Two organizations that previously received emergency and early-stage NJCH grants have been awarded grants from the New Jersey Economic Development Association (NJEDA), totaling $625,000.
The Monmouth Museum received a $500,000 grant to open a satellite location in Dunellen, and the Morris County Historical Society received a $125,000 grant to support its comprehensive, county-wide survey focused on African American history and historic sites.
Monmouth Museum Dunellen
The Monmouth Museum boasts a 60+ year history as one of the largest independent museums in New Jersey. Located in Lincroft, it has long served as a cultural hub for Monmouth County.
In 2021, it was awarded emergency funding through a $15,000 Covid-19 relief grant from NJCH. In 2025, it received a $10,000 incubation grant from NJCH to support a new exhibit, “Native Americans of New Jersey: Past and Present.” That exhibit is scheduled to open in May 2026.
In early 2026, the museum announced that it had received a $500,000 grant through NJEDA’s Activation, Revitalization, and Transformation (A.R.T.) Phase II Program to support the Museum in opening a new satellite location in downtown Dunellen.
In addition to exhibits, programs, and hands-on exploration for families, the project is designed to support local revitalization, attract foot traffic, strengthen small businesses, and contribute to the long term vibrancy of Dunellen’s downtown district.
“We are delighted to welcome the Monmouth Museum to downtown Dunellen,” said Mayor Jason Cilento of the Borough of Dunellen. “Their presence will bring energy, educational opportunities, and cultural engagement to our community. This project aligns beautifully with our goals for a vibrant and thriving downtown, and we look forward to working together.”
Morris County African American History and Historic Sites
The Morris County Historical Society’s ambitious undertaking of the first comprehensive, county-wide survey of African American history and historic sites was conceived in 2021. It was designed to identify, document, and preserve historically significant places connected with African American communities across the county, while also supporting research, digitization of resources, the collection of oral histories, and public education efforts.
Foundational work for the project has taken place over many months, supported in part by a $15,000 action grant from NJCH awarded in 2024. The Historical Society also received a $9,000 Covid-19 Relief Grant in 2021.
That work and support has now received a major boost in the form of a $125,000 grant from NJEDA.
“The African American History and Historic Site Survey is a landmark initiative that helps to correct a long-standing imbalance in how New Jersey’s history has been documented, preserved, and publicly interpreted,” said Dr. Denise Rompilla, the project historian for the Survey. “In Morris County and across the state, Black presence, labor, innovation, leadership, and resistance have shaped communities for centuries, yet many of the physical places connected to these stories remain unidentified, undocumented, or unprotected.”
The Historical Society is partnering with the Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation and the Morris County Heritage Commission on the project.
The Importance of Humanities Council Funding
NJCH congratulates both of these organizations on their selection as recipients for major NJEDA funding!
“These projects demonstrate the multiplier effect that funding from state humanities councils can spur,” said Gigi Naglak, director of programs at NJCH. “Prior to the closure of our grant program, forced by federal funding cuts, NJCH had developed a distinctive role as a grantmaker in funding early-stage and grassroots projects. This critical early-stage funding often incubated local organizations to grow their impact within their communities.”
Information on NJCH Incubation and Action Grants awarded over the past 10 years can be found at https://njhumanities.org/grants/funded-projects/.
