New Jersey’s people and varied resources have helped shape the mid-Atlantic region, the Nation, and the world for more than 350 years. Its notable diversity of inhabitants was evident from its beginning in 1664. Due in no small part to its location, it has seen all the great themes of the Nation’s history play out within its borders. Its pivotal role during the American Revolution and early industrialization, and continuing legacy of technological innovation, distinguish it in the historical record. For these and many other reasons, the study of New Jersey history is both engaging and relevant to the state’s residents and visitors

 

Mission

The New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC) is a state agency dedicated to the advancement of public knowledge and preservation of New Jersey 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.

The NJHC receives its funding primarily by legislative appropriation. It fulfills its mission through various initiatives, as well as an active grant program. The goal of the grant program is to engage diverse audiences and practitioners in the active exploration, enjoyment, interpretation, understanding, and preservation of New Jersey history. In addition to other awards and prizes, the NJHC offers a free archival evaluation service called Caucus Archival Projects Evaluation Service (CAPES).

 

Commission Members

Maxine Lurie, Ph.D., Chair
Margaret Westfield, R.A., Vice-Chair

Senator Anthony M. Bucco
Catherine Cassidy
Susan P. Coen
Assemblyman Craig Coughlin
Joseph Fagan
Senator Gordon M. Johnson
Assemblyman Paul Kanitra
T.C. McCourt
Jonathan Mercantini, Ph.D.
Richard Veit, Ph.D.
B. Michael Zuckerman, Ph.D.

ex-officio members
Tahesha Way, Secretary of State-designee
State Librarian Jennifer R. Nelson
Katherine Marcopul, Ph.D.

 

Staff Contact List

Sara Cureton, Executive Director
609-943-3306
sara.cureton@sos.nj.gov

Noelle Lorraine Williams, Director, African American History Program and the Black Heritage Trail
noelle.williams@sos.nj.gov

Shawn Crisafulli, Chief Grants Officer
609-826-3945
shawn.crisafulli@sos.nj.gov

Niquole Primiani, Chief Programs Officer
609-943-3307
niquole.primiani@sos.nj.gov

Marc Lorenc, Chief Public Historian
609-633-0776
marc.lorenc@sos.nj.gov

Synatra Smith, Project Manager, Black Heritage Trail
609-690-8364
synatra.smith@sos.nj.gov

Rachel Thimke, Programs and Outreach Manager
609-633-1273
rachel.thimke@sos.nj.gov

Noel Dempsey, Administrative Coordinator
609-984-0954
noel.dempsey@sos.nj.gov

Gregory Odey, Assistant Project Manager
609-943-3304
gregory.odey@sos.nj.gov

Sophia Hudzik, RevolutionNJ Project Manager
sophia.hudzik@sos.nj.gov

Main Number: 609-292-6062