TRENTON, NJ - The New Jersey Department of State invites all New Jerseyans to join the State in celebrating Black history. Signed into law by Governor Murphy on September 7, 2022, the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail legislation calls for the New Jersey Historical Commission to establish a Black Heritage Trail that will “highlight Black heritage sites through historical markers and a trail-like path that connects the stories of Black life and resiliency.”

Sites on the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail include the Charles J. Muth Museum of Hinchliffe Stadium, the New Jersey home of Negro Leagues baseball when African American baseball players were excluded from Major League teams, Red Bank’s T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center, home of one of the most influential American journalists and newspaper publishers of the 19th and 20th centuries, and the Dr. James Still Historic Office and Education Center, home of the “Black Doctor of the Pines” who was born to formerly enslaved freedom seekers in Indian Mills, Shamong Township, Burlington County.

“New Jersey has a rich and complex Black heritage dating back to the state’s beginning,” commented Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way. “By bringing this history into our public spaces, the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail fosters heritage tourism and enriches our collective understanding of the past.”

In order to nominate a site for this 2026 cycle of the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail, applicants must first submit a Pre-Application Worksheet. A Pre-Application Worksheet is required for each round of nominations to the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail. Worksheets will be accepted for review on a rolling basis through this form: www.bit.ly/njbht-worksheet. The Pre-Application worksheet must be submitted by Friday, January 16, 2026 at 3:00pm in order to be invited to apply for the 2026 nomination cycle. All those who submit worksheets after that date will be invited to apply for the 2027 nomination cycle without having to resubmit the worksheet.

Applications will be due by Friday, May 15, 2026 at 3:00pm. Applicants are encouraged to carefully read the guidelines before starting the application. Notification letters will be sent out in December 2026. Questions about the program and the application process can be directed to: BlackHeritageTrail@sos.nj.gov.

About the New Jersey Historical Commission
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.

About the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail
Under the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail, the New Jersey Historical Commission will work in cooperation with other state agencies, such as the Historic Preservation Office, the Division of Travel and Tourism, as well as local governments, owners or operators of Black heritage sites, and others to identify a series of sites. The bill also names the New Jersey Black Cultural and Heritage Initiative Foundation as a principal collaborator, due to its mission which includes broadening, deepening, and diversifying statewide participation in and appreciation for Black art, history, and culture.