New Jersey Historical Commission facts for kids
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| Agency overview | |
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| Jurisdiction | New Jersey |
| Headquarters | 225 West State Street, 4th Floor, Trenton, NJ 08625-0305 |
| Agency executives |
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| Parent agency | New Jersey Department of State |
| Website | http://www.nj.gov/state/historical/index.html |
The New Jersey Historical Commission is a special group that works for the New Jersey state government. Their main job is to help everyone learn about and appreciate New Jersey's past. They want to make history interesting and keep important historical records safe.
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New Jersey Historical Commission
The New Jersey Historical Commission is like a history detective agency for the state of New Jersey. It's a part of the New Jersey Department of State, which is a big government office. This commission helps people understand how New Jersey became the state it is today.
What Does the Commission Do?
The commission has a very important mission. They want to "enrich the lives of the public." This means they want to make life better for people by sharing New Jersey's history. They do this in two main ways:
- They preserve the historical record. This means they protect old documents, photos, and other items that tell us about the past.
- They advance interest in and awareness of New Jersey's past. This means they help people get excited about history and learn more about it.
Keeping History Safe
One of the commission's biggest jobs is to protect historical items. Imagine old letters, maps, or even tools from long ago. These items are like clues that tell us stories about the past. The commission helps make sure these clues are not lost or damaged. They work with museums, libraries, and other groups to keep these treasures safe.
Teaching About New Jersey's Past
The commission also helps teach people about New Jersey's history. They might create programs, workshops, or even special events. These activities help students, teachers, and families learn about important people and events from New Jersey's past. They want to make history fun and easy to understand for everyone.
Supporting Local History
New Jersey has many towns and communities, each with its own unique history. The commission helps local historical societies and groups. They might offer grants or advice to these groups. This support helps local communities explore and share their own stories. It's like helping every town tell its part of the big New Jersey story.
Why Is History Important?
Learning about history helps us understand the world around us. It shows us how things have changed over time. It also helps us learn from the past. The New Jersey Historical Commission believes that knowing our history makes us better citizens. It helps us appreciate where we come from and how our state grew.
