Monmouth NJ 250
“We’ll be ready. We’re going to get this done!” Monmouth Country Director Tom Arnone told a crowd of proud Americans and historians at a meeting at Hominy Hills Golf Course Wednesday night.
If the enthusiasm, agreement, energy and assurances Arnone’s promises would be carried out by all of them is any indication, Monmouth County will have the biggest, the best, and certainly the most proud celebration of any county in the nation in 2026, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the start of a new nation.
Dozens of history lovers, both professional and simply proud Americans, gathered for the meeting of MonmouthNJ250 called by its co-chairs Arnone and County Clerk Christine Hanlon. The meeting was called to keep municipalities and residents updated on the county plans and county cooperation for municipality plans for celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday.
Historians from all over the County representing municipalities, historical societies, business entities, the Sons and the Daughters of the American Revolution and more viewed some of the videos the county has already completed to encourage a county-wide celebration equal or excelled by none throughout 2026.
Arnone and Hanlon thanked the Monmouth County Park system and other organizations, as well as Ted Maturo, executive director of Monmouth NJ 250 for all the efforts that have been completed to date to ensure that the county where the longest battle of the Revolution, the Battle of Monmouth, was fought, includes every municipality or organization in highlighting so many varied significant incidents and occasions from 1776 that occurred within Monmouth County. The Battle of Monmouth has long been recognized as the turning point in the Revolution, even while numerous other battles were fought throughout Monmouth County pitting neighbor against neighbor, splitting families, and losing lives. Still, once the war was over, Arnone noted, the people of Monmouth County came back together and rebuilt the county culturally, agriculturally, and industriously, making it what it is today, the fifth most populous county in the state with more than 600,000 residents.
Both Arnone and Hanlon highlighted the many ways Monmouth County plans on celebrating, noting first of all their re-constructed MonmoouthNJ250 truck which will be available for parades, special events and other uses between now and 2026. Other plans for the 2026 year are traveling exhibits, coloring books, educational programs, contests, gala events including parades, videos and joint events with municipalities.
To ensure everyone is kept informed and invited to participate in every celebration, Arnone also pointed out that of the 53 municipalities in Monmouth County, 21 of them have already signed on to MonmouthNJ250 so they can take advantage of all the shared ideas and resources. Hanlon also indicated the county is working with other organizations for a possible OPSail celebration similar to OPSail 76, when cadets sailing tall ships from numerous countries helped America celebrate its 20th birthday, with many of the ships and crew hosted by several Bayshore towns and Yacht Clubs.
Both cochairs praised the soon to be released coloring book that has been designed especially for Monmouthnj250 and will be available for y9ungsters but well worth reviewing by any adult.
Historian at the meeting also suggested RevolutionaryNJ.org and the American Battlefield Trust for other resources and information.
“We want everyone to enjoy a huge celebration throughout 2026,” Arnone said, “but we also want everyone, resident and visitor alike, to remember everything about this party for years after the party.”
To the applause and standing ovation of the group, Arnone reiterated “we’re going to get this done.”
Persons wishing further information or to sign up for the newsletter should visit MonmouthNJ250.org
