The New Jersey Historical Commission is set to delve into the state's democratic history at its annual conference, "Imperfectly Civil: History of Politics and Civics in New Jersey," scheduled for December 3, 2024. The event will take place at the Douglass Student Center in New Brunswick, NJ, as part of the RevolutionNJ initiative. The focus will be on political participation through elections, public debates, activism, and more.
Governor Phil Murphy will open the conference with remarks, followed by a recorded message from Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way. Dr. Elizabeth Matto from Rutgers University’s Eagleton Institute of Politics will deliver the keynote address based on her book "To Keep the Republic: Thinking, Talking, and Acting like a Democratic Citizen." Her presentation will offer insights into how New Jerseyans have historically engaged as democratic citizens and how the history field can support democracy today. Simon Galperin of The Jersey Bee will moderate this session.
The conference agenda includes various panels on civic engagement topics. Morning sessions feature discussions on African American journalists post-Reconstruction and Asian American community activism in New Jersey. During lunch, catered by 1911 Smokehouse, attendees can listen to brief presentations on recent research and developments.
Afternoon panels cover women's political participation history in New Jersey and environmental politics' intersection with governance. Other topics include party bosses' influence, labor disputes advocacy for good governance, youth activism across decades, revolutionary ideals' legacy in the 20th century, and publishing advice for researchers.
Sara Cureton, Executive Director of the New Jersey Historical Commission stated: “As we move forward after a contentious election season, it is important to remember the democratic values that unite us all.” Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way added: “Now more than ever, it is critical for all Americans to examine our shared past and to increase our civic engagement.”
For registration details and program information visit history.nj.gov. The conference is cohosted by the New Jersey Historical Commission along with RevolutionNJ and Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University.
The New Jersey Historical Commission was established in 1967 as a state agency focused on advancing public knowledge and preserving state history.
