History Happened Here: Student Toolkit

Welcome to History Happened Here! It’s an exciting time in our nation’s history as we prepare to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. What better time to explore how history connects to your own lives, interests, family, and community. In History Happened Here you will become your own historical detective, learning how to find primary sources and interpret them, writing the history of your neighborhood in the process. To get you started, we have a number of Resources available. Additionally, several History Sites around the state are participating in the program and are excited for you to visit. Find one in your county and check out their Welcome Videos to get started. By doing history and examining local stories and traditions, you will see how historical events and people shaped the place you grew up in. Happy 250th!

Photo Credit: Historic Cold Spring Village

Resources

Research is a methodical study focused on finding and explaining facts, updating accepted ideas, or using new concepts. It includes different methods from various fields, encouraging critical thinking and creativity. The results of research greatly help improve science, technology, and social knowledge, which in turn influences policies and practices.

Resources

Welcome Videos

Atlantic County Historical Society (Somers Point, NJ)

Botto House / American Labor Museum (Paterson, NJ)

Caldwell Parsonage (Union, NJ)

Gloucester County Historical Society Library and Museum (Woodbury, NJ)

Camden County Historical Society and Museum (Camden, NJ)

Hoboken Historical Museum (Hoboken, NJ)

Hunterdon County Historical Society (Flemington, NJ)

Middlesex County Cultural and Heritage Commission, East Jersey Old Town and Cornelius Low House (New Brunswick, NJ)

Monmouth County Historical Association (Freehold, NJ)

The Museum of Cape May County (Cape May Court House, NJ)

Ocean County Library (Toms River, NJ)

Newark Public Library (Newark, NJ)

New Jersey State Archives (Trenton, NJ)

Plainfield Public Library (Plainfield, NJ)

Salem County Historical Society (Salem, NJ)

Schuyler-Hamilton House (Morristown, NJ)

Shippen Manor (Oxford, NJ)

Somerset County Library (Bridgewater Township, NJ)

Sparta Historical Society (Sparta, NJ)

Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center (Millville, NJ)

Participating Sites

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