by Noreen Bodman, Executive Director for the Crossroads of America Revolution Association
View the entire newsletter for more articles: 2016 - NJAC County Biz - January
New Jersey tells America’s Revolutionary story as no other state can. We hosted the darkest hours of the fight for independence in late 1776. Washington and his troops endured one of the harshest winters on record in Morristown in 1779-80. And all over the state, average citizens struggled to live their lives as combat came to their communities, over and over. Here, the American Revolution was a civil war, with family members and neighbors divided between independence and loyalty to Great Britain.
Our Revolutionary heritage – the stories of war heroes, scoundrels and regular folks alike – has enormous potential to contribute to the state economy and boost local pride. Congress recognized this unique opportunity by designating much of the state as the Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area, celebrating our predecessors’ contributions to the founding of the nation and the richness of democracy.
Likewise, the Crossroads of the American Revolution Association puts a spotlight on the tapestry of local personalities and historic sites that are unique among the original 13 states. We work with more than 100 historic organizations and governmental bodies to tell New Jersey’s Revolutionary story and relate it to who we are today. We unite members of the historic, cultural and business communities in a compelling narrative that shows the scale of the impact of the war on the state and its people. And we promote the sites and stories to help boost the state’s share of the lucrative heritage tourism market.
With historians, we’ve developed 14 storylines that reflect the unique themes and events that took place here during the war for independence. To help visitors retrace each storyline, we’re undertaking New Jersey’s first statewide tourism signage program. Branded signs will direct residents and visitors to get off the highways and explore local Revolutionary history and nearby amenities. Officials in several cities and counties are already working with us to coordinate siting and installation as we work with the business community for funding. They understand the huge potential in promoting these amazing historic sites and encouraging visitors to explore our shared heritage.
Reaching people where they least expect it is important, too. Recently, signs at Garden State Parkway toll plazas and New Jersey Turnpike interchanges invited motorists to experience Patriots Week in Trenton, while a downtown New Brunswick billboard introduced new audiences to Revolutionary New Jersey.
It’s all part of making our shared history part of who we are today. As they walk in the footsteps of New Jerseyans who lived through the struggle for American independence, heritage explorers will discover the charm of our communities today. They’ll find restaurants and small retailers, talk with local residents and explore the local arts community. And those who discover the heritage of their own towns will take pride in the contributions their Revolutionary neighbors made toward American independence. In the process, they’ll be reminded why New Jersey is such a special place in which to live, work and do business.