New Jersey Hall Of Fame Breaks Ground At American Dream Mall

The New Jersey Hall of Fame has finally begun construction at the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford. The Entertainment and Learning Center (ECL) will be located on the third floor of the American Dream. It will be located near the Nickelodeon theme park, the new Toys R Us, and the Dreamworks water park. The ECL will have a custom-built, 10,000-square-foot space at the mall.

The center will house immersive experiences to celebrate the Garden State, as well as inductees of the New Jersey Hall of Fame. "American Dream is filled with attractions, shops and restaurants that cannot be found anywhere else in the world, let alone the state. It’s truly a source of pride for the great state of New Jersey, and therefore it’s only fitting for the NJHOF to open its Entertainment and Learning center here. It will round out our exceptional entertainment, retail and dining options, making American Dream an unmatched destination for indoor family fun," said Don Ghermezian, CEO of American Dream in a statement per NJ Monthly.

Visitors will be able to celebrate the greatness of New Jersey as soon as they walk in the doors. Guests will be greeted by life-size replicas of New Jersey Hall of Fame inductees. With the Hometown Exhibit, visitors will learn more about their favorite inductee on a personal level with an immersive exhibit. The ECL will have an experience for each inductee allowing guests to "enjoy a virtual-reality tour in a classic car with an inductee. The tour will visit that inductee’s hometown, school, favorite restaurant, and more."

In addition to the immersive experience for each inductee, "the center will house the historic Model T. Ford car that Hall of Fame inductee Thomas Edison received from Henry Ford in 1933." While you won't be able to actually sit in the real vehicle, visitors are encouraged to hop in a replica of the famous vehicle for a cool photo opp.

"All of the exhibits within the ELC will allow visitors to explore their passions through the significant achievements and contributions made by each of our inductees," said Hall of Fame president Steve Edwards. "It’s a place where we can take pride in our Jersey grit; and where we can all, including our children, be inspired to realize our highest and best sense of selves. I couldn’t imagine a more fitting home for NJHOF than one of New Jersey’s top destinations."

The New Jersey Hall of Fame is looking to be completed by spring 2023.

The New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) has officially announced its 2022 class of inductees showcasing a wide range of talent across the Garden State.

There are a total of 12 inductees in the five categories being honored for 2022. This year's selections include a drummer, nurse, politician, comedian, and more.

"New Jersey is never at a loss for heroes and role models for coming generations," says Jon F. Hanson, chairman of the NJHOF in a press release. "We are honored to celebrate the lives and contributions of these notable New Jersey luminaries throughout the state, at our terminals and Parkway service areas, and next year at our Entertainment and Learning Center at American Dream."

Although the 14th Annual Induction Ceremony will be virtual, it will be made widely available to the public with a date to be announced.

The NJHOF officials look forward to holding a live ceremony once again in 2023.

The New Jersey Hall of Fame Class of 2022 is:

Former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback and National Football League (NFL) analyst.

Professional soccer player and three-time Olympic medalist.

Businessman and former nuclear physicist.

Physician and business executive.

Founder of Goya Foods.

Award-winning comedian, television host, best-selling author and advocate.

Drummer and television personality.

Lawyer, politician, and judge.

Nurse and advocate for the mentally ill.

Photographer and documentary photographer.

Writer of children's books and young adult literature.