CCM’s Legacy Project Returns with Fall 2026 Series Exploring New Jersey CCM’s Legacy Project Returns with Fall 2026 Series Exploring New Jersey

Public Invited to Free Community Events Examining the Garden State Through Music, Environmental Justice and Revolutionary History

The Legacy Project at County College of Morris (CCM) returns with a series of free public events this fall centered on the theme of “New Jersey.” The series will examine the history, people and issues that have shaped the Garden State, with programs held on campus or via Zoom.  

“For our 14th year of programming, The Legacy Project decided to focus on the unique and diverse landscape that is New Jersey,” said Dr. Michelle Iden, associate professor of history at CCM and co-director of The Legacy Project. “We have several events that will educate and engage audiences on a number of important issues impacting the Garden State. All are welcome to attend.” 

The series opens on Tuesday, October 6, at 6 p.m., with a virtual presentation by Dewar MacLeod, professor of history at William Paterson University, about the history of popular music in New Jersey. MacLeod specializes in popular culture, American Studies and U.S. foreign policy, and is the author of several books, including “Making the Scene in the Garden State: Popular Music in New Jersey from Edison to Springsteen and Beyond.” The event is co-sponsored by CCM’s Arts and Humanities Department. To receive the Zoom link, email The Legacy Project at legacy@ccm.edu. 

On Tuesday, November 10, at 12:30 p.m., a film screening of “The Sacrifice Zone” will be presented in Cohen Hall 124. The community is invited to discover the story of Newark’s Ironbound district, one of the nation’s most polluted neighborhoods, and see how environmental justice advocate Maria Lopez-Nuñez fights for cleaner, healthier communities. Following the screening, director of the film Julie Winokur will join the event via Zoom for a question-and-answer session. This event is co-sponsored by CCM’s Social Sciences department. 

The series concludes on Thursday, December 3, at 12:30 p.m., with a discussion of select stories from Joseph J. Ellis’ Pulitzer-prize winning work, “Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation.” A professor of history at Mount Holyoke since 1972, Ellis is the author of six additional books, and his commentaries and documentaries have been featured on television including CSPAN, CNN, PBS and the History Channel. Those who RSVP in advance may receive the specific pages for review. This event, co-sponsored by CCM’s One Book, One College initiative, will be held in the Learning Resource Center Café, with lunch provided. 

For more information or to receive a Zoom link for the October 6 event, email legacy@ccm.edu. Information on spring 2027 events will be released in December 2026.  

CCM is located at 214 Center Grove Road in Randolph. Visitors for these events may park in Lot 7.    

The Legacy Project at CCM is an interdisciplinary initiative that presents engaging lectures for students, faculty, staff and the community. The series offers an opportunity to expand one’s understanding of important social and global issues beyond the traditional classroom setting.