New Jersey Hall of Fame facts for kids

The New Jersey Hall of Fame is a special group that celebrates people from New Jersey who have done amazing things. These people have made a big difference in the world. It's like a special club for heroes and role models from the state.

This Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization. This means it works to help people and doesn't try to make money. It is guided by a group of leaders called a board of trustees. The idea for the Hall of Fame became a law in New Jersey in 2005. Lawmakers in the New Jersey Senate and Assembly all agreed on it. The governor signed it into law on September 22, 2005.

In June 2013, the Hall of Fame launched a "mobile museum." This museum was designed by famous people like Michael Graves. It traveled around New Jersey for three years. More than 300,000 people visited it. In 2017, a smaller exhibit opened at Newark Airport. It featured holograms and a "Wall of Fame." In September 2018, it was announced that the Hall of Fame would get a permanent home. This new home is at American Dream Meadowlands.

How People Get Chosen for the Hall of Fame

The New Jersey Hall of Fame picks people in five main groups. These groups are General, Enterprise (business), Sports, Arts & Entertainment, and Historical. To be considered, people usually need to have lived in New Jersey for at least five years.

Choosing who gets into the Hall of Fame happens in three steps:

• Step 1: Expert Panel

A group of experts chosen by the Hall of Fame board makes a list. They pick 20 people for each category.

• Step 2: Organizations Vote

Over 100 important organizations across New Jersey then help. They narrow down the list to 6 people in each category.

• Step 3: Public Vote

Finally, people can vote online or using paper ballots. After this, the Hall of Fame board makes the final decision. They pick the top vote-getter in each group. They can also choose other people they think deserve to be honored.

Induction Ceremony: A Special Event

The very first group of people was honored in a special ceremony. This event took place at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. It happened on May 4, 2008.

Honoring New Jersey's Best: Inductees from 2008-2010

2008 Inductees: The First Class

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

2009 Inductees: A New Group

The people chosen for the 2009 class were announced on February 2, 2009. Their induction ceremony was held on May 3, 2009. It took place at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.

2010 Inductees: Celebrating More Stars

The 2010 class of inductees was announced on December 3, 2009. The induction ceremony happened on May 2, 2010. It was held at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark.

Honoring New Jersey's Best: Inductees from 2011-2020

2011 Inductees: A Diverse Group

The 2011 inductees included many talented individuals.

A special honor was also given to the 9/11 Victims.

2012 Inductees: More Great Names

Ten people from the Class of 2012 were inducted on June 9, 2012. The ceremony was at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. These included an Olympian, an inventor, actors, a coach, and authors.

The E Street Band was inducted later. The Unsung Hero Award went to Eric LeGrand. He was a football player from Rutgers University.

2013 Inductees: Celebrating Achievements

The 2013 class included a former president and many artists.

2014 Inductees: Honoring Diverse Talents

The 2014 class recognized people from arts, business, and public service.

2015 Inductees: Recognizing Excellence

The 2015 inductees included authors, business leaders, and athletes.

2016 Inductees: Celebrating Contributions

The 2016 class honored people in arts, business, and sports.

2017 Inductees: A Class of Achievers

The 2017 inductees included authors, business people, and musicians.

2018 Inductees: Honoring New Jersey's Best

The 2018 class recognized people from writing, business, and entertainment.

2019-2020 Inductees: Two Years, One Celebration

The inductees for 2019 and 2020 were honored together.

Honoring New Jersey's Best: Inductees from 2021-2030

2021 Inductees: A New Decade of Heroes

The 2021 class included notable figures in arts, business, and public service.

2022 Inductees: Continuing the Legacy

The 2022 class honored more individuals who made a difference.

2023 Inductees: Celebrating Achievements

The 2023 class recognized people from various fields.

2024 Inductees: The Latest Honorees

The 2024 class includes authors, scientists, and performers.

See also

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