Launch of Elizabeth Ambassador Tourism Certification
2025-10-01 - 2026-10-31 | Virtual
Elizabeth Ambassador Tourism Certification (Free, Online)
Dates: Starting October 1, 2025 (self-paced; enroll any time during the month)
Format: 100% Online, On-Demand
Cost: Free
Enroll Now:

tourismcertification.goelizabethnj.com/courses/elizabeth-ambassador

About the Course
Become an Elizabeth Ambassador and help visitors discover our city with confidence and pride. This short, self-paced certification introduces local history highlights, must-see attractions, getting around, and hospitality best practices for welcoming guests during America’s 250th and beyond.

Who Should Enroll

Residents who love sharing Elizabeth’s story
Volunteers and event staff
Frontline teams in retail, dining, lodging, transportation, and attractions

What You’ll Gain

Elizabeth Ambassador Certificate of Completion
Local talking points and wayfinding basics
Confidence engaging with visitors and groups

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the course take?

It’s self-paced. Most learners finish in a short session, but you can pause and return anytime during October 2025.

Is there a cost?

No. The Elizabeth Ambassador Tourism Certification is free.

Who can enroll?

Anyone—residents, volunteers, and workers who want to welcome visitors to Elizabeth.

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The Declaration of Independence & NJ Signers
2026-06-02 - 2026-07-31 | Elizabeth Public Library, 11 South Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ, 07202, United States
The Declaration of Independence & NJ Signers
American Revolutions: REV250 at the Elizabeth Public Library presents The Declaration of Independence & NJ Signers, a mini exhibit celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Visitors are invited to learn about the Declaration of Independence and the New Jersey signers who helped shape the nation’s founding story. This exhibit highlights revolutionary events, civic history, and Elizabeth’s connection to the broader American Revolution narrative.
The mini exhibit will be on display from June 2 through July 31, 2026, in the Elizabethtown Reading Room Exhibit Case on the third floor of the Elizabeth Public Library Main Branch.
Exhibit Details

Dates: June 2 – July 31, 2026
Location: Elizabeth Public Library – Main Branch
Exhibit Area: Third Floor, Elizabethtown Reading Room Exhibit Case
Address: 11 S. Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202
Website: elizpl.org
Phone: 908-354-6060 ext. 7220

Why This Exhibit Matters
The Declaration of Independence remains one of the defining documents in American history. By focusing on New Jersey’s signers and revolutionary-era events, this exhibit helps visitors connect national history to local and state stories.
As Elizabeth prepares to mark America’s 250th anniversary, programs like this mini exhibit make history more accessible, visible, and connected to everyday civic life. It is a quick but meaningful stop for residents, students, families, and visitors exploring Elizabeth’s role in the American story.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Declaration of Independence & NJ Signers exhibit?
The Declaration of Independence & NJ Signers is a mini exhibit at the Elizabeth Public Library focused on the Declaration of Independence and New Jersey signers as part of REV250 programming.
When can visitors see the exhibit?
The exhibit is available from June 2 through July 31, 2026.
Where is the exhibit located?
The exhibit is located on the third floor of the Elizabeth Public Library Main Branch in the Elizabethtown Reading Room Exhibit Case at 11 S. Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202.
How long does it take to view the exhibit?
Visitors should plan for approximately 15 to 30 minutes to view the mini exhibit.
Elizabeth Public Library Events

Elizabeth Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2026 Induction Ceremony
2026-06-12 18:30 (America/New_York) | Galloping Hill Caterers, 325 Chestnut St, Union, NJ, 07083, United States
The Elizabeth Athletic Hall of Fame will celebrate its Class of 2026 with an evening dedicated to athletic excellence, community pride, and the enduring legacy of Elizabeth sports.
The Elizabeth Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2026 Induction Ceremony will take place on Friday, June 12, 2026 at 6:00 PM at Galloping Hills Caterers, 325 Chestnut Street, Union, New Jersey. This formal evening will recognize a distinguished group of athletes and contributors whose impact continues to shape Elizabeth’s rich sports history.
The Class of 2026 includes Art Carrington, Jamil Jackson, Asad Abdul-Khaliq, Anthony Mendes, Derrick Rolon, Naimah Smith, and Lawrence Thomas. The ceremony will also honor the 1970 Thomas Jefferson Football Team and include a Posthumous Induction for James D. Milazzo.
This annual induction ceremony is more than an awards night. It is a celebration of excellence, discipline, teamwork, and the athletes, coaches, and contributors who have helped define Elizabeth’s proud athletic tradition across generations.
Tickets are $100, and formal attire is required. – Visit https://elizabethathletichof.org/ for Sponsorship and Ticket Informatio

