Celebrate NJ! is a nonprofit organization that seeks to promote the best of New Jersey– her diversity, her beauty, her innovation and creativity– for generations to come.
New Jersey is where our country’s freedom was won, where electric lights first illuminated the world, and where generations from around the world have found fertile ground for the seeds of their dreams.
Understanding what came before us and appreciating the possibility ahead of us is important especially for future generations who will call New Jersey home. To these ends, Celebrate NJ! has created a variety of community initiatives and promotional campaigns; and supplemental classroom programs that engage students in grades 3 to 8 in curriculum-based programs that connect them to each other, to the world around them and to their own dreams.
Officially formed in August 2006 , the activities of Celebrate NJ! Inc. are coordinated by Karen Hatcher, Executive Director, overseen by a volunteer Board of Trustees, and an Advisory Board of talented community volunteers.
Our offices are maintained in Cape May Point, NJ and Freehold, NJ. Our official mailing address is 49 Ford Avenue, Freehold, NJ 07728. Contact us at khatcher@celebratenj.org or 732.333.0462.
How Celebrate NJ! Began…
Celebrate NJ! got its start as a promotional initiative of the Crossroads of the American Revolution Association who, with a coordinating group that included more than 20 statewide organizations decided that New Jersey needed a celebration of itself. Their common vision for this venture emerged at an October 21, 2004 meeting convened by Crossroads called “Deep Roots and Strong Branches: Creating a ‘CELEBRATE NEW JERSEY’ day.” At that meeting, 115 participants representing a broad cross-section of interests agreed that New Jersey was so rich and diverse that we needed not a day, but a whole month for a fitting celebration!
The Crossroads of the American Revolution Association is also working toward the formation of New Jersey’s first National Heritage Area under the auspices of the U.S. National Park Service. For more information about the Crossroads click here.
Who are the Celebrate NJ! Partner Groups?
CelebrateNJ! has involved members of the community statewide. The following organizations represent the Coordinating Group – they share the vision of celebrating our great state and all of its accomplishments:
- AboutNewJersey.com
- Advocates for New Jersey History
- ArtPride NJ
- Association of New Jersey County Cultural & Heritage Agencies
- Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC)
- Crossroads of the American Revolution Association
- Delaware & Raritan Greenway
- Greater Camden Partnership
- MidAtlantic Center for the Arts
- New Jersey Chamber of Commerce
- New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail
- New Jersey Conservation Foundation
- New Jersey Cultural Trust
- New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Natural & Historic Resources
- New Jersey Historical Commission
- New Jersey League of Municipalities
- New Jersey Association of Museums
- New Jersey Parks & Recreation Association
- New Jersey Office of Travel & Tourism
- NJN Public Television and Radio
- New Jersey Travel Industry Association
- Pinelands Interpretive Program
- Preservation New Jersey
- South Jersey Cultural Alliance
- South Jersey Tourism Corporation
There are many other groups, organizations, and individuals who have also generously given their time and financial support to make this celebration happen. We give thanks for their support!
