New Jersey history
-
A Day of Gratitude
“The Troops have been covered with Ice and Snow… and have been reduced to the necessity of washing their Clothes in Ice, and sleeping upon the ground without Blankets. Their patience under these severe trials is beautiful, and demands the highest admiration.” Letter to Congress from George Washington, January 26, 1780 from Morristown, New Jersey… Continue reading
-
Revolution, Spies, and America 250
I have always been interested in history. One of the first dates my husband (then my boyfriend) and I shared was a visit to Jockey Hollow in Morristown. After dating through the winter, we were excited to get outside and enjoy the wonderful history of our unique state. While I am very late to the… Continue reading
-
The Cherry Blossoms of Newark and Belleville
It is finally springtime. The weather is beginning to warm, the juncos are heading north, and we see robins on the horizon. The most beautiful announcement of the season, however, is the blooming of cherry blossoms in Newark and Belleville. History of Branch Brook Park In 1867, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the designers… Continue reading
-
Remember 9-11: 24 Years Later
“Where were you on December 7th?” “Where were you when President Kennedy was shot?” “Where were you when Dr. King was assassinated?” “Where were you on 9/11?” Sadly, every generation experiences at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. For Gen-Xers like me, there have been several. I remember watching video of blindfolded hostages in… Continue reading
-
For Want of Open Spaces
Ever since I started writing this blog, I have made it my mission to share all that is wonderful about my beloved state. I’ve worked hard to avoid the negatives and the politics (which are often one and the same) in order to stay a bastion against the stereotypes and assumptions made by outsiders. We… Continue reading
-
The Importance of Local Journalism
Growing up, one of my favorite things to do was walk up to Plaza Chemist on Franklin Avenue and pick up copies of The Belleville Times and The Belleville Post. By the time I reached high school, I began to appreciate a morning cup of coffee with the Sunday paper. After Sunday dinner, family members… Continue reading
-
Gearing up for 2025: Jersey Goals
The year 2024 has officially come to a close and we can turn the page to 2025. I’m not going to lie, 2024 was a really hard year. There were a few positives, but overall, I’m happy to move into the new year. And of course I have big plans! What are my 2025 goals?… Continue reading
-
Constitution Day in New Jersey
December 18th is an important day in New Jersey history. On this date in 1787, the Garden State became the third state to ratify the United States Constitution. In what became our no-nonsense attitude, the representatives completed all the necessary tasks to ratify in six days. It is believed this was due in large part… Continue reading
-
Upcoming Event at End of Italian Heritage Month
I’ll be honest, October was a terrible month. I normally look forward to October every year, as it is the perfect excuse to celebrate all that is wonderful about Italian heritage. However, that wasn’t the case for me. My Aunt had been sick for a long time. Heart issues, kidney issues, fluid buildup; it was… Continue reading
This Is My New Jersey 