Ewing, NJ (April 11, 2023) – Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) met with U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Deb Haaland to discuss America 250 and the importance of preserving historical heritage sites across New Jersey at the Old Barracks Museum in Trenton. As a member of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, Congresswoman Watson Coleman is working to prepare the nation for the commemoration of the 250th Anniversary milestone with national programs and signature projects.
“I’m honored to welcome Secretary Haaland to New Jersey’s 12th District to experience the rich history that the Crossroads of the American Revolution has to offer, and to discuss the value of sites such as the Old Barracks Museum to the telling of the American story,” said Congresswoman Watson Coleman.
“It was an honor to welcome Secretary Haaland to the historic Old Barracks in Trenton, New Jersey on behalf of the Murphy Administration,” said State Historic Preservation Officer and Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette. “The Old Barracks, like many invaluable sites at these Crossroads of the American Revolution, hold the history of critical moments in our country’s founding as a free nation. As we prepare to mark our nation’s Semiquincentennial, my State Parks & Historic Sites colleagues and I look forward to continued partnership with the Department of Interior and true champions like Congresswoman Bonnie Watson-Coleman. Together, we will invest in these treasured sites, welcome visitors from across the nation and world, and tell the diverse and inclusive stories that made our liberty possible.”
“The Old Barracks was honored to welcome our guests this morning and to highlight New Jersey’s pivotal role in the American Revolution,” said Michelle Doherty, Acting Executive Director of the Old Barracks Museum.
“July 4, 1776 was an essential milestone in the history of progress of humanity towards a fair, just, and democratic society; a journey towards a more perfect union that continues to this day,” continued Watson Coleman, “As we approach the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, I look forward to advocating alongside champions such as Secretary Haaland for continued federal investments in heritage sites in New Jersey and across the country to ensure the complete and accurate telling of the story of our nation’s history.”
Congresswoman Watson Coleman and Secretary Haaland were joined by New Jersey Commissioner of the Department of the Environment Shawn LaTourette; Mayor Reed Gusciora, Trenton; Carrie Fellows, Crossroads of the American Revolution Executive Director; Gay Vietzke, Director of the National Park Service’s Northeast Region; Elaine Buck and Beverly Mills, authors and founders of the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum; Sally Lane, Founding member of Crossroads of the American Revolution Board; Michelle Doherty, Acting Executive Director of the Old Barracks Museum; and Brad Fey, Board President of the Millstone Valley Preservation Coalition.
