The year 2014 will mark a notable milestone for New Jersey: its 350th birthday. Since its creation in 1664, New Jersey has played a pivotal role in the shaping of American life and culture.
Today New Jersey is home to 21 Fortune 500 companies and more than 1,100 multinational companies from 40 nations. When it comes to art, culture, music, and sports, New Jersey houses hundreds of museums and is the home state to countless film, TV, and music legends; notable literary figures; and acclaimed athletes.
To acknowledge the state’s contributions to the nation and the world, three themes have been designated to help frame the anniversary:
Innovation: The world has been reshaped again and again by people from and things created in New Jersey. From Edison’s light bulb, to the Atlantic City boardwalk, to the first intercollegiate football game, to Frank Sinatra and Count Basie, New Jersey’s innovations and innovators have had an impact around the globe.
Diversity: By virtue of its location and diversity, New Jersey is in many ways a microcosm of the U.S., with numerous national themes playing out within the state’s boundaries over the past 350 years.
Liberty: New Jersey played a pivotal role in the American Revolution, witnessing more significant military action than any other state in the new nation and establishing a tradition of distinguished military service that continues to this day. New Jersey’s commitment to the cause of liberty was further demonstrated when it became the first state to ratify the Bill of Rights in 1789.
Throughout the anniversary, events large and small, local and statewide, will be held to highlight these themes and bring the celebration to every part of the state. Special programs will feature the unique foods, music, people, stories, and traditions that make New Jersey special.
Click on officialnj350.com for details.
For more information about top events in New Jersey take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in New Jersey.