Funding cuts would cause irreversible harm

Last week, about 600 arts and history advocates rallied in Trenton to demand restoration of funding to the three agencies that support history and the arts in New Jersey.

As president of the oldest historical organization in Monmouth County, I sincerely hope their voices were heard. Among the agencies threatened is the N.J. Historical Commission, which has helped history organizations in the state since 1967. Within the last three years, the commission has provided $777,347 to various history organizations in Mon-mouth County alone.

In addition to the grants it distributes, the Historical Commis-sion presents public history programs, provides teachers with educational materials, conducts research and publishes books that inform students and the public about their state’s heritage.

Without the commission’s support, many organizations will be forced to close and others will have to cut back on educational and outreach programs.

Grants from the Historical Commission have been a major source of support for the Mon-mouth County Historical Associ-ation. They have enabled us to publish history books, present award-winning exhibitions, conserve archival collections and enrich and expand our educational programming for children.

Last year, 10,120 schoolchildren from 58 schools learned about history through the historical association’s educational programs. How can we justify denying our children the opportunity to learn about our history, particularly this year as we mark the 225th anniversary of the Battle of Monmouth?

To Gov. James McGreevey, our senators and congressmen, please do not compromise the quality of life in New Jersey by allowing the state Historical Commission to disappear. The damage to our children’s education, to public history and to the tourism industry would be irreversible.

Judith Stanley Coleman

President

Monmouth County

Historical Association

Freehold