HOWELL – Monmouth County officials unveiled their ambitious plans to commemorate the upcoming semiquincentennial anniversary of the United States. With 2026 marking 250 years since the nation’s founding, Monmouth County is wasting no time in preparing a series of events and festivities to honor this historic milestone.
A comprehensive plan was presented at a recent township meeting, outlining a range of activities to engage residents and visitors alike. Monmouth County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon and Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone visited a Howell Township Council meeting to make the announcement.
Last year, the county commissioners took the first step by drafting a resolution to establish an official committee specifically tasked with guiding the celebrations within Monmouth County. As part of this initiative, Ted Maturo was hired as the executive director to oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring a seamless execution of events leading up to and during the anniversary year.
One notable aspect of the announcement was the unveiling of the official logo, carefully designed to reflect the colors of the Monmouth County flag – red, blue, and gold. The logo, prominently featured on the website, is intended to serve as a visual representation of the county’s pride and connection to the nation’s history.
Additionally, Monmouth County has introduced a slogan for the celebrations: “Freedom’s Battleground.” This poignant phrase encapsulates the county’s historical significance in the fight for freedom during the formation of the United States and sets the tone for a commemoration that goes beyond mere festivity.
“Monmouth County was a very important place with respect to the American Revolution, and there was a tremendous amount of fighting that went on here,” said Hanlon. “Perhaps more than any other county in New Jersey and we had the famous Battle of Monmouth that took place here in Monmouth County.”
To keep the public informed and engaged, Monmouth County has launched a dedicated website, monmouthnj250.org, where residents can access information about upcoming events, historical highlights, and ways to get involved. The county has also established a presence on social media platforms with the handle MonmouthNJ250, providing real-time updates and fostering a sense of community around the celebrations.
During the presentation at the council meeting, Arnone and Hanlon said they’d taken a road show approach to involving local communities. They showed a short film that delved into a portion of the county’s historical background.
“I know it’s early, but it’s not like your normal planning for a birthday party.” Arnone said. “This is going to be a birthday party of one year, and we’re going to start now by just getting people informed of what’s about to happen in 2026.”
Emphasizing the significance of showcasing Monmouth County’s rich history, officials underscored the importance of reaching not only residents but also visitors, tourists, and anyone setting foot in the region. Encouraging active participation, they expressed gratitude to municipalities that have already adopted resolutions in support of the event.
The county’s approach involves collaborating extensively with historical and arts communities, local businesses, and organizations both countywide and within individual municipalities.
While planning major overarching events, Arnone and Hanlon acknowledged the need for decentralized efforts, urging municipalities to form their own committees and appoint liaisons to ensure unique and meaningful celebrations at the local level. This decentralized approach aims to capture the diverse history and essence of each community within Monmouth County.
The calendar of events planned at the county level includes a parade, galas, a potential marathon, and a variety of activities to commemorate the 250th anniversary. Beyond celebratory events, Monmouth County is also committed to preserving its history through initiatives such as an oral history project and educational programs.
Howell celebrated the bicentennial with a significant cleanup and restoration project, focusing on cleaning a friend of George Washington’s tombstone, a man named Abner Thorpe. The current whereabouts of this stone may need rediscovery, prompting the possibility of another cleanup to restore its historical significance.
Another notable achievement from 1976 was the planting of a Liberty Tree by Howell Township, along with the establishment of Bicentennial Park. Additionally, a lively bicentennial square dance added to the celebratory atmosphere – a tradition that, perhaps, could be revived for the upcoming 250th anniversary.
Regarding suggestions for the 250th anniversary, Hanlon suggested one of the most important things to do would be to preserve land. She also suggested marking historic properties and documenting events with oral histories.
Deputy Mayor Evelyn O’Donnell said that township officials have already begun talking about the celebration and what the town plans to do.
“The Howell Heritage & Historical Society is forming a committee,” said O’Donnell. “We don’t know what their plan is going to be, but we know they’re doing something. And, marking preserved properties is a wonderful opportunity not just for the birthday, but for everyone in Howell to understand there are important places in Monmouth County to be recognized.”
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