New Jersey Black Heritage Trail

The New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State, is now accepting applications for its inaugural, statewide Black Heritage Trail Program.

For more information including guidelines, application link, and recorded webinar follow this link Black Heritage Trail Page

Following the signing of the historic bill for the creation of the Black Heritage Trail program in New Jersey by Governor Phil Murphy in September 2022, the New Jersey Historical Commission hosted three community input meetings to receive various perspectives and visions for the framework and implementation of the program.

This video features a welcome by Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, Esq. In addition to her role as Lieutenant Governor, Ms. Way also serves as New Jersey’s 34th Secretary of State — a position she has held since the beginning of the Murphy Administration.

As Secretary of State, Ms. Way leads one of the nation’s oldest constitutional offices and directs a department with a diverse portfolio. In her capacity as New Jersey’s top election official, she has overseen the state Division of Elections and its work in securing our democracy and ensuring broad, fair access to the right to vote. In addition to the critical work protecting what Lieutenant Governor Way calls the “fraternal twins of democracy,” she also oversees the state government offices supporting New Jersey’s vibrant arts, culture, history, and business communities, which includes the New Jersey Historical Commission.