Though one of the most diverse states in the nation, New Jersey has a long way to go in identifying and preserving historic sites that reflect that diversity. When historic sites associated with underrepresented communities are not identified, they face erasure. When sites are identified, ... » Learn More about Underrepresented Histories
Statewide Theme
Cemeteries
Cemeteries are important repositories of history and culture, in addition to memorializing the deaths of individual people. Cemeteries associated with historic events such as the Civil War can be pathways into historic records. The concept of memorializing extends far beyond individual ... » Learn More about Cemeteries
COVID-19’s Impact to Historic Resources
Generally speaking, historic resources can stand the test of time quite well. They are resilient in the face of neglect and lack of use. However, the last fifteen months of the COVID health emergency has been international in its scope and debilitating in its societal impact. For ... » Learn More about COVID-19’s Impact to Historic Resources
New Jersey’s 1970’s Heritage
While the 1970s may not seem like that long ago, the decade officially reaches the 50-year benchmark as of 2020. This means that sites from the 1970s era are beginning to become eligible for listing in the State and National Registers of Historic Places, as one of the criteria for ... » Learn More about New Jersey’s 1970’s Heritage
Historic Firehouses
The 20th century saw a rapid evolution in emergency services. While firehouses began to be purpose-built in the 19th century, and in a few cases earlier, the advent of gas-powered fire trucks and telephone communications in the 1920s saw a blossoming of community emergency services ... » Learn More about Historic Firehouses
Patterned Brickwork Houses
Patterned brickwork is the delineation of designs – geometric, dates, and initials – by a mason using darkened “vitrified” bricks against a background of ordinary red brick. New Jersey (and especially South Jersey), which hosts approximately 95% of the examples, is the principal ... » Learn More about Patterned Brickwork Houses
Funding for Historic Religious Buildings
Since 1989, grant funds have been available in New Jersey for the preservation and restoration of our historic buildings and structures, including those owned and occupied by religious institutions. The criteria for funding such buildings has been consistent; a church, ... » Learn More about Funding for Historic Religious Buildings
Deteriorating Infrastructure on New Jersey
DESCRIPTION: In its most recent report on the nation’s infrastructure, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) rated New Jersey a D+. The construction, repair, and maintenance of the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities of New Jersey are critically underfunded. With so ... » Learn More about Deteriorating Infrastructure on New Jersey
Historic Windows
DESCRIPTION: Historic windows, already one of the most vulnerable elements of historic buildings, are in danger of extinction. Misinformation during the current sustainability campaign has painted historic windows as poster children for inefficiency. As a result, rehabilitators are increasingly ... » Learn More about Historic Windows
Historic Diners of New Jersey
DESCRIPTION: The historic diner is an icon of mid-20th century America. As the automobile became commonplace and highways linked all parts of the U.S., facilities catering to “car culture” became big business. The diner was one of the most prolific. Classic prefabricated diners sport outlandish and ... » Learn More about Historic Diners of New Jersey