“History nurtures personal and collective identity in a diverse world. People discover their place in time through stories of their families, communities, and nation. These stories of freedom and equality, injustice and struggle, loss and achievement, and courage and triumph shape people’s personal values that guide them through life.” (HistoryRelevance.com)
PLATFORM FOR NEW JERSEY HISTORY
The Advocates for New Jersey History is a statewide organization, which is comprised of individuals and organizations representing the entire history community. The History Advocates’ goal is for public history in New Jersey to benefit and educate residents of New Jersey and attract tourists and visitors to the state through the presentation of the highest quality public history programming and facilities. The History Advocates seek enactment of measures to ensure that New Jersey’s historical and cultural assets maximize their potential to contribute to the state’s economic development and enhance its quality of life by:
– Increasing growth of the cultural heritage tourism industry
– Improving education about our common history for students of all ages
– Preserving our cultural heritage
– Increasing awareness of the special role of New Jersey in the nation’s history.
We also seek to secure sustainable funding, providing renewable resources to ensure that heritage tourism fulfills its economic development potential.
A. SUPPORT NEW JERSEY PUBLIC HISTORY SERVICES
B. PRESERVE OUR HISTORIC RESOURCES
C. PROMOTE CULTURAL & HERITAGE TOURISM
D. DEVELOP AND SUPPORT NEW JERSEY’S STATE-OWNED HISTORIC SITES
E. EDUCATE OUR CHILDREN ABOUT NEW JERSEY
F. SUPPORT THE RENEWAL OF THE NEW JERSEY STATE MUSEUM
G. SUPPORT THE PRESERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF PUBLIC HISTORY COLLECTIONS
Click here for full Platform for New Jersey History
THE VALUE OF HISTORY STATEMENT
TO OURSELVES
IDENTITY » History nurtures personal and collective identity in a diverse world. People discover their place in time through stories of their families, communities, and nation. These stories of freedom and equality, injustice and struggle, loss and achievement, and courage and triumph shape people’s personal values that guide them through life.
CRITICAL THINKING » History teaches vital skills. Historical thinking requires critical approaches to evidence and argument and develops contextual understanding and historical perspective, encouraging meaningful engagement with concepts like continuity, change, and causation, and the ability to interpret and communicate complex ideas clearly and coherently.
TO OUR COMMUNITIES
VIBRANT COMMUNITIES » History is the foundation for strong, vibrant communities. A place becomes a community when wrapped in human memory as told through family stories, tribal traditions, and civic commemorations as well as discussions about our roles and responsibilities to each other and the places we call home.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT » History is a catalyst for economic growth. Communities with cultural heritage institutions and a strong sense of historical character attract talent, increase tourism revenues, enhance business development, and fortify local economies.
TO OUR FUTURE
ENGAGED CITIZENS » History helps people envision a better future. Democracy thrives when individuals convene to express opinions, listen to others, and take action. Weaving history into discussions about contemporary issues clarifies differing perspectives and misperceptions, reveals complexities, grounds competing views in evidence, and introduces new ideas; all can lead to greater understanding and viable community solutions.
LEADERSHIP » History inspires leaders. History provides today’s leaders with role models as they navigate through the complexities of modern life. The stories of persons from the past can offer direction to contemporary leaders and help clarify their values and ideals.
LEGACY » History, saved and preserved, is the foundation for future generations. Historical knowledge is crucial to protecting democracy. By preserving authentic and meaningful documents, artifacts, images, stories, and places, future generations have a foundation on which to build and know what it means to be a member of the civic community.