Event Details
Event: Elizabeth Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2026 Induction Ceremony
Date: Friday, June 12, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Galloping Hills Caterers
Address: 325 Chestnut St, Union, NJ
Tickets: $100
Dress Code: Formal Attire Required

Class of 2026 Honorees
Art Carrington
Jamil Jackson
Asad Abdul-Khaliq
Anthony Mendes
Derrick Rolon
Naimah Smith
Lawrence Thomas
Team Induction:
1970 Thomas Jefferson Football Team
Posthumous Induction:
James D. Milazzo

Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Elizabeth Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2026 Induction Ceremony?
The ceremony will be held on Friday, June 12, 2026 at 6:00 PM.
Where is the event being held?
The event will take place at Galloping Hills Caterers, 325 Chestnut Street, Union, New Jersey.
How much are tickets?
Tickets are $100.
Is there a dress code?
Yes. Formal attire is required.
Who is being honored at the event?
The ceremony will honor the Elizabeth Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2026, the 1970 Thomas Jefferson Football Team, and James D. Milazzo through a posthumous induction.

History & Significance of Tattoos
2026-06-17 12:00 | Elizabeth Public Library, 11 South Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ, 07202, United States
History & Significance of Tattoos
American Revolutions: REV250 at the Elizabeth Public Library presents History & Significance of Tattoos, an enlightening presentation exploring tattooing as art, history, identity, and cultural expression.
Join the Elizabeth Public Library for a presentation by Dr. Matt Lodder, Senior Lecturer in Art History and Theory and Director of Undergraduate Studies in Art History at the University of Essex.
Dr. Lodder’s research focuses on the application of art-historical methods to the history of Western tattooing from the 17th century to the present day. This program invites attendees to consider tattooing not only as body art, but as a meaningful historical and cultural practice.
Event Details

Date: June 17, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: Elizabeth Public Library – Main Branch
Room: 4th Floor Auditorium
Address: 11 S. Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202
Ages: 18+
Website: elizpl.org
Phone: 908-354-6060 ext. 7220

Zoom Information

Meeting ID: 886 2544 4861
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Why This Event Matters
Tattooing has long carried personal, cultural, and historical meaning. Through this REV250 program, attendees can explore how tattoos have evolved across centuries and how body art reflects identity, memory, creativity, and social change.
Hosted at the Elizabeth Public Library, this program adds a thoughtful arts and culture perspective to the broader American Revolutions series, connecting local audiences with global conversations about history and expression.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the History & Significance of Tattoos event?
History & Significance of Tattoos is a REV250 presentation at the Elizabeth Public Library featuring Dr. Matt Lodder, who will discuss the history and cultural meaning of tattooing.
Who is Dr. Matt Lodder?
Dr. Matt Lodder is a Senior Lecturer in Art History and Theory and Director of Undergraduate Studies in Art History at the University of Essex. His research focuses on Western tattooing from the 17th century to the present day.
When and where is the event?
The event takes place on June 17, 2026, at 12:00 PM in the 4th Floor Auditorium at the Elizabeth Public Library Main Branch, located at 11 S. Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202.
Is this event available on Zoom?
Yes. The flyer includes Zoom access with Meeting ID 886 2544 4861 and passcode [REDACTED].
Elizabeth Public Library Events

Juneteenth Celebration: Final Brick Laying Ceremony
2026-06-20 10:00 - 17:00 | 313+ Ancestors Speak Monument, 42 Broad St., Elizabeth, NJ, 07201, United States
Join the 313+ Ancestors Speak Project for a special Juneteenth gathering in Elizabeth, New Jersey, as the community comes together to honor Black history, legacy, and remembrance at the 313+ Ancestors Speaks Monument.
Scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 10:00 AM, this meaningful event will take place at the 313+ Ancestors Speaks Monument at Old First Cemetery, 42 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07201. The program will include the unveiling of newly installed commemorative bricks at the foot of the monument, creating a public moment of reflection for the names and stories that continue to speak through this important site.
As part of the Juneteenth celebration, attendees will also experience a special historical reenactment designed to deepen the connection between memory, place, and community. This gathering is more than a ceremony. It is a chance to reflect, remember, and celebrate in a setting that speaks directly to Elizabeth’s Black history and the city’s broader cultural story.
This event is also part of the GoElizabethNJ250 story, helping connect local history, heritage tourism, and community engagement as Elizabeth approaches America’s 250th anniversary. It stands as a strong example of how public history can create meaningful civic experiences for residents and visitors alike.
Interested in being part of the installation? Purchase your commemorative brick by May 22, 2026 to be included in this phase of the project.
For additional inquiries:
info@313ancestorsspeakproject.org

