Blog

Both a champion for revitalizing his New Jersey community and a creative entrepreneur with a pioneering spirit, Imperatore ignored skeptics who derided his vision of a mass transit system to achieve his dreams. Today, his ferry system has done much more than transport nearly 300 million people, having evacuated more than 150,000 people from Manhattan on 9/11 and rescued 143 people from Flight 1547 during the Miracle on the Hudson.

True to his NJHOF Induction Speech in 2017 when he reflected on telling God he had “a lot left to do,” Imperatore remained active in his roles as a businessman, philanthropist, veteran, and family-man until his passing on November 18, 2020.

Jim Roberts selected to lead next phase and fundraising

NEWARK (September 10, 2020) – After an extensive search, the New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) Board of Directors announces the appointment of  New Jersey native Jim Roberts to serve as the first Executive Director and lead the non-profit into its next phase of growth as it continues to inspire New Jersey citizens by upholding its native heroes.

“We wanted a proven leader in the world of non-profit management, someone who could help us reach our own potential,” says Jon F. Hanson, chairman of the NJHOF. “Jim has a successful history in non-profit organization management and he’s highly skilled in event management, media relations, philanthropy, and fundraising.”

Jim Roberts previously served as the Executive Director of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) New York City Chapter, one of the nation’s largest.  Prior to LLS, Roberts served as the Executive Director of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) for Northern New Jersey and Rockland/Orange Counties (NY). Roberts served as the President of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s New Jersey Metro Chapter, one of the largest chapters in the country. Roberts has also served as the Executive Director of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) northern New Jersey affiliate, which encompasses central and northern New Jersey, northeastern Pennsylvania, and Staten Island, NY, ADA’s fourth-largest market in the country. Prior to joining the ADA, Roberts served as Vice President of the Atlantic City LPG Benefit Association (ACLPGBA), which staged the widely popular ShopRite LPGA Classic, one of the top tournaments on the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour. Roberts began his career at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (BCBSNJ) in 1984 and spent nearly 19 years at the state’s leading health insurer. 

Roberts has been honored to serve on various boards of directors, including Fairleigh Dickinson’s Center for Excellence in Leadership, Governance & Philanthropy, ADA’s Community Leadership Board, Special Olympics New Jersey, ACLPGBA, The First Tee of Greater Atlantic City and Integrity House.  He was also appointed to the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness & Sports where he was a leadership volunteer under NY Giants legendary linebacker and Council Executive Director Harry Carson.

“In these challenging times, we also wanted someone who shares our deep passion for inspiring our next generation to be their best,” says NJHOF President Steve Edwards. “I’ve known Jim for a long time, and I know he wants to see that everyone is inspired to achieve their own ‘Arete’: the Greek concept of realizing one’s full potential.”

The NJHOF engaged DHR International, a leading provider in executive search solutions, to handle the search.

NEWARK (August 5, 2020) – The New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) has announced who the inductees are for the incoming Class of 2019-2020 – a who’s who of some of the Garden State’s best and brightest.

The 12^th annual induction ceremony will be a 1-hour virtual pre-recorded ceremony that will take place on Sunday, October 18^th, 2020, and will be broadcast on several television, radio and prominent social media platforms throughout New Jersey. The Class of 2019-2020’s Unsung Hero will be announced in early October.

“These Garden State heroes perfectly represent what makes our state great,” says Jon F. Hanson, chairman of the NJHOF. “It’s our privilege to honor these inductees for their outstanding contributions to our state.”

The New Jersey Hall of Fame Class of 2019-2020 is (with occupation, name, N.J. town):

*-Being honored posthumously.

In the case of someone who has been selected for the Hall but not inducted due to not being able to attend a previous ceremony, the NJHOF may add to the list of inductees prior to the Oct. 18 ceremony.

