| Jersey City Free Public Library (JCFPL) is honored to partner with Liberty State Park (LSP) as we begin a yearlong celebration leading up to the park’s 50th anniversary in June 2026. Like JCFPL, Liberty State Park is a beloved public institution where Jersey City residents can come together in a Welcoming Space, free of charge. At a time when truly public spaces are becoming increasingly rare, it’s more important than ever to support and uplift institutions like Liberty State Park and the Jersey City Free Public Library. Jersey City Free Public Library Director Terry B. Hill reflects on the partnership, “Liberty State Park has been a pillar of history, nature, and public spaces in Jersey City for half a century. The Jersey City Free Public Library is proud to partner in commemorating this milestone and to continue creating meaningful experiences that connect our community to both places and opportunities. As accessible public spaces diminish, preserving and celebrating them is more vital than ever.” One key connection between the Jersey City Free Public Library and Liberty State Park is their shared history with renowned local historian and author J. Owen Grundy. A Jersey City native, Grundy served as the city’s Official Historian from 1965 until he died in 1985, dedicating his life to historical and environmental preservation. He worked closely with Audrey Zapp, Theodore Conrad, and Morris Pesin in the movement to establish and protect Liberty State Park. Grundy was also a frequent patron of the Jersey City Free Public Library, conducting much of his research at what is now the Priscilla Gardner Main Library. He played a central role in the development of the Jersey City Museum, which was originally housed on the library’s fourth floor, and was instrumental in laying the foundation for the New Jersey Room—JCFPL’s dedicated local history department that continues to serve the public today. To commemorate Liberty State Park’s 50th Anniversary, JCFPL is releasing three limited-edition library cards featuring photos highlighting the iconic park’s beauty. One card features a picture of the U.S. Flag Plaza with eight American flags flowing in the wind and the Statue of Liberty in the backdrop. Another card features a stunning photo of the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal. Lastly, the third card showcases the beautiful marshland at Caven Point. Each limited-edition card highlights what makes Liberty State Park so beautiful and unique. Chris Ford, Superintendent of Liberty State Park, shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration with the Jersey City Free Public Library and the launch of the special edition library cards, “Liberty State Park is excited to see these special edition library cards launched in collaboration with the Jersey City Free Public Library and Sam Pesin! The images on the cards are snapshots of iconic scenes of Liberty State Park that capture important elements of our historical and environmental significance. Residents of Jersey City and beyond have family stories that intersect with this park’s history.” He continues, “In many ways, LSP and JCFPL share similar missions – to serve our communities, be free spaces that provide relaxation and knowledge, and inspire a sense of charged responsibility for the continued improvement of our shared cultural, historical, and environmental resources. As Liberty State Park celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026, we acknowledge the tireless efforts of hundreds of past and present people who have fought to make this park what it is today. Thank you to JCFPL for the opportunity to connect with the community this way!” Sam Pesin, president of the Friends of Liberty State Park and the son of Morris Pesin, the “father” of the park, praised the JCFPL’s exciting project of creating three new library cards, “Thank you to Maro Twal, the JCFPL Communications and Marketing Manager, for initiating this project, and to both her and Library Director Terry Hill for collaborating with the Friends and Tereza Marshyti, a LSP Resource Interpretive Specialist, to kick off the one-year countdown to the park’s 50th birthday on June 14, 2026! As someone who grew up using the Earl Morgan Branch in Greenville, I encouraged everyone to get a Liberty State Park library card and take advantage of the library’s wide range of great services and programs for all ages.” The Jersey City Free Public Library is proud to partner with Liberty State Park in celebrating its 50th anniversary—a milestone honoring decades of community, conservation, and civic pride. As institutions rooted in public service and lifelong learning, we are committed to preserving local history, fostering public engagement, and celebrating the legacy of those who helped shape our city. We look forward to honoring the park’s past and inspiring its future. About Jersey City Free Public Library The Jersey City Free Public Library (JCFPL) is the largest municipal library in the State of New Jersey, serving one of the most diverse cities in the country. The library meets the community’s needs by providing a wide array of programming and resources and access to a broad range of print, digital, and audiovisual collections. The Library has been a cornerstone of Jersey City’s growing and changing community for over 120 years. About Jersey City Free Public Library The Jersey City Free Public Library (JCFPL) is the largest municipal library in the State of New Jersey, serving one of the most diverse cities in the country. The Library meets the needs of the community by providing a wide array of programming and resources, and access to a broad range of print, digital, and audiovisual collections. The Library has been a cornerstone of Jersey City’s growing and changing community for more than 120 years. |
Tag Archives: Liberty State Park Jersey City
Liberty State Park Upcoming Linked Events
Here are Upcoming linked events and a few flyers at the bottom.
