Mobile museum may be rolling up to Woodbridge
Rep. Ferguson seeks fed. funding for traveling history museum
BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer

WOODBRIDGE - With the help of Congressman Michael Ferguson (R-12), the township is one step closer to developing a "traveling" historical museum that would be displayed at libraries and public schools and during events in the township.

Ferguson joined Mayor John E. Mc- Cormac, Jean Pierce and the Rev. Robert Counselman of the Historic Preservation Commission, members of the Cultural Arts Commission, and Councilman Robert Luban in front of the Parker Press building Aug. 30 to announce that the House of Representatives has given initial congressional approval of $50,000 to help develop the museum.

"I am delighted that we can soon share the cultural and rich traditional story of Woodbridge," said Ferguson.

During the congressman's annual meeting with elected officials about funding, grants and other federal resources that may be available to local communities, township officials told him about the idea of a traveling historical museum.

The congressman said the funding he requested was included in the annual bill that finances the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The bill won House approval in late July and must still be reconciled with the U.S. Senate's version of the legislation. The funding amount for Woodbridge could change before final legislation, not expected until the fall, is sent to the White House.

"These important funds will help Woodbridge celebrate its long history in a way that's not only unique but also accessible to every resident," he said. "Woodbridge's history is rich and dates back to even decades before the American Revolution."

The congressman added that Woodbridge, which is the fifth-largest community in New Jersey, is also the oldest original township in the state, settled in 1664 and granted a charter in 1669. The first president of the United States, George Washington, spent the night in the township before traveling to New York for his first presidential inauguration.

"From before Colonial America to the 21st century, Woodbridge and its residents have played an important role in New Jersey's history," the congressman said. "The traveling museum will ensure that future generations know and understand that role."

Pierce and Counselman said the funds toward a historical traveling museum are the beginning process to helping preserve the heritage of the past.

"We have lost some of our heritage, but we hope we won't lose any more," said Counselman.

McCormac said the funds Ferguson requested would help launch an effort the mayor is leading to display the township's history with exhibits and displays. The concept would include an everchanging display of township artifacts, documents and memorabilia, as well as interactive, computer-generated historical exhibits, displays and discussions.

The mayor and township officials are in the initial process of evaluating the design and scope of the museum and are looking toward 2008 for the project's implementation.

"We are excited to be able to move forward with the development of a Woodbridge museum that will serve as a showcase to document our more than 300 years of history," said McCormac.