New Jersey Hall of Fame facts for kids

The New Jersey Hall of Fame is a special organization that celebrates amazing people from the state of New Jersey. These are people who have done great things and made a big difference in the world.

It's a non-profit group, which means it doesn't try to make money. It was officially started by a law in New Jersey in 2005. Lawmakers in the New Jersey Senate and Assembly all agreed it was a good idea, and the governor signed it into law.

In 2013, the Hall of Fame launched a "mobile museum." This cool museum on wheels traveled all around the state. It let over 300,000 people learn about New Jersey's heroes. Later, in 2017, they opened a smaller exhibit at Newark Airport. This exhibit featured holograms and a "Wall of Fame." The Hall of Fame plans to have a permanent home at American Dream Meadowlands in the future.

How People Are Chosen

The New Jersey Hall of Fame picks people in five main groups. These groups are:

• General
• Enterprise (for business and innovation)
• Sports
• Arts & Entertainment
• Historical

To be considered, most people must have lived in New Jersey for at least five years. The selection process has three steps.

Step 1: Expert Panel Picks

First, a group of experts chosen by the Hall of Fame board makes a list. They pick 20 people for each of the five categories.

Step 2: Organizations Narrow Down Choices

Next, over 100 important organizations across New Jersey get involved. They help narrow down the list. From the 20 people in each category, they choose just 6.

Step 3: Public Voting and Final Selection

Finally, people can vote online or using paper ballots. After the public votes, the Hall of Fame board makes the final decision. They usually pick the person with the most votes in each category. They can also choose other people they believe deserve to be honored.

Induction Ceremonies

Once people are chosen, they are officially welcomed into the Hall of Fame at a special event. This event is called an induction ceremony. It's a big celebration to honor their achievements. The very first ceremony was held on May 4, 2008, at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.

First Honorees: Class of 2008

The first group of people to join the New Jersey Hall of Fame was announced on October 25, 2007. Governor Jon Corzine shared the exciting news.

Class of 2009 Honorees

The Hall of Fame announced the 2009 honorees on February 2, 2009. Their induction ceremony took place on May 3, 2009, at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.

Class of 2010 Honorees

The 2010 honorees were announced on December 3, 2009. The induction ceremony was held on May 2, 2010, at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark.

Class of 2011 Honorees

The 2011 class included many notable figures. A special induction was also given to the 9/11 Victims.

Class of 2012 Honorees

Ten members of the 2012 class were inducted on June 9, 2012. These included Olympian Milt Campbell, condensed-soup inventor John Dorrance, actor Michael Douglas, basketball coach Bob Hurley, New York Giants owner Wellington Mara, media leader Samuel I. Newhouse, Wild West Show star Annie Oakley, author Joyce Carol Oates, actor-activist Christopher Reeve, and jazz singer Sarah Vaughan.

The E Street Band was also inducted later. The "Unsung Hero Award" was given to Eric LeGrand, a former Rutgers University football player.

More Recent Honorees

Since 2012, many more amazing people have been inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame. Each year, new individuals are recognized for their outstanding contributions. These honorees come from all walks of life, including sports, arts, business, and public service. They continue to inspire people in New Jersey and around the world.

Some notable inductees from later years include:

• 2013: Former President Grover Cleveland, singer Whitney Houston, and basketball star Joetta Clark Diggs.
• 2014: Author Dorothy Parker, actor James Gandolfini, and civil rights leader Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
• 2015: Baseball legend Derek Jeter, soccer star Christie Pearce, and TV personality Jon Stewart.
• 2016: TV host Kelly Ripa, actor Ray Liotta, and basketball star Carol Blazejowski.
• 2017: Musician Steven Van Zandt, astronaut Mark Kelly, and soccer star Carli Lloyd.
• 2018: Author George R. R. Martin, businesswoman Martha Stewart, and Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez.
• 2019-2020: Cartoonist Charles Addams, actor Ed Harris, and football quarterback Eli Manning.
• 2021: Photographer Dorothea Lange, founding father Alexander Hamilton, and basketball executive Val Ackerman.

The New Jersey Hall of Fame continues to celebrate the incredible talent and impact of people connected to the Garden State.

See also

• Sports Hall of Fame of New Jersey
• Grammy Museum Experience
• List of people from New Jersey