ABOUT THE NJHOF: The Foundation for New Jersey Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization honoring citizens who have made invaluable contributions to society, the State of New Jersey and the world beyond. Since 2008, the NJHOF has hosted 10 ceremonies for over 140 notable individuals and groups in recognition of their induction into the Hall of Fame. The NJHOF endeavors to present schoolchildren with significant and impactful role models to show that they can, and should, strive for excellence. The NJHOF is thankful for the support of its many sponsors, without which none of our endeavors would be possible. For more information, go to www.njhalloffame.org.

Tickets are now sold out for the New Jersey Hall of Fame’s 11th annual star-studded red carpet induction ceremony which will be held Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, from 7-9:30 pm at the Paramount Theatre on the famed Jersey Shore boardwalk.

Proceeds from the event, which will cap off the Hall’s capital campaign, are to benefit the NJHOF’s permanent museum at the American Dream complex in East Rutherford. Download FAQ’s about the ceremony and sponsorship opportunities here.

The New Jersey Hall of Fame 2018 Class is (with occupation, name, N.J. town):

• ARTS AND LETTERS: Author Peter Benchley**, Pennington; sport columnist Jerry Izenberg, Neptune; “Game of Thrones” author George R. R. Martin, Bayonne; photographer Timothy White, Fort Lee.
• ENTERPRISE: Businessman J. Fletcher Creamer Sr.**, Saddle River; businessmanF.M. Kirby II**, Harding; restaurateur, entrepreneur Tim McLoone, Little Silver; businesswoman Mary Roebling**, Trenton; businessman Arthur F. Ryan, Newark; businesswoman/TV personality Martha Stewart*, Nutley.
• PERFORMING ARTS: Actor Jason Alexander, Livingston; musician Southside Johnny Lyon, Neptune; musicians The Smithereens (Jim Babjak, Dennis Diken, Mike Mesaros, and the late Pat DiNizio), Carteret, Scotch Plains.
• PUBLIC SERVICE: Activist Elizabeth Allen**, Hoboken; physician, professor Victor Parsonnet, Newark.
• SPORTS:  N.Y. Giant Harry Carson, Franklin Lakes; basketball player, coach Anne Donovan**, Ridgewood; gymnast Laurie Hernandez, Old Bridge; N.Y. Giant Bart Oates, Harding.

UNSUNG HERO: To be announced in early October.

*- Previously selected and being inducted in 2019. **-Being honored posthumously

All living inductees are scheduled to attend the ceremony at the Paramount, which is part of the Asbury Park Convention Hall complex. Announcement of musical performers for the star-studded induction is to be made in early October.

The New Jersey Hall of Fame is excited to announce that our media partner NJ.com will be live streaming the NJHOF’s 11th Annual Red Carpet Induction Ceremony beginning at 7:00pm on Sunday, October 27th, 2019. Now you won’t have to miss a single red carpet moment with your favorite New Jersey celebrities or a note of the star-studded musical acts that make the induction ceremony so memorable.

This year’s event honors 19 of New Jersey’s most distinguished citizens as they are officially inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame, the highest civilian honor bestowed by our state. Over 1500 inductees, special guests, sponsors, and members of the media will be in attendance for one of New Jersey’s premiere evenings.

Hits $10M mark in fund-raising for permanent museum at the Meadowlands

Governor Phil Murphy recently announced who the inductees are for the incoming class of the New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) – a who’s who of some of the Garden State’s best and brightest.

The class will be inducted Sunday, Oct. 27, during the 11^th annual gala ceremony at the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park. Tickets are to go on sale in early September.

“Even with our long and celebrated history – one of the original 13 colonies, the home of innovation, and where the first baseball and college football games were played – we continue to change the world,” said Governor Murphy. “New Jerseyans don’t rest on our laurels. We just keep reaching higher.”

The governor also thanked the Hall of Fame’s supporters and donors from a host of business, union, civic and philanthropic organizations during the announcement at Newark airport, which features several NJHOF displays.

During the ceremony, Hall of Fame chairman Jon F. Hanson announced that the NJHOF has reached $10 million in the fund-raising campaign for its permanent museum at the American Dream entertainment and retail complex in East Rutherford. The museum is scheduled to open in December 2020.

