By Jim Roberts and Natasha Alagarasan
Special to Meadowlands Media
New Jersey’s story is an inspiring tale of grit, tenacity, and a unique brand of American courage.
It’s this tenacity and grit that we hope to display at the New Jersey Hall of Fame’s forthcoming Entertainment and Learning Center (ELC), our first permanent home at the American Dream.
The Entertainment and Learning Center will feature New Jersey greatness, from some of our most well-known residents to everyday heroes who are working to make this State better and stronger. The ELC will convey Jersey pride and will serve as a beacon for every one of our former, current, and future citizens, who will surely embrace it and encourage others to visit.
About the ELC
The ELC will be located on the third floor of American Dream in the epicenter of its premier entertainment and retail offering near Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park and Dream Works Water Park.
The center will feature numerous exciting, interactive and educational exhibits to celebrate the Garden State, as well as inductees of the New Jersey Hall of Fame. It will allow visitors to truly immerse themselves into the lives of some of New Jersey’s greats, including a virtual reality journey through inductees’ hometowns, a hologram karaoke stage where guests can sing alongside some of music’s biggest legends like Gloria Gaynor, and a “Fly Me to the Moon” motion simulator featuring a replica of the historic Model “T” Ford. The original historic car, which was gifted to Thomas Edison by his best friend Henry Ford, will be on display at the ELC thanks to the Edison Innovation Foundation.
The center will also showcase the Wall of Fame, featuring our past inductees, and a section to celebrate the achievements of New Jersey citizens and their contributions to the state.
Be a Part of Greatness
The ELC is a true celebration of the Garden State and will give visitors a chance to learn about the many contributions that New Jersey has made through its citizens to science, the arts, public service, and more. We could not have done this without the generous support of our lead sponsor, Hackensack Meridian Health, and PSEG and PSEG Foundation. We are also thankful for our valued partnership with the Triple Five Group, the Meadowlands Chamber, the State of New Jersey and our many founding sponsors and donors. We are also fortunate to have an incredible board with great vision led by Chairman Jon F. Hanson and President Steven Edwards.
The Entertainment and Learning Center will be a true celebration of New Jersey’s spirit and tenacity, which is embodied through the lives and accomplishments of its citizens. You can also be a part of this effort to showcase New Jersey’s greatness for generations to come. Learn more about becoming a sponsor of the Entertainment and Learning Center by emailing us at contact@njhalloffame.org.
About the New Jersey Hall of Fame
Because everyone needs a hero, the New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) honors citizens who have made invaluable contributions to society, the State of New Jersey and the world beyond. The 2023 ceremony will be held in person this October, with the location to be announced later.
Since 2008, the NJHOF has hosted 14 ceremonies for more than 200 notable individuals and groups in recognition of their induction into the Hall of Fame. The NJHOF endeavors to present school children with significant and impactful role models to show that they can, and should, strive for excellence. For more information, go to www.njhalloffame.org.
Jim Roberts is the Executive Director of the Foundation for the New Jersey Hall of Fame and is a longtime executive in the non-profit space. Natasha Alagarasan is Communications Director at Princeton Strategic Communications and has over 15 years of experience in journalism and communications.
