Spotlight on One of New Jersey's Best Kept Secrets

As a center of cultural, educational and scientific engagement, the New Jersey State Museum inspires innovation and lifelong learning through collections, research, exhibitions and programs in science, history and art.

Adam Kaufman Principal, Kaufman Zita Group

From shortly after the glaciers receded 13,000 years ago up to the 17th century, indigenous populations have used the natural resources in their own environments to help them survive. Artifacts such as these can be found in the New Jersey State Museum's extensive archaeological collections. The State Museum's holdings are so extensive, in fact, that scholars recognize the Museum's collection of more than 2.4 million archaeological objects as the definitive systematic research collection for the study of the prehistory of New Jersey and the Middle Atlantic region.

And, this collection of artifacts, titled "New Jersey's Original People: Interpreting the Archaeological Collection," is just one of nine collection exhibitions currently on display at the New Jersey State Museum. From natural history to fine art, the State Museum collections also encompass archeology and ethnography, a planetarium and a cultural history collection that boasts over 13,000 artifacts documenting New Jersey's cultural, economic, military, political and social history -  as well as aspects of its decorative arts.

Located in Trenton, the New Jersey State Museum was first established by the New Jersey State Legislature in 1895 with a mission to collect and exhibit specimens in natural history, archaeology and industrial history. Since 1983, it has been a division of the New Jersey Department of State. Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno serves as the State Museum's Chair.

Having been first appointed to serve as President of the New Jersey State Museum Board of Trustees by former New Jersey Gov. James McGreevey, KZG's Adam Kaufman continues to serve on the Board of Trustees as its Vice President. An avid collector of fine art with a preference for mid-century modern oils, prints and sculptures, Adam has traveled extensively throughout Western and Eastern Europe and South America, collecting artifacts and expanding his personal collection. He is pleased to have witnessed the museum's extensive growth and credits the museum's board members, trustees, volunteers, community donors and patrons for their continued support of this iconic institution.

Describing his service on the board as an honor, Adam said, "I look forward to my continued work with my fellow trustees to preserve the state's museum and its unwavering commitment to the collection, preservation and sharing of the rich history of the State of New Jersey." 

This summer, take a walk through history by visiting the New Jersey State Museum's archaeology and ethnography collection, peruse its fine art collection, refresh your understanding of New Jersey's cultural history, or soar into space in the Museum's Hi-Def Planetarium. Plan your visit here. 

New Craft Beer Legislation Brewing in New Jersey

In 2012, Gov. Christie signed a landmark law that helped modernize the state's craft beer industry. The bill, supported by KZG client, the Garden State Craft Brewers Guild, revised restrictions on the state's microbreweries and brewpubs in order to create a more friendly business environment for New Jersey's craft brewing industry.

Now, the industry has gotten behind a new legislative package aimed at creating new marketing opportunities and growth in the Garden State. Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean (R-Union, Somerset, Morris) and Assemblyman Craig Coughlin (D-Middlesex) recently introduced a trio of bills, which have garnered bi-partisan co-sponsorship in the Senate and Assembly, to further expand opportunities for craft breweries in New Jersey.

S-2910/A-4389, for example, would create a state permit for local breweries to sell their products at community farm markets in municipalities that do not prohibit alcoholic beverages.

"[T]his legislation provides countless and timely opportunities to help grow the state's agriculture and tourism economies," Kean said in a press release. "It will draw more people to our attractions and eliminate prohibitions that limit how local breweries can develop and expand."

Meanwhile, S-2911/A-4390 would allow consumers to enjoy food from our state's many great restaurants and local eateries at microbreweries while they visit, take a tour and sample beer.

"There are direct benefits to stripping down regulations and allowing more enjoyable experiences for people who frequent and support New Jersey businesses," Kean said. "This bill will help New Jersey become and market itself as a more diverse destination state."

Finally, S-2912/A-4391 would allow New Jersey brew pubs to annually sell and distribute up to 1,000 barrels of their beer to in-state and out-of-state licensed retailers. Elaborating upon its legislative intent, Kean explained that "[t]his legislation is about providing our residents, small businesses and economy with greater opportunities and tools for success."

"Brew pubs are more and more in demand and people should have the option to purchase their products in this state, and we can attract more people from out of state by allowing beer from New Jersey brew pubs to be showcased across the country," he added.

"Craft beer is about innovation and creativity. As the industry continues to evolve nationally, New Jersey's regulatory environment must as well," said Asm. Craig Coughlin. "It's important to have a legal structure in place that enhances, not limits, this innovation, creativity and economic growth to the benefit of craft beer connoisseurs throughout New Jersey."

The association is planning for three major beer festivals this year, including "Brews by the Bay" at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal in Cape May on Saturday, August 29th. You can learn more about the festival by visiting the event website.

Meet the New Lawmaker:

In the final installment of our monthly "Meet the New Legislator" series, we introduce you to Assemblyman Jamel Holley, a Democrat who represents the 20th legislative district in Union County.

Assemblyman Jamel C. Holley (D-20)

Mr. Holley was sworn into the New Jersey General Assembly on January 21st, 2015, to fill the unexpired term of former Assemblyman Joseph Cryan - who resigned to serve as Union County Sheriff.

Born on September 13th, 1979, Mr. Holley received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from New Jersey City University and his Masters in Public Administration from Kean University. 

A resident of Roselle in Union County, Holley was appointed Chief of Staff of New Jersey's 20th Legislative District in 2001. In 2004, Holley was elected Councilman at Large for the Borough of Roselle, becoming the youngest Councilman in Union County history at the age of 25.

In 2012, Mr. Holley was inaugurated as the Borough of Roselle's youngest Mayor at the age of 32.

Mr. Holly is the President of Front Porch Strategies, a government affairs consulting firm, and also serves as chairman and CEO of the Jamel C. Holley Civic Association, a nonprofit contributing resources and assistance to the residents of Roselle. He is the Director of Public Works for the Township of Irvington.

Asm. Holley currently serves on the Higher Education Committee and the Housing and Community Development Committee in the General Assembly. He joins Senator Raymond Lesniak (D) and Assemblywoman Annette Quijano (D) in representing the 20th legislative district, which covers the municipalities of Elizabeth, Hillside, Roselle and Union.

Holley will serve in the Assembly until the end of former Assemblyman Cryan's term. The next election for the seat will take place in November 2015. Assembly members Holley and Quijano won against Tony Monteiro and Guiliano Farina in the June 2nd primaries and are expected to face Republicans Stephen Kozlovich and Roger Stryeski in November.

For more information about Assemblyman Jamel Holley, please visit his legislative Web page.