Museum of Jersey City History Set to Launch Exhibition Celebrating 250th Anniversary of American Independence

May 21, 2026 Arts&Entertainment

JERSEY CITY, NJ - The Museum of Jersey City History is getting into the birthday spirit by hosting The Enduring Promise: The Declaration of Independence at 250, an immersive, interactive exhibition that celebrates the nation’s founding words.

The exhibition, which will run through December 31, 2026, opens on Thursday with a reception at the Museum of Jersey City History, 298 Academy Street, from 7 to 9 p.m. 

According to Museum Board President James Dievler, “the exhibition seeks to bring the words to life through an array of sensory experiences – to represent them as alive. 

“We conceived and designed this to be highly interactive, so that the public can feel a part of it by expressing what the words equality, liberty, and pursuit of happiness mean to them.” Dievler added, encouraging the public to record and submit their words. Instructions for this can be found at mjchistory.org

With 2026 marking the 250th birthday of the United States, the Museum of Jersey City History will be the focal point for Jersey City’s celebration of our nation’s founding, an invitation to the exhibition said.  

The exhibition features an array of projected experiences, holographic historical figures speaking, Jersey City residents telling their “equality” and “liberty” stories, images of Americans (and others from around the world and throughout time) struggling for and celebrating their rights and freedom, sometimes in the face of adversity.

“Not only was New Jersey a focal point for the revolution of 250 years ago, but Jersey City and its people today continue to embrace the “promise” and continue to endure the struggle to keep it,” Dievler added.

The museum’s regular hours are Wednesday, 1 to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Parking is available.