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Discover New Jersey's Civic Roots with the History Pinned Challenge This Summer
RevolutionNJ Invites Residents to Explore Historic Sites and Earn a History Hero Badge
NEW JERSEY – This summer, RevolutionNJ, New Jersey's official 250th partnership, launches the innovative "History Pinned" challenge, inviting participants to explore the state's rich civic history and earn exclusive rewards. From June 1st through July 31st, history enthusiasts can visit key sites across New Jersey to collect unique buttons and ultimately win a special History Hero badge.
The challenge, which coincides with the annual Civic Season, will be hosted at five culturally significant locations: the Alice Paul Institute, American Labor Museum, Hoboken Historical Museum, New Jersey State Museum, and T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center. These sites were chosen for their diverse geographic locations and their profound connections to New Jersey's political and civic heritage.
Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, who also serves as Secretary of State overseeing the New Jersey Historical Commission, encourages all residents and visitors to participate.
“I encourage New Jersey’s residents and visitors to take advantage of this fun opportunity to learn more about our shared history and to discover new ways to participate in our democracy,” said Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way.
RevolutionNJ, a joint initiative with the non-profit Crossroads of the American Revolution, is spearheading this effort as part of the broader commemoration of America’s upcoming 250th anniversary in 2026.
“Connecting young adults with their histories is crucial for many reasons including inspiring life-long civic engagement,” said New Jersey Historical Commission Executive Director Sara Cureton. “All five of the institutions participating in this year’s program tell fascinating stories of how New Jerseyans of the past shaped the government that we share today.”
The History Pinned program also marks the fourth annual Civic Season, a new tradition that spans from Juneteenth to July 4th, designed to engage young Americans, particularly Gen Z, in shaping the future civic landscape as the nation approaches its 250th birthday.
Carrie Fellows, Executive Director of Crossroads of the American Revolution, expressed enthusiasm about the program's potential impact: “We hope that it will also provide an opportunity for young adults to reflect on the Revolutionary ideals of freedom, liberty, and justice as we approach America’s 250th.”
For more information on how to participate in the History Pinned challenge and to start your journey through New Jersey's civic landmarks, visit RevolutionNJ’s official site.
Created through state legislation in 2018, RevolutionNJ is a partnership between the New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC), a division of the New Jersey Department of State, and the nonprofit Crossroads of the American Revolution Association to plan the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in New Jersey.
