Our Commission

Vision Statement

The New Jersey Civil War 150th Anniversary Committee plays a preeminent role in our state’s observation and commemoration of New Jersey’s part in the Civil War.  Through the committee’s service there will be increased awareness (both current and future) and accurate recognition of the sacrifices and contributions of the people of New Jersey during this defining time in American History.

Mission Statement

The New Jersey Civil War 150th Anniversary Committee is a volunteer organization working for accurate and appropriate recognition of New Jersey’s important role in the Civil War.  The committee accomplishes its mission and vision through preservation, education, advocacy, programs, projects, collaboration and publicity.

Chair and Sub-committee Chair Bios

Committee Chair

John G. Zinn received BA and MBA degrees from Rutgers University.  He served as an army officer from 1970 to 1972 and was awarded the Bronze Star for service in Vietnam.  In addition to chairing the 150th committee, he is the chairman of the board of the New Jersey Historical Society.  John is the author of the The Mutinous Regiment: The Thirty-third New Jersey in the Civil War.

Website Sub-committee

James M. Madden received his BA in Marketing from St. Peter’s College and has contributed articles to many Civil War publications and projects.  A political consultant, he is also a trustee of the New Jersey Civil War Heritage Association and a trustee of the Historic Jersey City and Harsimus Cemetery.

Events and Commemoration Sub-committee

LeRoy Bruce Jones is a founding member of the New Jersey Civil War Heritage Association, has served as First Vice-President and currently serves as a Trustee.  He has been a re-enactor with the 15th New Jersey and the 2nd US Regulars.  Descended from three Civil War veterans, he is currently the Project Manager for the New Jersey Civil War Regimental Records Processing Project.

Website Content Editor

Joseph G. Bilby received his BA and MA degrees in history from Seton Hall University, served as an army officer in the Vietnam War, and is the author of a number of books on New Jersey and military history, including Remember You Are Jerseymen with William Goble and Forgotten Warriors: New Jersey’s African American Soldiers in the Civil War.  Retired from the New Jersey Department of Labor as Supervising Investigator, he is a trustee of the New Jersey Civil War Heritage Association and assistant curator of the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey in Sea Girt

Education Sub-committee

Lesley-Ann Thomson received her BA degree in American History/Secondary Education from Ramapo College of New Jersey and is currently finishing her Masters in American History from Monmouth University.  She has been teaching US and New Jersey History at Barnegat High School for the past four years.  She recently received the Patriot’s Podium Award in Trenton for a lecture on New Jersey’s Role in the American Revolution.