REV 250: Examining the Semiquincentennial through a Jersey Lens

Published on February 27, 2025

An opportunity for public libraries to celebrate New Jersey’s contributions and place in history.

The United States Semiquincentennial, or 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, will be celebrated on July 4, 2026 and will be marked by a variety of events around the country. Many of the American Revolution’s singular events took place in New Jersey, including more battles than in any other colony. New Jersey’s first State Constitution predates the U.S. Constitution, and was used as a model for it.

Inspired by these events, and many others, both leading up to this pivotal date and after it, NJ State Library (NJSL) is offering a funding opportunity for public libraries. Libraries across the state are encouraged to celebrate the people, places, and accomplishments of New Jersey from its earliest days. Because libraries are revolutionary places, and instrumental in safeguarding community history, they are uniquely positioned to select historical events worthy of commemoration and importance to their communities. Through these grants NJSL hope to put together a collection that highlights and shares New Jersey’s importance and contributions to history as we prepare to celebrate the semiquincentennial.

The purpose of this grant opportunity is to give libraries across the state a chance to decide what is important to their community and design a grant-funded project to showcase the full range of events, people and places that New Jersey represents. NJSL highly encourages partnerships in project design and implementation. Potential partners may include, but are not limited to, nonprofit organizations, schools, institutions of higher education, local historical societies, museums, and other community groups.

NJSL estimates that $250,000 is available to fund approximately 15-20 grants using New Jersey Library Network funds.

Please visit our grant webpage to apply, review the full guidelines, and consult helpful resources like our weekly Q&A or informational webinar.