The New Jersey Assembly unanimously passed a bill on Thursday, Sept. 24, designating Dec. 18 as "New Jersey History Day."

Cherry Hill's 18 schools are among the districts statewide that could mark the occasion with classroom activities. The bill permits each district to choose whether and how to observe the day. It does not require participation.

The measure, S4307, was first reported by South Jersey Media. The Senate had already passed it unanimously in June, and the bill now heads to the governor.

State Sen. Patrick Diegnan Jr., a Democrat from South Plainfield who sponsored the bill, said the date honors the state's founding role.

"From our pivotal role in the Revolutionary era to the diverse communities that have shaped our State over generations, New Jersey has made extraordinary contributions to our nation," Diegnan said.

Dec. 18 marks the anniversary of New Jersey's 1787 ratification of the U.S. Constitution, when it became the third state to join the Union.

Under the bill, the New Jersey Historical Commission would develop and distribute curriculum materials, promote statewide participation and offer grants to support programs. The New Jersey Department of Education would provide planning guidelines to districts. The New Jersey School Boards Association supports the measure.

Cherry Hill Public Schools, which serves more than 10,000 students from pre-K through 12th grade, has a track record on history education. The district became the first in New Jersey to require an African American history course for graduation, a policy the board approved 8-0 in February 2021, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

The legislation arrives during the nation's 250th anniversary year. The bill awaits the governor's signature before districts can begin planning for Dec. 18.