On April 6, 1917, the United States changed forever. President Woodrow Wilson declared war on Germany, sending the country into battle to join its allies. New Jersey was part of this countrywide effort, sending its men and resources overseas in the “Great War.” As 2017 marks the U.S. Centennial of this historic event, New Jersey will be featuring special events and exhibits. Take part in the commemoration by visiting one of the many historic places and war memorials throughout the state.
World War I Landmarks in New Jersey
New Jersey is home to more than 160 WWI landmarks, with memorials and monuments located in towns throughout the state.
- In Montclair, visit beautiful Edgemont Park to see the World War I Memorial, which includes a towering granite obelisk and a group of bronze figures led by a WWI soldier.
- In Hoboken, the American Expeditionary Forces Memorial Boulder with a bronze tablet was built to honor the city’s vital role in the war; as the U.S. Army Port of Embarkation, more than 3 million troops passed through this exit point.
- Memorializing Princeton residents who served in WWI, a semi-circular marble Memorial Bench with a plaque serves as a place to reflect.
Find more WWI memorials in New Jersey.
World War I Museum Exhibits
Explore museums throughout New Jersey that will feature special exhibits in commemoration of the centennial of the U.S. entry into WWI.
- In Sea Girt, visit the free National Guard Militia Museum to see WWI artifacts on display, such as uniforms, weapons and photographs.
- Fort Dix Army Reserve Mobilization Museum in Fort Dix, browse original propaganda posters, heavy artillery and other notable war artifacts.
- New Jersey State Museum in Trenton, Embattled Emblems: Posters and Flags of the First World War opens September 16, 2017, featuring important patriotic images, rhetoric and military symbols that were used to garner support of the country’s involvement in the Great War.
- At the end of 2017, Hoboken Historical Museum will also unveil its special exhibit commemorating WWI.
Upcoming Special Events
March 9, 2017
Remembering WWI
New Brunswick
Visit Alexander S. Archibald Library to watch a lecture by Dr. Virginia A. Dilkes about remembering WWI from the perspective of a veteran.
March 12, 2017
Heaven, Hell or Hoboken Lecture Series
Hoboken
At Hoboken Historical Museum, Christopher Capozzola will discuss the topic of how WWI changed what it meant to be an American.
April 6, 2017
A Declaration of War: Commemorating the United States Entry into WWI
Toms River
Visit the Ocean County Courthouse for a special event commemorating the centennial of the U.S. entering WWI, featuring re-enactors, first-person accounts, newspaper readings and period music to bring context to the war.
April 28, 2017
WWI Road Show
Toms River
Head over to the Bishop Building for a “Family Treasures Festival” where attendees are encouraged to bring their own WWI memorabilia to discuss with experts in history and collections care.
Find even more upcoming WWI Centennial events.
Watch it now: The WW1 video!
