To mark the 50th anniversary of the New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC) and emphasize the significant work of history organizations and programs across the state, we asked our FY2017 and FY2018 grant recipients to submit a short narrative and photos describing the impact of NJHC funding. Each week until the end of our fiscal year in June, we will post a spotlight featuring the responses of our grant recipients. Whether NJHC support contributed to general operating, a brand new exhibit, an engaging education program or the restoration of a historic object, it’s truly amazing to see what New Jersey history organizations, libraries, and individuals have to offer.
This week we spotlight the New Jersey Center for Civic Education based at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ!
Initially funded in 2014 to celebrate the 350th anniversary of New Jersey, the New Jersey Center for Civic Education worked with other state social studies organizations, university faculty and classroom teachers to develop, demonstrate and disseminate classroom lessons about New Jersey history. Between March 2014 and June 2017, we prepared and placed 23 lessons and units for grades 2-8 and 23 lessons and units for grade 6-12 on the website of the New Jersey Center for Civic Education at http://civiced.rutgers.edu/njlessons.html as well as on the website of the New Jersey Council for the Social Studies at http://njcss.weebly.com/lessons–resources.html. The topics include Colonial Life in New Jersey, Canal transportation in New Jersey, the Underground Railroad in New Jersey, Immigration in New Jersey, New Jersey Women, and the New Jersey Judiciary, for grades 2-8; and New Jersey’s First Constitution, NJ and the War of 1812, Slavery in New Jersey, the Paterson Silk Strike, NJ in the 1930s, School desegregation, Urban Riots, New Jersey’s Constitutional framework, Rockin’ in the Garden State and Innovations from New Jersey for secondary grades. In addition, eight workshops for teachers demonstrating the materials were held during 2015-2017 and four articles were published. The lessons are correlated with the state social studies learning standards and include activities to engage students in active learning as well as links to the many historic sites in the state. Hundreds of teachers are already using the lessons. They provide a lasting legacy for New Jersey’s educators to use for years to come.
For questions about NJHC Grantee Spotlights, please contact Greer Luce, Communications Officer, at 609-633-0776 or greer.luce@sos.nj.gov.
About the New Jersey Historical Commission
The New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC) is a state agency dedicated to the advancement of public knowledge and preservation of New Jersey history. Established by law in 1967, its work is founded on the fundamental belief that an understanding of our shared heritage is essential to sustaining a cohesive and robust democracy.
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