“I’m just so happy to see that here, in New Jersey, we’re recognizing people who either worked in New Jersey or were born in New Jersey,” says Jon F. Hanson, chairman of the NJHOF.

 NJHOF president Steve Edwards said he is looking forward to the Hall’s newest class being inducted Oct. 27.

“This is the highest civilian honor that can be bestowed upon one of our citizens,” said Steve Edwards, president of the NJHOF. “It’s going to be another great night for the New Jersey Hall of Fame and the state of New Jersey.”

The New Jersey Hall of Fame 2018 Class is (with occupation, name, N.J. town):

• ARTS AND LETTERS: Author Peter Benchley**, Pennington; sport columnist Jerry Izenberg, Neptune; “Game of Thrones” author George R. R. Martin, Bayonne; photographer Timothy White, Fort Lee.

• ENTERPRISE: BusinessmanJ. Fletcher Creamer Sr.**, Saddle River; businessmanF.M. Kirby II**, Harding; restaurateur, entrepreneur Tim McLoone, Little Silver; businesswoman Mary Roebling**, Trenton; businessman Arthur F. Ryan, Newark; businesswoman/TV personality Martha Stewart*, Nutley.

• PERFORMING ARTS: Actor Jason Alexander, Livingston; musician Southside Johnny Lyon, Neptune; musicians The Smithereens (Jim Babjak, Dennis Diken, Mike Mesaros, and the late Pat DiNizio), Carteret, Scotch Plains.

• PUBLIC SERVICE: Activist Elizabeth Allen**, Hoboken; physician, professor Victor Parsonnet, Newark.

• SPORTS:  N.Y. Giant Harry Carson, Franklin Lakes; basketball player, coach Anne Donovan**, Ridgewood; gymnast Laurie Hernandez, Old Bridge; N.Y. Giant Bart Oates, Harding.

UNSUNG HERO: To be announced in early October.

*- Previously selected, and being inducted in 2019. **-Being honored posthumously

In the case of someone who has been selected for the Hall but not inducted due to he/she not being able to attend a previous ceremony, the NJHOF may add to the list of inductees prior to the Oct. 27 gala.

The New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) has announced 50 nominees in five categories for its Class of 2018: Arts & Letters, Enterprise, Performing Arts, Public Service, and Sports.

The 11th class of inductees will be announced in January, and the induction ceremony will take place in May of 2019.

“Since 2008, we have inducted a broad spectrum of New Jersey heroes into the Hall of Fame,” said Jon F. Hanson, chairman of the NJHOF. “This year’s class of nominees strongly reflect the diverse backgrounds and accomplishments that have characterized the hall of fame since its inception.”

“We’re honored to carry on our longstanding tradition of promoting the best that New Jersey has to offer,” said Steve Edwards, president of the NJHOF. “I’m continuously amazed by the wealth of role models that our state produces, and proud that we have the opportunity to bring recognition to those who truly deserve it.”

The public is encouraged to visit the NJ Hall of Fame website to cast their vote for a nominee in each of the five categories listed below. Full biographies of the nominees, as well as online voting, can be found here.

ARTS & LETTERS

Peter Benchley, author and ocean activist, known for writing the novel “Jaws”; Stephen Crane, author of “Red Badge of Courage”; Joyce Kilmer, journalist and poet, author of Trees; Fran Lebowitz, author, known for social commentary on American life; Anne Morrow Lindbergh, author, aviator, and wife of aviator Charles Lindbergh; George R.R. Martin, author, best known for his series of epic fantasy novels, “A Song of Ice and Fire,” later adapted into the television series “Game of Thrones”; John Forbes Nash, Jr., mathematician and fundamental contributor to game theory, differential geometry and the study of partial differential equations; George Segal, actor, nominated for Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for performance in “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”; Gay Talese, writer, penned famous articles about Joe DiMaggio and Frank Sinatra; and Timothy White, photographer of celebrities ranging from Julia Roberts to Outkast.

