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Middlesex County Awards $164,400 in Grants to Commemorate 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution

Funding supports 30 programs commemorating the County’s role in the American Revolution

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 12/01/2025

(MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ) -- Middlesex County has awarded $164,400 in special grant funding to 30 municipal entities and nonprofit organizations for programs commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. These grants, administered through the Arts Institute of Middlesex County, support projects that highlight the County's unique Revolutionary War history and the lasting legacy of the fight for independence.

This special grant program, announced earlier this year, invited organizations to propose public programs — including history lectures, exhibits, performances, visual art, public art, publications, walking tours, folk arts workshops, and more — that would take place between July 1, 2025, and December 31, 2026. All programs are required to occur within Middlesex County and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

This special initiative aligns with RevolutionNJ, New Jersey’s official commemoration of the 250th anniversary, which encourages inclusive storytelling, expanded heritage tourism, and broader access to local history.

The American Revolution unfolded across the towns, villages, and landscapes that now make up Middlesex County. Local residents experienced political upheaval, divided loyalties, military campaigns, and the long process of rebuilding that ultimately led to the birth of a new nation on July 4, 1776.

In recognition of this milestone, Middlesex County is committed to honoring the stories, people, and places that shaped our shared history while continuing to celebrate the diverse communities that define the County today. Learn more at middlesexcountynj.gov/250.




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2025–2026 250TH ANNIVERSARY GRANT RECIPIENTS

Organization – Award Amount


  1. Agraj Seva Kendra – $2,500

  2. Alborada Spanish Dance Theatre – $6,000

  3. Bravura Philharmonic – $6,000

  4. Carteret Performing Arts Center – $6,500

  5. Central Jersey Arts Council – $6,000

  6. City of Perth Amboy, Dept. of Recreation – $6,000

  7. coLAB Arts – $7,500

  8. Collegium Musicum – $6,000

  9. Cranbury Historical & Preservation Society – $5,000

  10. East Brunswick Arts Coalition – $3,500

  11. East Brunswick Arts Commission – $5,000

  12. East Brunswick Symphony Orchestra – $6,000

  13. East Brunswick Township – $6,000

  14. Friends of the Wicoff House – $7,500

  15. Highland Park Historical Commission – $5,250

  16. Historical Association of Woodbridge Township – $2,250

  17. Historical Society of South Amboy – $4,000

  18. Indian American Club of Rossmoor – $5,000

  19. Lower Raritan Watershed Project – $7,500

  20. Metuchen Borough Improvement League – $1,275

  21. Metuchen Edison Historical Society – $5,250

  22. Monroe Township Historic Preservation Commission – $7,000

  23. New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra – $6,000

  24. New Brunswick Free Public Library – $6,000

  25. New Jersey Philharmonic Chorus – $6,000

  26. People Helping People – $6,000

  27. Perth Amboy Artworks – $5,500

  28. South Brunswick Public Library – $5,875

  29. Thinkery & Verse – $7,000

  30. Veritas Youth Orchestra – $5,000

Total Funding Awarded: $164,400

For more information on 250th anniversary events and programs throughout Middlesex County, including initiatives supported by this special grant program, visit MiddlesexCountyCulture.com.

Middlesex County is bettering the lives of residents and providing economic growth opportunities to business and industry. Home to several Fortune 500 companies, three universities, 21 county parks, and world-class healthcare and research facilities, Middlesex County is one of the nation’s most dynamic regions — and a leader in life sciences, transportation, the arts, and food innovation. With more than 860,000 residents across 25 municipalities, Middlesex County is among the most diverse areas in the United States. Its award-winning Middlesex County Magnet Schools and two-year Middlesex College strengthen the County’s reputation as New Jersey’s leader in education and workforce development. Conveniently located between New York City and Philadelphia, Middlesex County has been a premier destination to live, work, and play since the 17th century.




