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The New Jersey Hall of Fame inducted 15 people into its inaugural class on May 4, 2008. The Hall of Fame exists only as a virtual entity now, but officials are raising money to build a permanent museum. The first class was chosen through an online vote after 25 finalists were announced in 2006. All inductees must have lived in the state for at least five years, though organizers made an exception to that rule for Underground Railroad pioneer Harriet Tubman.
The inaugural class of the New Jersey Hall of Fame inductees includes Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin, Clara Barton, Yogi Berra, Bill Bradley, Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, Malcolm Forbes, Robert Wood Johnson II, Vince Lombardi, Toni Morrison, Norman Schwarzkopf, Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen, Meryl Streep and Harriet Tubman. Up to 15 people will be selected annually from the following categories: Historical, Enterprise, Sports, Arts & Entertainment, and General. A look at the inaugural class of the New Jersey Hall of Fame: HISTORICAL: Clara Barton (Bordentown) A teacher, nurse, activist and humanitarian, Clara Barton created New Jersey's first free public school in Bordentown, where attendance grew to 600 students under her leadership. With the start of the Civil War, Barton's tireless work as a wartime nurse earned her the title "Angel of the Battlefield." After the war, she founded the American Red Cross and devoted much of her later life furthering the rights of women. Thomas Edison (Newark; Menlo Park; West Orange) Considered the most prolific inventor in history, Thomas Alva Edison moved to New Jersey at the age of 28 when he opened his famous laboratory in Menlo Park. Time Magazine named him the most influential figure of the Millennium. Albert Einstein (Princeton) Regarded as the most important scientist of the twentieth century, Einstein emigrated from Germany to New Jersey in 1933, joining the Institute for Advanced Study. He lived in Princeton for 22 years until his death in 1955. Awarded the 1921 Nobel Prize for Physics, Albert Einstein is best known for his theory of relativity and the ubiquitous formula E=MC2. ENTERPRISE: Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin (Montclair) Born and raised in Montclair, Buzz Aldrin distinguished himself in West Point and during the Korean War. Selected as a NASA astronaut, Buzz earned the privilege to be part of the historic Apollo 11 flight to the moon where he and Neil Armstrong became the first humans to walk on the moon. Malcolm Forbes (Far Hills; Princeton) A graduate of the Lawrenceville School and Princeton University, Malcolm Forbes became as famous for his lifestyle as he was for his business acumen. Under his leadership, Forbes Magazine grew dramatically to become one of America's most successful business magazines, enabling Forbes to expand his empire into real estate and other ventures. Always enjoying life to the fullest, Forbes was a great philanthropist in his later years. Robert Wood Johnson II (New Brunswick; Highland Park; Raritan) The son of the founder of Johnson and Johnson, Robert Wood Johnson II provided the vision and leadership that took this New Jersey company to the ranks of the great international corporations. Another of New Jersey's great philanthropists, Johnson left the bulk of his 400 million dollar estate to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT: Frank Sinatra (Hoboken) Born in Hoboken, "Ol' Blue Eyes" became one of New Jersey's best known celebrities. Francis Albert Sinatra is considered by many as the finest male popular song vocalist of all time, but his list of accomplishments goes well beyond. His 12 Academy Award nominations, second only to Meryl Streep, three Oscars, 7 Golden Globes and 11 Grammies just suggest the prominence this New Jersey native son achieved in music, film, television and business. Bruce Springsteen (Asbury Park) Born in Long Branch and most frequently associated with Asbury Park, the Boss is true New Jerseyan who is the Garden State's best known star. He has sold more than 60 million albums, been awarded 15 Grammies and is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Meryl Streep (Bernardsville) Born in Summit and raised in Bernardsville, Meryl Streep is considered by many to be the greatest of all living film actresses. With more Academy Award nominations than anyone, this "Jersey Girl" has earned two Oscars, six Golden Globes, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, a Grammy nomination and a BAFTA Award. SPORTS: Yogi Berra (Montclair) A New Jersey resident since 1952, Lawrence Peter Berra is one of the most beloved baseball players in history. This Hall of Fame New York Yankee, played on 10 World Championship teams, was selected to 15 All-Star Games and won thee most valuable player awards. One of only a few managers to win pennants in both leagues, at 82 years young, Yogi is still going strong. Bill Bradley (Princeton) New Jersey's best known scholar-athlete, Bill Bradley was a three-time All-American basketball player at Princeton University and 1965 National Player of the Year. Graduating with honors, Bradley was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship to study at Oxford University after which he returned to lead the New York Knicks during their glory days in the late sixties and early seventies. Elected to the Hall of Fame, Dollar Bill used his fame and intellect to become a U.S. Senator from New Jersey. Now out of politics, Bill Bradley works now as an investment banker and consultant whose views are continuously sought. Vince Lombardi (Englewood) One of the most successful football coaches in history, Vince Lombardi began his career at St. Cecilia's High School in Englewood, where he spent nine years. His success led him to the college ranks and he eventually was offered the head coaching position for the Green Bay Packers where he became the face of the National Football League. His philosophy and motivational skills still inspire people today and he is legendary for his commitment to winning. GENERAL: Toni Morrison (Princeton) Born in Ohio, Toni Morrison has carved out a career as one of this country's most popular and respected authors. From 1989 until her retirement in 2006, Professor Morrison held the Robert F. Goheen Chair in the Humanities at Princeton University. Named one of the 30 most powerful women in America in 2001, Toni Morrison has been awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature, the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, the National Book Critics Circle Award and a Grammy. Some of her best known novels are The Bluest Eye, Song of Solomon and Beloved. General Norman Schwarzkopf (Trenton) Born in Trenton and raised in Lawrenceville, Norman Schwarzkopf went on to become one of the most distinguished military leaders of the 20th Century. Before he became the very visible commander during the Gulf War, Schwarzkopf had very distinguished military career, which took him to a high position in the Pentagon. His awards are too numerous to mention, but include the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a Purple Heart and France's Legion of Honor. Harriet Tubman (Cape May) Born in Maryland, Harriet Tubman became a leading African-American abolitionist who helped liberate scores of slaves through the Underground Railroad. Using Cape May as her base, she led expeditions into Maryland, leading slaves to freedom and serving as an inspiration for others to escape. She was the first American woman to plan and lead a military operation, a raid that freed more than 700 slaves. For more information log on to: www.njhalloffame.com. |
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