Community History

Community History participants collaborate with their communities to learn about and share their untold stories. Participants receive instruction on public history practices, develop projects in a collaborative environment, and are eligible to receive funding from NJCH to launch projects in their communities.

NJCH will provide $1,000 funding up front to support participation in the program. Participating organizations are eligible to apply for additional funding up to $5,000 to support the project they develop over the course of the program.

Want to learn more? RSVP below for an info session to be held at noon on November 6.

Community History graphic

Nonprofit organizations, state and local government, and unincorporated community groups are eligible to apply to be part of Community History. The application deadline for the 2025 Community History cohort is December 12.

Quick Links

Community History One Pager

Information Session

Are you interested in being a part of the 2025 Community History cohort?

NJCH held a Community History info session on November 6, outlining program and eligibility guidelines, the application process, and a timeline for the program. Take a look to learn more, or view the slide deck from the presentation.

New: What’s happening in Community History

To help you keep up with the progress of our program participants, we've launched a new blog, which will be updated regularly with the latest from organizations on their Community History journeys!

Historical postcard showing the boardwalk in Avon-by-the-Sea, from the Avon Historical Society archive

Community History and Humanities Lab Cohorts Receive Project Approval and Funding

October 30, 2024

After months of collaborative learning and project development, NJCH’s latest Community History and Humanities Lab cohorts have reached a major milestone: their project proposals have been approved for NJCH funding and are set to launch this month.

Read More

Congrats to our 2024 Cohort!

Our 2024 cohort includes nine organizations. They completed the program in September 2024 and are currently piloting their Community History project with NJCH funding. Stay tuned for additional materials related to their projects. 
  • Glen Rock Historical and Preservation Society
  • Bloomingdale Free Public Library
  • Avon-by-the-Sea Historical Society
  • Atlantic City Free Public Library
  • South Jersey Artist Collective
  • Lawnside Historical Society
  • Montclair Public Library
  • Southern Ocean Chamber Association
  • MUYU - Jersey City

Past Cohort Projects

2023

Click here for highlights of the Community History Fall 2023 Showcase, or view descriptions and presentations of participant projects below.

Fall 2022
Spring 2022
2021

Program Components

The Community History program consists of learning sessions attended by all participants, individual meetings with program staff, project work, and the opportunity to apply for project funding.

Learning Sessions

In-person and virtual learning sessions will include training on public history and community engagement practices, presentations by professionals, and time to workshop projects in a collaborative environment.

Project Work

Participants will collaborate with their communities to develop a community history project. They will receive feedback and support from the cohort, program staff, and external practitioners. Note: Projects already in process are not appropriate for this program.

Participants

Organizations must commit to having at least one, and preferably 2-3, participants represented at all program activities. Participants can expect to invest at least 2 hours per week on this program. We hope that the skill-building work of these cohorts will translate into long-term benefits for organizations. 

Funding

Organizations receive a $1,000 award at the start of the program to support their participation in program activities and project development. Pending approval of their project plan and budget, each organization is eligible to receive a second award up to $5,000 to pilot their project. Note: Project funding eligibility is contingent on participation in all program activities. 
A spiral staircase, photographed from above

Take the Next Step

The application deadline for the 2025 Community History cohort is December 12, 2024.

People

Contact

If you have any questions about your eligibility for this program or about program components, please contact Gigi Naglak at gnaglak@njhumanities.org or 609-695-4409.

Header photo: "WKL's Newark Assign" by Warren K. Leffler
Library of Congress U.S. News & World Report Magazine Photograph Collection
https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2017657595/