Morristown, NJ— Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) hosted a discussion today at Washington’s Headquarters Museum with local, state, and federal officials, historical organizations, and other key stakeholders focused on preparations to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026 and the economic opportunity it poses for New Jersey heritage tourism.
Watch a livestream of the discussion here.
“In 2026, we as a nation will be coming together to celebrate 250 years of American independence and democracy. Too often the important role New Jersey played in the American Revolution is overlooked and undersold—despite being the site of numerous encampments and pivotal battles led by General Washington. As the 250th anniversary fast approaches, there is great economic opportunity attainable from heritage tourism at sites like the Morristown National Historical Park. I want to thank Senator Booker for joining me today as we received an update on current planning and learned about ways we can advocate for support on the federal level,” said Rep. Sherrill.
“Morris County and New Jersey played a pivotal role in our nation’s fight for independence. I celebrate the efforts to spotlight the Garden State’s unique revolutionary heritage for visitors from around the world. The 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding will be a moment to celebrate New Jersey’s place in history, reflect on our bedrock values of liberty and justice for all, and honor the sacrifices made by generations of Americans to secure our freedom,” said Senator Booker.
The panel discussion included updates from:
- Carrie Fellows, Executive Director, Crossroads of the American Revolution
- Sara Cureton, Executive Director, New Jersey Historical Commission
- Thomas Ross, Superintendent, Morristown National Historical Park
- Craig Schlosser, President & CEO Morris County Economic Development Alliance & MC Tourism Bureau
Local elected officials who joined included LD-25 Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, Morris County Commissioner Deputy Director Christine Myers and Commissioner Steve Shaw, and Mayors Mark Gyorfy, Mike Stanzilis and Tim Dougherty. Representatives for NJ Senate Minority Leader Tony Bucco, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, and Mayor Bob Conley also were in attendance.
The event brought together numerous other state and local organizations including representatives from the Washington Association of NJ, Friends of Jockey Hollow, NJEDA, Morris County Chamber of Commerce, Choose New Jersey, NJ Division of Travel & Tourism, NJ Department of Environmental Protection, NJ Historic Trust, NJ Society of the Cincinnati, NJ Daughters of the American Revolution, National Society of The Colonial Dames of America, Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route Association, Morris Museum, Museum of Early Trades and Crafts, Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, Morris County Heritage Commission, Morris County Historical Society, Morris County League of Municipalities, Morris County Office of Planning & Preservation, Morris County Park Commission, Sankofa Heritage Collective of Morris County, Chatham Historical Society, Chatham Township Historical Society, Madison Historical Society, Picatinny Arsenal, and County College of Morris.
After the panel, Rep. Sherrill and Sen. Booker toured Jockey Hollow, where the Continental Army encamped at and survived the coldest winter of the war between 1779-1780.
Rep. Sherrill is a member of the 250th Caucus, which is focused on assisting the planning and preparations being led by the US Semiquincentennial Commission. This Commission was established by Congress to coordinate and promote the 250th anniversary. The 250th Caucus is chaired by Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12). Sherrill has long advocated for federal support of New Jersey’s historical sites through legislation such as the Great American Outdoors Act and the American Rescue Plan— both pieces of legislation Senator Booker supported on the Senate side— which have helped with updates and improvements at Morristown National Historical Park and across the state.