Watch the Welcome Station Grand Opening Ceremony

This long-form ceremony video preserves the official remarks from the Welcome Station grand opening and offers viewers a front-row look at the people, partnerships, and purpose behind this new GoElizabethNJ250 milestone.

The Welcome Station opened in Elizabeth, New Jersey as a new community, tourism, and storytelling space connected to GoElizabethNJ250 and the city’s preparation for America’s 250th anniversary. The grand opening ceremony featured remarks from Jennifer Costa of the Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce and Elizabeth Destination Marketing Organization, Rev. Dr. Wanda M. Lundy of the Elizabeth 250th Planning Committee, Mayor J. Christian Bollwage, and other local leaders who helped frame the Welcome Station as a place where residents, visitors, artists, historians, nonprofits, and cultural organizations can connect with Elizabeth’s story.

In her opening remarks, Jennifer Costa described the Welcome Station as a vision brought to life through collaboration, noting that the space will continue to evolve with community programming, local artists, ethnic organizations, workshops, lectures, and exhibits. Rev. Dr. Wanda M. Lundy celebrated the milestone on behalf of the 250th Planning Committee, thanking the Mayor, the Elizabeth Fire Department, committee members, Welcome Station Ambassadors, and volunteers while inviting residents to contribute artifacts, information, and stories that help tell the many chapters of Elizabeth’s history.

Mayor J. Christian Bollwage connected the opening to Elizabeth’s deep historical roots, highlighting the city’s role in New Jersey and American history. His remarks referenced Boxwood Hall, Elias Boudinot, George Washington’s 1789 journey through Elizabeth, the city’s Revolutionary War connections, local historian Charles Shallcross, and future July 4th weekend programming that will continue to bring the 250th celebration to life.

The ceremony concluded with the official ribbon cutting, a visual milestone that brought together city leadership, community partners, reenactors, and newly minted Elizabeth Tour Ambassadors. In the video recap, the ribbon cutting is paired with an energetic music bed to capture the excitement of the moment and mark the Welcome Station’s official opening as a new doorway into Elizabeth’s history, culture, and visitor experience.

Explore the Photo Gallery

The ceremony video is part of a larger content package documenting the Welcome Station grand opening. Visitors can also view the published photo gallery featuring Mayor J. Christian Bollwage, Rev. Dr. Wanda M. Lundy, Jennifer Costa, local officials, the Curtis Lundy Quartet, members of the Elizabeth Fire Department, local historians, reenactors, and Elizabeth Tour Ambassadors.

View the Welcome Station Photo Gallery

Want to be part of what happens next? Visit the Welcome Station landing page to explore upcoming activities, community programs, volunteer opportunities, and ways to get involved in Elizabeth’s 250th anniversary celebration.