Richard Veit, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs and professor in the Department of History and Anthropology, has been selected to serve on an advisory board established by the MonmouthNJ250 Committee. The board will provide historical insight and direction in educating the public about Monmouth County’s rich Revolutionary history. This effort is part of the county’s commemoration of America’s Semiquincentennial (250th birthday), which will take place in 2026.
“It is an honor to be part of the team that is working to recognize and celebrate Monmouth County’s rich Revolutionary War heritage,” said Veit. “From the Battle of Monmouth to the Refugee Town on Sandy Hook, Monmouth County was central to the American Revolution. Remembering the sacrifice and ideals that led to our nation’s founding is important work, and I am glad to be part of it.”
In addition to Veit, the board includes Maxine N. Lurie, emerita professor of history at Seton Hall University; John Fabiano, recently retired executive director of the Monmouth County Historical Commission and former president of Allentown-Upper Freehold Historical Society; Claire T. Garland, retired teacher and current director of Sand Hill Indian Historical Association in Lincroft, NJ; Jonathan Mercantini, acting associate provost for Special Projects and professor in Kean University’s Department of History; James Gigantino, professor of history and vice provost for Academic Affairs at the University of Arkansas; and Michael Timpanaro, resource interpretive specialist and park historian at Monmouth Battlefield State Park in Manalapan, NJ.
“Historical relevance and correctness are important to our efforts in educating the public about Monmouth County’s crucial role in the fight for freedom during the American Revolution,” said MonmouthNJ 250 Committee Chair, Monmouth County Clerk Christine G. Hanlon. “Having an advisory board of respected and diverse historians is an asset to the county as we develop and implement celebrations for America’s 250th.”
The MonmouthNJ250 Committee is supported by the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners. Learn more about the celebrations planned for 2026 at monmouthnj250.org.