Black Patriots, Enduring Legacy: New Jersey Commemorates 100 Years of Black History

Trenton, N.J. (February 4, 2026) – In accordance with the 100th Anniversary of Black History commemorations in the United States and America’s Semiquincentennial this year, the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism (NJTT) is celebrating the impact and legacy of African Americans to the Great Garden State’s rich cultural and historical heritage specifically through Black History Month and beyond. In 2026, NJTT reflects on the sacrifice of New Jersey’s Black soldiers and honors the foundational role the Black community has played in New Jersey’s rich history.

“As we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation, the Garden State is committed to showcasing an inclusive representation of the individuals and communities that have shaped our state’s identity and culture since 1664,” said New Jersey Lt. Governor Dr. Dale Caldwell, who oversees NJTT as Secretary of State. “From Revolutionary War soldiers who fought for unrealized freedoms to modern-day leaders transforming art, science and business, Black New Jerseyans’ legacies are inseparable from New Jersey’s story, and visitors can experience them all firsthand at heritage tourism sites and destinations across the state every day.”

Black Revolutionary War Heroes

As the nation celebrates the upcoming 250th anniversary of United States independence this July, New Jersey is drawing the spotlight toward the Black New Jerseyan soldiers of the American Revolution who were pivotal to the country’s path to victory. Today, visitors can walk the grounds where these patriots once served, highlighting the state’s renowned heritage tourism offerings. These soldiers were among the first of centuries of Black New Jerseyans to fight for American freedom.

To visit the battleground heritage sites where brave and courageous Black soldiers of the American Revolution, such as Jack Cudjo Banquante (1723-1823), Jacob Francis (1754 – 1836), Oliver Cromwell (1752 – 1853), and William Stives (1760-1839) served on the battle grounds, visit the New Jersey Revolutionary War sites of Short Hills, Monmouth, Morristown, Springfield, Trenton, and Princeton. To learn more about the extraordinary lives and service of all of New Jersey’s Black Revolutionary War heroes, visit Revolutionary NJ.

Black Heritage Trail Itineraries

NJTT offers Black Heritage itineraries at VisitNJ.org, which provide residents and visitors a deeper insight into the diverse leaders, stories, and cultures that continue to influence not only New Jersey but the nation. These self-guided tours take place across four regions of the state: North, Central, South and Delaware River.

· Northern Region: Traverse intriguing museum collections and a variety of offerings and events in Newark, Jersey City and Tenafly before visiting Little Ferry and Morristown for ground-breaking landmarks created for Black residents in the 1800s.

· Central Region: Visit the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum in Skillman or the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center in Red Bank, honoring one of the most influential journalists and civil rights advocates in American history.

· Southern Region: Explore the Harriet Tubman Museum in Cape May and the historic Chicken Bone Beach in Atlantic City.

· Delaware River Region: Travel to Lawnside, the first incorporated, self-governing Black municipality north of the Mason-Dixon Line and stop in Camden and Burlington County to learn about prominent Black history and links to the Underground Railroad.

February 2026 Black History Month Programming

The spirit of Black heritage comes alive this month through world-class performances and exhibitions across the state. Unless otherwise noted, programming will continue throughout the month of February.

● The Historic Court House (Hunterdon) welcomes “The Head that Wears the Crown: Black Women’s Headwear from Slavery to Freedom” in celebration of the cultural significance of Black headwear conditions. Running now through February 25.

● The Newark Museum of Art’s (Newark) “Seeing America” exhibit showcases the diversity of the American experience with galleries dedicated to the Harlem Renaissance and Civil Rights Movement.

● African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey (Atlantic City) will host special tours and exhibits focused on the transformation of the Black experience over the last century.

● Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum (Skillman) will be open for tours to discover the cultural heritage of the Sourland Mountain region, including Douglass Day on Feb. 13, which will feature records from the historic Colored Conventions movement.

● William Trent House (Trenton) hosts “Four Centuries of African American Soldiers,” a living history program that tells the heroic stories of America’s Black warriors.
February 21.

● Historic Underground Railroad Museum of Burlington County (Eastampton Township) will be celebrating Black History Month with events, workshops and performances that showcase the county’s rich Black historical presence and culture.

● Center for Community Arts (Cape May) features a self-guided African American Heritage Walking Tour of Cape May covering ten stops in approximately 90 minutes.

● Montclair History Center (Montclair) offers “Guided House Tour: Eyewitness to Black History” through rare first-hand accounts, primary and secondary source documents. February 21.

● Liberty Hall (Union) offers the “Uncovering the Enslaved Tour” that highlights the stories of the enslaved individuals who lived and labored at the historic home and on its grounds. February 14-16.

● The Emlen Physick Estate (Cape May) is expanding its programming to highlight the city’s Black abolitionist and civil rights history, honoring figures like Paul Robeson and Marian Anderson.

● The New Brunswick Free Public Library (New Brunswick) presents, “An African American Patriots Experience” that invites guests to experience an American Patriot Piper and learn of the challenges and choices facing African Americans during the American Revolution. February 14.

For more information on Black History Month events, Revolutionary War sites, and to download the Black Heritage Trail itineraries, please go to: VisitNJ.org.

About New Jersey

New Jersey offers a wide variety of experiences to visitors all year long. Travelers and residents can enjoy outdoor adventures, renowned culinary offerings, educational opportunities, and a strong arts and cultural scene. With numerous state and national parks, beaches, skiing, tax-free shopping, historic sites, museums and more, New Jersey blends together its rich history and exciting present. Home to the nation’s first beach resorts and the birthplace of major inventions, New Jersey offers a picturesque escape and dynamic opportunities for visitors from near and far. For more information, visit www.visitnj.org.

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