New Jersey General Assembly Holds Ceremonial Meeting at Princeton University

Meeting kicked off a yearlong celebration of America’s 250th anniversary 

Members of the New Jersey General Assembly held a ceremonial meeting today at historic Nassau Hall at Princeton University to begin a yearlong celebration of the country’s Semiquincentennial. The year 2026 also marks 250 years since the first New Jersey Legislature met in Nassau Hall in August of 1776, in the midst of the Revolutionary War and less than two months after New Jersey adopted its first constitution, declaring its independence from Great Britain. “Holding a commemorative meeting at Nassau Hall on the campus of Princeton University is truly an honor. These walls have borne witness to moments that shaped not just New Jersey, but our entire nation, and it was here that our state’s Legislature first met in 1776, at the dawn of a new and uncertain democracy,” said Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin. “This year, as we mark the 250th anniversary of our nation and our Legislature, we’re reminded that history is not distant or abstract. It is alive in the institutions we serve and the responsibilities we carry forward.” “Princeton University is delighted to commemorate this milestone anniversary in our historic Nassau Hall, where the New Jersey legislature first assembled nearly 250 years ago,” Princeton University President Christopher L. Eisgruber said. “The history of this great University and the great state of New Jersey are forever linked, and we look forward to continuing to work together to build a strong future.” Princeton President Eisgruber delivered a welcome message and was among the many dignitaries to attend today’s meeting. Lt. Governor Dale Caldwell, UK Consulate General Oliver Christian and Adjutant General, Brigadier General Yvonne Mays were also in attendance. During today’s meeting, the General Assembly presented several ceremonial resolutions. These included, but were not limited to, honoring the New Jersey National Guard and the unsung efforts of New Jerseyans during the American Revolution, commemorating consequential pieces of legislation enacted between 1776 and 1826, and celebrating the 280th anniversary of the founding of Princeton University. Several Assembly Democrats presented resolutions during the meeting. Those members included Assemblymen Roy FreimanWilliam F. Moen, Jr., Anthony S. Verrelli and Joe Danielsen, and Assemblywomen Melinda KaneMitchelle Drulis, Lisa Swain, and Verlina Reynolds-Jackson. Assembly Majority Leader Louis D. Greenwald led the Pledge of Allegiance. A full list of ceremonial resolutions presented during today’s meeting can be found in the New Jersey Assembly Democrats’ latest newsletter here. Photos and videos provided by Princeton University can be found here.

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