1. The Legislature finds and declares that New Jersey, one of the original 13 colonies and crossroads of the American revolution, has a distinguished heritage, as evidenced by the abundance of sites witnessing significant historical and cultural events in the nation’s history and important scientific and technological discoveries, as well as being home to many famous men and women who have made lasting contributions to the State and the world; and that it is the responsibility of the State of New Jersey to encourage local government units and civic organizations to recognize these sites by the placement of historically accurate roadside markers.

The Legislature further finds and declares that New Jersey has lagged behind other states in developing a standardized program to recognize sites of historical and cultural significance; that many of the existing markers Statewide are old and damaged; that no system is currently in place to inventory existing markers; and that there are many sites in the State, in addition to those listed on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places, which are of significant historical and cultural acclaim, and worthy of recognition through the placement of roadside markers.

The Legislature therefore determines that it is in the public interest to authorize the New Jersey Historical Commission to plan and carry out a program to encourage local government units, nonprofit charitable organizations, and civic organizations to provide for the placement of roadside markers at locations of historical and cultural significance in New Jersey; and that the creation of such a program would not only serve as a tribute to the people, places and events that have helped shape the State, the nation, and the world, but would serve to enhance community pride and encourage tourism throughout the State.

L.2009, c.264, s.1.