ENTERPRISE

Anthony Bourdain, celebrity chef, author, and travel documentarian, starred in programs focusing on the exploration of international culture and cuisine; James E. Burke, CEO of Johnson & Johnson; Leonard S. Coleman, Jr., last president of baseball’s National League; J. Fletcher Creamer, Sr., chief executive officer of J. Fletcher Creamer & Son, Inc.; Fred Morgan Kirby, served as chairman and chief executive of the Alleghany Corporation, transformed company’s specialty from railroad holdings to insurance and investment; Tim McLoone, founder and president of Holiday Express; Denise Morrison, former president and chief executive officer of Campbell Soup Company; Dr. Victor Parsonnet, cardiac surgeon who contributed significantly to the evolution of cardiac pacemaking; Mary G. Roebling, first woman to serve as president of a major U.S. bank; Arthur F. Ryan, businessman and first outsider to become chief executive officer of Prudential Insurance; and George R. Zoffinger, president and chief executive officer of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority.

PERFORMING ARTS

Danny Aiello, actor, earned nomination for Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in “Do the Right Thing”; Jason Alexander, actor, known for his role as George Costanza in the television series “Seinfeld”; Peter Dinklage, actor, portrays Tyrion Lannister on the television series “Game of Thrones”; Whoopi Goldberg, actress, comedian, television host, and won an Emmy Award, a Grammy Award, an Academy Award, and a Tony Award; Anne Hathaway, actress, winner of Academy Award for Best Actress for role in “Les Misérables”; Ed Harris, three-time nominee for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in “Apollo 13,” “The Truman Show,” and “The Hours”; Chris Rock, comedian, actor, winner of four Emmy Awards and three Grammy Awards; Patti Smith, singer-songwriter, poet, fused rock and poetry in work; The Smithereens, rock band that has headlined New Jersey stages from the Meadowlands Arena to the State Theatre; and Phoebe Snow, singer, songwriter, and guitarist, known for 1975 song “Poetry Man.”

PUBLIC SERVICE

Samuel Alito, Jr., Associate Justice of the Supreme Court; Elizabeth Almira Allen, teachers’ rights advocate, first woman president of the New Jersey Education Association; Virginia Apgar, obstetrical anesthesiologist, inventor of the Apgar score; Alfred Driscoll, 43rd governor of New Jersey, former Republican New Jersey senator representing Camden County, and president of Warner-Lambert; Louis Freeh, attorney and former judge who served as the fifth director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Milton Friedman, economist, winner of 1976 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences, advisor to President Ronald Reagan and British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher; Antonin Scalia, former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, was longest-serving Justice on the Court; Richard Stockton, signer of the Declaration of Independence, Associate Justice of the State Supreme Court and namesake of Stockton University; Paul Volcker, economist, chairman of the Federal Reserve under Presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan; and Theodore V. “Ted” Wells, attorney, partner at the law firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, represents range of high-profile clients.

SPORTS

Rick Barry, named one of the 50 Greatest Players in History by the NBA; G. Harry Carson, New York Giants star inside linebacker, helped the Giants win Super Bowl XXI; Gerry Cooney, former star professional boxer; Anne Donovan, women’s basketball player and coach, won two Olympic gold medals, first woman to coach a WNBA Championship Team; Laurie Hernandez, gymnast, winner of two Olympic medals in 2016 Summer Olympics; Jerry Izenberg, sports journalist with The Newark Star- Ledger, known for covering many memorable sporting events and figures of the late Twentieth century; John McMullen, sports columnist for GetMoreSports.com, NFL Insider for ESPN South Jersey; Bart Oates, football player for the New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers, three-time Super Bowl champion, five-time Pro Bowler; David Stern, former commissioner of the NBA; and Paul Tagliabue, former commissioner of the NFL.

The New Jersey Hall of Fame took a big step toward establishing a permanent home of its own recently.

That’s when the Hall of Fame family, New Jersey elected officials, executives from American Dream and Triple Five Worldwide and other dignitaries took part in the ceremonial groundbreaking for a museum that will honor many of the Garden State’s best and brightest.

