Morris County Tourism Bureau Salutes NJ’s 350th

The Morris County Tourism Bureau and the New Jersey Historical Commission are encouraging students, adults and businesses to celebrate along with them this year in discovering the rich history of the state.
 
The Garden State began in 1664 as a royal gift.  Charles II of England granted a sizeable parcel of land on the east coast of North American to his brother James, Duke of York.  James in turn gave a piece of this valuable real estate to two loyal noblemen, Sir George Carteret and John, Lord Berkeley, and named it after Carteret’s homeland, the Isle of Jersey.  Since its creation, New Jersey has played a pivotal role in the shaping of American life and culture.

To assist with the celebrations, the New Jersey Historical Commission is providing planning guides, tool kits and thematic ideas and programs to the general public.  This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to highlight and commemorate the state’s unique contributions.
                                    
Three themes have been selected to help focus the celebration.  They are:  Liberty, Innovation and Diversity (or “LID”).  Create your own NJ350 event; the possibilities are infinite.  Some recommendations include local history and genealogy projects, parades, parties, arts performances, art or history fairs, parades, contests, races and walks, oral history projects, discussion groups, lecture series, production of 350th commemorative books, pamphlets or videos.  Local groups are encouraged to reach out to local governments to proclaim that the year 2014 is New Jersey’s 350th anniversary year and call upon citizens to observe and reflect upon it.

The Morris County Tourism Bureau has prepared the official Morris County Visitors Guide for distribution beginning in January 2014.  The guide highlights the 350th year, and provides nearly 40 local history factoids sprinkled throughout.  To get a copy of the guide, call or visit the Morris County Tourism Bureau at 6 Court Street, Morristown, 973-631-5151.

The New Jersey Historical Commission has created a special website where visitors can access information about specific events and content for 2014.  The website is www.officialnj350.com.  For more local events, go to www.morristourism.org.

Contact Information

Giulia Iannitelli

Marketing

Morris County Tourism Bureau

giulia51@verizon.net