The Arts Institute of Middlesex County announced that the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners has approved a 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution Grant for Perth Amboy Artworks in the amount of $5,500. Perth Amboy Artworks will develop two murals in downtown Perth Amboy commemorating the ideals of the American Revolution. We will be raising additional funds to complete the project.
Perth Amboy prides itself on its history, especially being the “City of Firsts.” We have many historical milestones, including being the location of first ratification of the Bill of Rights in 1790 and the first African American voter under the 15th Amendment in 1870. The City of Firsts theme has been one that many focus groups of arts and history stakeholders and community and business leaders have said they would like to see celebrated in murals. We will explore these in our project.
We celebrate Thomas Peterson Day every year and Perth Amboy is on the NJ Black History Trail. We have discussed murals as a way to help revitalize the downtown, making it an outdoor gallery and a destination. The addition of these two murals celebrating Perth Amboy’s and the Nations history will help revitalize our downtown, enhance history tourism by adding reasons to walk and celebrate downtown and enjoy its vibrancy and bring the community together to create an exciting celebration for America 250 in the summer of 2026.
We will celebrate America 250 with 2 murals. A Know Your Rights mural possibly and a mural of Thomas Peterson will be created by top NJ artists. Videos, flyers, press. tour guide info and reception parties will be planned with music and food all taking place by July 4 2026.