Event Details
Event: Juneteenth Celebration: Final Brick Laying Ceremony
Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: 313+ Ancestors Speaks Monument at Old First Cemetery
Address: 42 Broad St., Elizabeth, NJ 07201

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Juneteenth Celebration: Final Brick Laying Ceremony?
It is a special community event hosted by the 313+ Ancestors Speak Project at the 313+ Ancestors Speaks Monument, featuring the unveiling of newly installed commemorative bricks and a historical reenactment experience.
When is the event?
The event will take place on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 10:00 AM.
Where is the event being held?
The ceremony will be held at the 313+ Ancestors Speaks Monument at Old First Cemetery, located at 42 Broad Street in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
What can attendees expect?
Attendees can expect a commemorative brick unveiling, a special historical reenactment, and a meaningful Juneteenth gathering centered on reflection, remembrance, and celebration.
Can I still purchase a commemorative brick?
Yes. Bricks must be purchased by May 22, 2026 to be included in this installation phase.
Why is this event important?
This event honors the legacy represented by the 313+ Ancestors Speaks Monument while also supporting Black history, cultural tourism, and the larger GoElizabethNJ250 campaign.

Elizabeth Juneteenth Freedom Celebration 2026
2026-06-21 12:00 - 17:00 | Winfield Scott Plaza, 50 Winfield Scott Plaza, Elizabeth, NJ, 07202, United States
Elizabeth Juneteenth Freedom Celebration 2026
The Elizabeth Juneteenth Freedom Celebration 2026 invites residents, families, and visitors to gather in the heart of Elizabeth for an afternoon of culture, community, music, food, dancing, entertainment, games, and networking.
Hosted in honor of Juneteenth and Father’s Day, this free community celebration will recognize freedom, heritage, family, and the important role fathers play in strengthening communities.
Event Details

Date: Sunday, June 21, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: 50 Winfield Scott Plaza, Elizabeth, NJ
Admission: Free

Honoring Juneteenth and Father’s Day
Juneteenth marks a powerful moment in American history and continues to serve as a reminder of freedom, resilience, remembrance, and progress. This Elizabeth celebration brings that history into a joyful public gathering, creating space for community connection and cultural pride.
Because the 2026 celebration also falls on Father’s Day, the event will include a special tribute honoring fathers with recognition and a special gift.
What to Expect

Food
Music
Dancing
Entertainment
Games
Networking information
Father’s Day recognition

Rain Location
In case of rain, the celebration will move to 40 Morrell Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202, located across from City Hall.
For More Information
For more information, call 908-531-1256 or 908-377-4667.
Community Signal Update
This event reflects Elizabeth’s ongoing commitment to honoring culture, history, family, and civic life. As part of the broader Elizabeth 250 storytelling effort, community celebrations like this help document the living traditions that continue to shape the city’s identity.

Revolutionary Lives: Living the American Experiment Then and Now Exhibit
2026-06-23 - 2026-07-07 | NJ
Revolutionary Lives: Living the American Experiment Then and Now Exhibit
American Revolutions: REV250 at the Elizabeth Public Library presents Revolutionary Lives: Living the American Experiment Then and Now, a traveling exhibit from RevolutionNJ exploring the stories of everyday people during the American Revolution in New Jersey.
This 12-panel exhibit invites visitors to look beyond familiar names and major battles to consider how ordinary people experienced the American Revolution. Through personal stories, historical interpretation, and public history displays, the exhibit connects the founding era to the ongoing American experiment.
The exhibit will be on view from June 23 through July 7, 2026, in the Third Floor Exhibit Area at the Elizabeth Public Library Main Branch.
Exhibit Details

Dates: June 23 – July 7, 2026
Location: Elizabeth Public Library – Main Branch
Exhibit Area: Third Floor Exhibit Area
Address: 11 S. Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202
Website: elizpl.org
Phone: 908-354-6060 ext. 7220