The South Lawn is at LSP’s south side with free parking. GPS is ” 200 Morris Pesin Drive, Flag Plaza “ Shuttle bus at least temporarily starts at Science Center because NJ Transit stupidly hasn’t given OK for Light Rail stop yet.
Sunday, 5/25 Noon to 4pm annual Fleet Week family-friendly at South Lawn
Saturday, 5/31 Noon to 7pm Kite Festival for everyone and also for some professional kite flyers! at South Lawn.
Saturday, 5/31 11am to 1pm Horseshoe Crab Walk to Caven Point Beach. It’s the last event on the May Nature Center Program.
Ticketed event – Pokemon Go Fest June 6,7,8 throughout LSP, but whole park is open to the general public. Attendees need to have or create a Pokémon Go account and then click here Then see Events and click on Jersey City.
Sunday June 29 7:30pm to 9:30pm Free Concert – NJ Symphony Orchestra It’s on the South Lawn.Their website mistakenly omits the South Lawn location.
Not linked yet on our website is the 50th Season of JC sponsored Summerfest concert series on Sundays & Tuesdays! Flyers are below!
Saturday, Nov. 1 Friends annual 5K Run (and Walk) registration is open for early bird price.
Public invited to ‘Big Day of Birding’ May 4 at Liberty State Park
As per a press release the New Jersey Conservation Foundation will team up with the Feminist Bird Club of Jersey City, Liberty State Park and Jersey City Birds for a “Big Day of Birding” at Liberty State Park on Saturday, May 4. The free event includes bird walks at 6 and 9 a.m., and is appropriate for both novice and experienced birders.
“We will attempt to identify as many species of birds as we can while having an absolute blast along the way,” said Bill Lynch, New Jersey Conservation’s director of engagement and communications, who is leading the event. “No experience is necessary, and we will bring a scope and extra binoculars for participants to borrow.”
HARDGROVE RESTAURANT JERSEY CITY SPONSORS 5K RUN/WALK 2 KICK AUTISM
Hardgrove a downtown Jersey City restaurant will again proudly sponsor the annual 5K Run/Walk to help kick Autism.
The event will be held at Liberty State Park North Cove Field at 1 Audrey Zapp Drive in Jersey City on August 26th, 2018 at 10 am rain or shine.
Race benefactors Color of Autism a Jersey City non-profit organisation started by Jersey City business woman Sherry Singh who owns Smile a Pre-school and Nursery on First Street in downtown Jersey City.
Colors of Autism was established in honor of her middle son Ravi 31. who has Autism.
Some facts on Autism
- Autism now affects 1 in 59 children and 1 in 37 boys
- Autism prevalence figures are growing
- Autism is one of the fastest-growing developmental disorders in the U.S.
- Autism costs a family $60,000 a year on average
- Boys are nearly five times more likely than girls to have autism
- There is no medical detection or cure for autism
- -Source Autism Speaks
Continue reading HARDGROVE RESTAURANT JERSEY CITY SPONSORS 5K RUN/WALK 2 KICK AUTISM
Jersey City Police Athletic League To Host Cigar Social
Jersey City, NJj, May 24, 2012: The Jersey City Police Athletic League (JCPAL) will be hosting its first Cigar Social event on May 30, 2012 from 7pm -11pm at the Liberty House in Liberty State Park to raise money to support the educational and sports programs it offers to Jersey City youths.
