In 2026, New Jersey commemorates the 250th anniversary of its first state constitution alongside the nation’s observance of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, an inflection point that reshaped both the United States and its colonies. As part of this semiquincentennial celebration, the New Jersey State Library, an affiliate of Thomas Edison State University, has unveiled a new digital and in-person exhibit exploring New Jersey’s evolving constitutional history.
NJ250: Living Documents, Evolving Rights, a digital exhibit created in partnership with the New Jersey State Archives, examines New Jersey’s three constitutional eras, which are identified in the exhibit as the Revolutionary Era, the Reform Era, and the Modern Era. The exhibit traces how ideas surrounding rights, democracy, and citizenship changed over time. Through digitized historical documents, maps, photographs, curated storytelling, and interactive online content, the exhibit highlights pivotal moments in New Jersey’s history. Visitors can explore the exhibit at their own pace from any computer, tablet, or mobile device.
Beginning in July 2026, visitors are also invited to experience an in-person companion exhibit at the New Jersey State Library. Curated by State Library staff using materials from the Jerseyana and New Jersey Documents collections, this in-person exhibit explores how New Jersey’s constitutions evolved in response to changing ideas about democracy, voting rights, and civil rights. Through historical materials, fascinating stories, and little-known facts, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of how New Jersey helped shape the rights and freedoms we know today.
“Designed as a free public educational resource, our NJ250 exhibits can be used by students, educators, researchers, history enthusiasts, and community organizations interested in learning more about New Jersey’s role in America’s past and present,” said Maria Baratta, Research Library Director, New Jersey State Library. “We look forward to welcoming visitors to our upcoming in-person NJ250 exhibition debuting this July.”
The in-person exhibit will open in July 2026 and will be on display on level 4 of the State Library, located at 185 West State Street, Trenton, NJ. Library staff will offer guided tours on July 2nd, 6th, 7th, and 8th, twice daily at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
To learn more about the NJ250 exhibits and upcoming tours, visit: www.njstatelib.org/NJ250ExhibitTour.