New Jersey Assembly convenes at Princeton for 250th commemoration; passes AR 250 and multiple ceremonial resolutions

The New Jersey General Assembly convened a commemorative session at Nassau Hall in Princeton to mark the 250th anniversary of the state's first legislature and adopted several ceremonial resolutions, including Assembly Resolution 250 directing a special commemorative session at Nassau Hall on Feb. 5, 2026.

The event opened with an invocation by Reverend Dr. Theresa Tims, dean of religious life at Princeton, followed by remarks from Princeton President Christopher Eisgruber and remarks from His Majesty’s Consul General Oliver Christian, who highlighted trade and research ties between the United Kingdom and New Jersey.

Why it matters: Lawmakers said the session was intended to reconnect the legislature with its historical origins and to spotlight public programming tied to the 250th anniversary, including archival exhibits and a statewide slate of commemorative events.

The Assembly’s business included the third reading and passage of AR 250. Majority Leader Louis Greenwald moved the resolution to a roll-call vote; the Clerk recorded 67 votes in the affirmative and zero negative votes. The Speaker declared the resolution passed. The measure directs that "the assembly shall hold a special commemorative session at Nassau Hall on the campus of Princeton University in Princeton, Mercer County on 02/05/2026." (Text as read on the floor.)

Several other ceremonial measures were read and adopted by voice vote. Resolutions recognized Princeton University's 280th anniversary, honored the New Jersey National Guard and its historical lineage and paid tribute to vessels bearing the name USS New Jersey, including the Battleship New Jersey museum in Camden and the newly commissioned Virginia-class submarine USS New Jersey (SSN 796). Captain Steve Hawley, who received the resolution on the submarine, said, "I had the privilege of commissioning the newest USS New Jersey, SSN 796," and described the vessel as continuing a longstanding naval legacy tied to the state.

Speakers also emphasized the state's archival record and public-education plans. Joseph Kled, executive director of the New Jersey State Archives, described early minute books and colonial-era documents to illustrate legislative continuity; Sarah Cureton, executive director of the New Jersey Historical Commission, outlined Revolution NJ, the state's official program for the 250th-anniversary observance and a traveling exhibition and school programs for the coming year.

Oliver Christian, the United Kingdom’s Consul General and Trade Commissioner to North America, cited economic ties in brief remarks: "Over 39,000 New Jerseyans are employed by British companies," and he said goods trade with the U.K. reached $12,000,000,000 last year. He also said UK research agencies have supported joint work with Princeton, citing investment figures.

The session included the routine roll call, which the Clerk conducted at the outset, and a brief procedural motion to waive reading of the minutes. The Speaker closed the commemorative session after the resolutions were adopted and thanked university hosts and visiting dignitaries; as the session concluded he quipped about reconvening in the distant year "2276," then returned the Assembly to routine business.

The Assembly transmitted copies of many of the adopted resolutions to relevant parties and agencies as directed in the measures. No substantive policy bills or budget votes were debated during this commemorative meeting.

What’s next: AR 250 schedules a formal special session at Nassau Hall on Feb. 5, 2026, and the Historical Commission and State Archives plan public exhibits and programming tied to the 250th anniversary.