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EVENT PREVIEWS

(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Manayunk Development Corporation is excited to celebrate the 37th Annual Manayunk Arts Festival on Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 11:00am to 7:00pm and Sunday, June 28, 2026 from 11:00am to 5:00pm. The tradition of being the tri-state area's largest outdoor juried art festival - and the largest in Pennsylvania - will continue as Main Street hosts approximately 300 different local and nationally known artists and crafters.
Carteret

Carteret's Independence Day Festival to feature country star Walker Hayes

(CARTERET, NJ) -- One of New Jersey's most popular Independence Day Festivals will take place in Carteret's Civic Center Park (100 Cooke Avenue) from 6:00pm to midnight on Friday, July 3, 2026 in celebration of America's 250th birthday.
Bergen County presents 3rd Annual Star-Spangled Spectacular

Bergen County presents 3rd Annual Star-Spangled Spectacular

(RIDGEFIELD PARK, NJ) -- County Executive Jim Tedesco, the County Board of Commissioners, and the Bergen 250 Initiative are excited to announce that Bergen County's 3rd Annual Star-Spangled Spectacular will return July 4, 2026 at Overpeck County Park. All are invited to attend this patriotic afternoon of family fun which will include live music, children's activities, over 20 food trucks, a beer and wine garden, carnival attractions, and stunning fireworks to conclude the evening over Overpeck Creek.
Washington Crossing Historic Park Launches Community-Wide Call to Support Expanded Independence Day Celebration in America

Washington Crossing Historic Park Launches Community-Wide Call to Support Expanded Independence Day Celebration in America's 250th Anniversary Year

(WASHINGTON CROSSING, PA) -- Washington Crossing Historic Park (WCHP) in Pennsylvania plans to host an expanded Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, July 4, 2026 from 4:00pm to 9:30pm featuring immersive living history experiences, family-friendly activities, live music, and the return of fireworks over the Delaware River. Designed as a community-wide celebration of America250, the event is intended to create a meaningful space for residents and visitors to commemorate this historic milestone year. Please note: Admission is required; registration is recommended only for the 4:00pm ‐ 8:00pm Living History Program. The evening concert and fireworks are free and open to the public; no registration is required to attend those portions of the event.
Passage Theatre Company presents 3rd Annual Word on Front festival

Passage Theatre Company presents 3rd Annual Word on Front festival

(TRENTON, NJ) -- Passage Theatre Company's third annual Word on Front event is set to be its biggest yet. In celebration of the United States of America's 250th Anniversary, the company is presenting Word on Front 250, three consecutive weekends of a variety of live arts from June 26 to July 12, 2026. This festival of spoken word, music, and solo performance will celebrate the untold and underrepresented stories of America.
Centenary Stage Company Announces Lineup for SUMMERFEST 2026

Centenary Stage Company Announces Lineup for SUMMERFEST 2026

(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's SUMMERFEST 2026 is set to take center stage in the Lackland Performing Arts Center with four productions running through the summer months. SUMMERFEST will feature, A Taste of Ireland presented by Pace Live, The Wedding Singer, Four Sticks: The Music of Led Zeppelin, and Maltby & Shire's Closer Than Ever.

Hallmark Stars Take the Stage at The Carteret PAC on July 22nd during First-Time Multi-City Tour Experience Hallmark Stars Live

(CARTERET, NJ) -- Hallmark and Gershwin Entertainment are proud to announce Hallmark Stars Live presented by Michaels, a new live tour kicking off at URSB Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 7:30pm where some of the network's most beloved stars step off screen and onto the stage. Hosted by fan-favorite Nikki DeLoach (A Grand Ole Opry Christmas), the tour will feature Hallmark mainstays for a night where the cameras are off – and the stories keep rolling.
Hallmark Stars Live comes to MPAC on July 26th

Hallmark Stars Live comes to MPAC on July 26th

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Hallmark Stars Live presented by Michaels, is a new live tour kicking off this summer where some of the network's most beloved stars step off screen and onto the stage. Hosted by fan-favorite Nikki DeLoach (A Grand Ole Opry Christmas), the tour will feature Hallmark mainstays for a night where the cameras are off – and the stories keep rolling. The tour comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 7:00pm.

 

FEATURED EVENTS


Director's Cut: A Tribute to Visionaries

Sunday, June 21, 2026 @ 4:00pm
State Theatre New Jersey
New Brunswick, NJ


4th Annual Spring Recital MDC Animation Studios

Sunday, June 21, 2026 @ 11:00am
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
Rahway, NJ


4th Annual Spring Recital MDC Animation Studios

Sunday, June 21, 2026 @ 2:00pm
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
Rahway, NJ


4th Annual Spring Recital MDC Animation Studios

Sunday, June 21, 2026 @ 6:00pm
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
Rahway, NJ


MAC Music Café

Sunday, June 21, 2026 @ 4:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
Middletown, NJ



 

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