilled to have the first sites selected and proud of the work of the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail team."
Markers will be placed across New Jersey with at least one marker in each of 15 counties during this initial round. The markers are intended to be geographically, thematically, and temporally diverse. To assist visitors in navigating the trail, NJHC will collaborate with the Division of Travel and Tourism.
"This is just the beginning for the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail," said Noelle Lorraine Williams, Director of NJHC's African American History Program. "We plan to hold nomination rounds on a regular basis for the foreseeable future. Sites that were not selected in this round will have opportunities to strengthen their nominations and resubmit. Additionally, there will be opportunities for organizations and individuals to nominate new sites in future rounds."
Continuing efforts by NJHC's African American History Program include featuring QR codes on markers that lead visitors to more information about each site as well as special events and augmented reality offerings from NJHC.
For a full list of selected sites, visit https://nj.gov/state/historical/assets/pdf/african-american/2024-black-heritage-trail-approved-nominations.pdf.