The JCPAL offers over a dozen free educational and athletic programs for kids ages 5-19 such as Police Explorers, football, soccer, after school programs, summer programs, and Hudson County’s first ever rugby program.
The event will also be a viewing party for the JCPAL’s first PSA commercial shoot produced by NJCU Media Arts Department and directed by JCPAL Development Director Nathan Lugo-Montanez
Executive Director Frank Williams is happy to welcome new management and corporate partners that will bring new ideas and energy to help promote and advocate for the JCPAL and is excited for future events like the Murder Mystery Dinner scheduled for October 2012.
For more information on this or any of our upcoming events or programs, or to volunteer with the JCPAL please visit the website www.jcpal.org or call 201-434-3366.
Recognizing Our Canine Heros
September 11th, 2011 Ceremony to Recognize 9/11 Working Dog
Liberty State Park, Jersey City 12:45 pm
River View Observer Staff
On Sun, Sept 11th, “Finding One Another: the 10th Anniversary Tribute to the Canine Search & Rescue Community of 9/11â€Â will honor canine working dog teams on the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11th attacks on the World Trade Center. “Finding One Another†has identified more than 950 working dog teams (civilian, government, law enforcement and military) who served in response to 9/11. These teams were involved with search and rescue, recovery and security efforts at Ground Zero, the Pentagon, Shanksville, and the Fresh Kills Landfill recovery site. Continue reading Recognizing Our Canine Heros
Jon Huntsman Announces His Run for President in 2012 at Jersey City’s Liberty State Park
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Photo’s by steveamack.com
“This is the hour when we choose our future. I’m Jon Huntsman and I’m running for president of the United States,” with those words  Former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman announced on Tuesday, June 21st, at Liberty State Park in Jersey City his candidacy for President in the 2012 race thus becoming one more Republican contender to join the race for the White House. Liberty State Park is also the location chosen by  former President Ronald Reagan to announce his bid for President in 1980.Â
Huntsman was President Obama’s Amabassdor to China until this past spring.
Sean Hannity from Fox’s Hannity’s America was on hand to interview Huntsman. When asked by Hannity why the former Utah Governor and Ambassador to China decided to enter the race;Â Huntsman said, “Because I love my country. And I can’t stomach the thought that we are passing down to the next generation, a country that is less viable, less good, less competitive, less compassionate than the one we got. You have a choice then, you can either stand on the sidelines or you can do as Teddy Roosevelt used to preach, and you can get in the arena and do something about it.”
BICYCLE TOUR AND RENTAL COMPANY OPENS ON THE JERSEY CITY WATERFRONT
JERSEY CITY – Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy, members of the Municipal Council, and other city officials announce the opening of Easy Riders JC LLC bicycle rental and tour company in downtown Jersey City.
Easy Riders JC LLC allows both residents and tourists the opportunity to rent bicycles and explore the Jersey City Waterfront, Liberty State Park and the Statue of Liberty independently or through one of their guided tours. Continue reading BICYCLE TOUR AND RENTAL COMPANY OPENS ON THE JERSEY CITY WATERFRONT
Happy Birthday Liberty State Park!
“The People’s Park†Turns 30
By Tom Dwyer
Liberty State Park will celebrate its 30th birthday on June 10th, and considering that last year alone 5 million people visited the park — this could turn out to be one heck of a birthday party. If you’re one of the lucky people who have already discovered Liberty State Park, then you might want to take a moment to honor Morris Pesin, the driving force behind turning a once-desolate Jersey City dumpsite into one of the greatest parks in America. Mr. Pesin, who passed away in 1992, was honored by President Ronald Reagan at the White House in 1985 with a Volunteer Action Award for creating Liberty State Park, the Gateway to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
