A 5251 — "New Jersey History Day Act."

A5251 1R [First Reprint] ASSEMBLY, No.

Assemblyman Bailey         SYNOPSIS      “New Jersey History Day Act.”   CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT      As introduced.reported by the Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee on September 14, 2026, with amendments.

     b.    The Governor shall1[shall annuallyannually] is respectfully requested to1 issue a proclamation recognizing December 18 1of each year1 as “New Jersey History Day.”        4.    a. 1[a.]1  Each school district may annually observe “New Jersey History Day” by designating1[designating one day or one week to celebratecelebrate] commemorating1 the State’s history through appropriate instructional activities. activities 1aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Social Studies1.  Such activities shall, to the greatest extent practicable, include:

     (1)(1)  instruction on significant events, places, and figures in New Jersey history;

     (2)(2)  exploration of local or municipal history, including the community in which the school is located;

     (3)(3)  student projects, including, but not limited to, research presentations, exhibits, performances, or digital media;

     (4)(4)  visits to local historic sites;

     (5)(5)  guest speakers;

     (6)(6)  walking tours or community-based projects;

and      (7)(7)  public exhibitions of student work.

     b.   1[b.  The Department of Education shall provide guidelines and information to school districts for use in planning the activities in observance of “New Jersey History Day.”Day.”]1        5.    The New Jersey Historical Commission, in consultation with the Department of Education, shall:

    STATEMENT        This bill, to be known as the “New Jersey History Day Act,” designates December 18 of each year as “New Jersey History Day” to acknowledge the contributions of the State and its municipalities to American history and to cultivate civic identity, community engagement, and historical understanding among residents.

     Instruction in State and local history strengthens civic identity, community engagement, and historical understanding.  New Jersey has a rich history that is well-suited for incorporation into American history courses.  On December 18th, 1787, New Jersey became the third state to ratify the United States Constitution and later became the first state to ratify the Bill of Rights.  The State’s history reflects a diverse and evolving population, contributing to its civic, cultural, and economic development.  While current law requires the teaching of New Jersey history, there is no designated Statewide observance to highlight and celebrate such history.

     This bill requires the Governor to annually issue a proclamation recognizing December 18 as “New Jersey History Day.”      The bill also permits each school district to annually observe “New Jersey History Day” by designating one day or one week to celebrate the State’s history through appropriate instructional activities.  The Department of Education will provide guidelines and information to school districts for use in planning the activities in observance of “New Jersey History Day.”      The bill provides that the New Jersey Historical Commission, in consultation with the Department of Education, will develop and distribute resource materials for school districts, promote Statewide participation in the celebration of “New Jersey History Day,” and provide grants to support appropriate programs and activities to observe “New Jersey History Day.”