“The New Jersey Hall of Fame has an exciting vision,” said Jon F. Hanson, chairman of the NJHOF, “and ultimately this museum will be a very proud attraction for New Jerseyans of all ages and families around the world that will be able to experience it in all its greatness.”

The Hall of Fame, which celebrated its 10^th anniversary with a gala induction ceremony in May, to date has used a mobile museum as its home (850 square feet). To be located on the lower level of the American Dream retail and entertainment complex, the permanent museum will cover 16,000 square feet and feature attractions such as a virtual reality theater and hologram theater. It’s planned opening is to take place in the summer of 2020.

“This is a great day for all New Jerseyans, said Steve Edwards, Hall of Fame president. “The New Jersey Hall of Fame at American Dream will be an exciting museum where we can take great pride in who we are as a people, and have a learning center that will inspire the next generation of Jersey leaders.”

The state-of-the-art museum is expected to cost $10 million, of which the Hall of Fame has raised $5.775 million. The cost of admission to the museum is to be determined.

The NJHOF home will be located within several minutes of many attractions at American Dream, including Legoland Discovery Center and Sealife Aquarium, a DreamWorks Water Park, a Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park, Cirque de Soleil and KidZania. An estimated 40 million are expected to visit the American Dream complex annually. The Hall of Fame has entered into a long-term lease at American Dream. Terms were not disclosed.

The New Jersey Hall of Fame – home to many of the Garden State’s best and brightest – now will have a home to call its own.|

The Hall of Fame, which recently celebrated its 10^th anniversary with a gala induction ceremony, to date has used a mobile museum as its home. The permanent home will be part of the American Dream retail and entertainment complex, which is scheduled to open in the spring of 2019.

The groundbreaking for the new home is to take place Wednesday, Sept. 26, at the New Jersey Hall of Fame Mobile Museum (located on the east side of the Arena (former IZOD Center) and in close proximity to the new museum location). The event gets underway at 11 a.m. (EDT).

“I am deeply excited that American Dream will become the New Jersey Hall of Fame’s permanent home,” says Governor Murphy. “New Jerseyans will learn about the distinguished inductees, who will inspire residents to be the next generation of New Jersey leaders.”

Don Ghermezian, President of American Dream, says, “We are very proud to be the new home for The New Jersey Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame museum will be a state-of-the-art facility that will showcase the incredible contributions and outstanding achievements of so many inspiring individuals that have called New Jersey their home. The Hall of Fame will complement and enhance our property’s exceptional offering of entertainment, performing arts, culinary and retail experiences that will draw over 40 million visitors annually.”

Jon F. Hanson, the Hall of Fame’s chairman of the board, adds: “We are beyond excited to have a place to call home, and thrilled that it will be at American Dream. We are proud of the rich and important contributions our inductees have made to New Jersey and beyond, and our new home will allow us to showcase our state to so many more people.”

“The NJHOF leadership thanks our founders and family of supporters for helping us to create one of the ultimate symbols of Jersey pride,” Steve Edwards, president of the New Jersey Hall of Fame. “This exciting new attraction and learning center will have an immeasurable impact on the pride of New Jerseyans, and will help inspire its visitors to realize their highest and best sense of self, with a moral excellence of character.”

Baseball standout Al Leiter is among those scheduled to attend the Sept. 26 groundbreaking. “I’m grateful and proud of the honor that my HOF induction and legacy will be showcased alongside all the other New Jersey Hall of Famers at this fantastic new museum home at American Dream,” says Leiter.

The New Jersey Hall of Fame permanent museum will be located within several minutes of many attractions at American Dream, including Legoland Discovery Center and Sealife Aquarium, a DreamWorks Water Park, a Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park, Cirque de Soleil and KidZania. An estimated 40 million are expected to visit the American Dream complex annually. The Hall of Fame has entered into a long-term lease at American Dream. Terms were not disclosed.

In addition to officials and founders from the Hall of Fame, dignitaries expected to attend the Sept. 26 groundbreaking include NJHOF inductees, elected officials from state, county and local governments, executives from American Dream developer Triple Five and business and labor leaders.