About the Exhibit
Revolutionary Lives: Living the American Experiment Then and Now is a traveling exhibit that explores the stories of everyday people during the American Revolution in New Jersey. Presented through 12 portable panels, the exhibit highlights the choices, challenges, and lives of people who experienced the revolutionary era.
This exhibition is a project of RevolutionNJ, a public/private partnership between the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the New Jersey Department of State, and Crossroads of the American Revolution Association Inc.
Why This Exhibit Matters
Revolutionary history is not only the story of famous leaders. It is also the story of residents, workers, families, soldiers, communities, and everyday people whose lives were shaped by the conflict and its aftermath.
As Elizabeth prepares to mark America’s 250th anniversary, this traveling exhibit offers a meaningful way to connect local audiences with New Jersey’s revolutionary past and the larger question of what it means to live the American experiment then and now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Revolutionary Lives exhibit?
Revolutionary Lives: Living the American Experiment Then and Now is a RevolutionNJ traveling exhibit that explores the stories of everyday people during the American Revolution in New Jersey.
When can visitors see the exhibit?
The exhibit is available from June 23 through July 7, 2026.
Where is the exhibit located?
The exhibit is located in the Third Floor Exhibit Area at the Elizabeth Public Library Main Branch, 11 S. Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202.
How long does it take to view the exhibit?
Visitors should plan for approximately 20 to 40 minutes to view the traveling exhibit.
Elizabeth Public Library Events

Elizabeth 4th of July Celebration 2026
2026-07-04 10:00 | Veterans Memorial Waterfront Park, Elizabeth Ave & Front St, Elizabeth, NJ, United States
Elizabeth NJ 4th of July Celebration 2026
Celebrate Independence Day in the city where New Jersey’s story began.
The Elizabeth 4th of July Celebration 2026 brings together America’s 250th Anniversary and an Official World Cup Fan Zone Watch Party for a full-day waterfront celebration at Veteran’s Memorial Waterfront Park.
This expanded summer event blends patriotic tradition, international energy, and citywide pride with family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and a fireworks finale at dusk.

Event Details

Date: July 4, 2026
Start Time: 10:00 AM
Fireworks: At Dusk
Location: Veteran’s Memorial Waterfront Park
Address Cross Streets: Elizabeth Avenue & Front Street, Elizabeth, NJ

What to Expect

America’s 250th Anniversary Celebration
Official World Cup Fan Zone Watch Party
Parade of Nations
Sail 4th 250 Tall Ships
Multigenerational Soccer Clinics
Tournaments
Vendors
Live Performances
Music
Rides
Art Spaces
Games
Food
Fireworks at Dusk

Set along the Elizabeth waterfront, this celebration reflects the city’s role as a place where American history, cultural diversity, and civic energy come together. It is more than a holiday event — it is a public celebration of Elizabeth’s place in the national story.
Whether you’re coming for the patriotic atmosphere, the soccer energy, the waterfront experience, or the fireworks, this is one of Elizabeth’s signature summer events of 2026.

Plan Your Visit
Turn the celebration into a full Elizabeth experience. Explore nearby restaurants, discover historic landmarks, follow upcoming GoElizabethNJ250 events, and enjoy one of Union County’s most distinctive waterfront destinations while celebrating July 4th in Elizabeth.

Quick Facts

Date: July 4, 2026
Time: Starts at 10:00 AM
Fireworks: At Dusk
Location: Veteran’s Memorial Waterfront Park
Address: Elizabeth Avenue & Front Street, Elizabeth, NJ
Highlights: Parade of Nations, Official World Cup Fan Zone Watch Party, Sail 4th 250 Tall Ships, soccer clinics, food, performances, rides, and games

Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Elizabeth 4th of July Celebration 2026 start?
The event starts at 10:00 AM on July 4, 2026.
Where is the Elizabeth 4th of July Celebration 2026 held?
It takes place at Veteran’s Memorial Waterfront Park at Elizabeth Avenue and Front Street in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
Will there be fireworks?
Yes. Fireworks are scheduled for dusk.
What makes this event different from a typical July 4th celebration?
This event combines America’s 250th Anniversary celebration with an Official World Cup Fan Zone Watch Party, Parade of Nations, tall ships, soccer programming, and a full day of family-friendly activities.
Will there be family-friendly activities?
Yes. The event includes rides, games, food, art spaces, performances, and multigenerational soccer activities.
