U.S. Sen. Cory Booker visits Morris, Warren, Hunterdon and Sussex counties during annual 21-county tour
NEW JERSEY — U.S. Sen. Cory Booker kicked off his annual 21-county tour this past weekend with stops in Morris, Warren, Hunterdon, Passaic and Sussex counties, visiting community events, a farmers market, a church and a historic mining museum.
Booker began the tour Saturday in Morris County with a visit to Wharton’s Canal Day, an annual festival celebrating the history of the Morris Canal and its impact on communities throughout the region. The event featured live music, craft vendors and historical tours. Booker’s office also held mobile office hours to provide federal resources and constituent services.
He then traveled to Warren County, where he visited the Phillipsburg Farmers Market and spoke with local farmers. Booker, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, has supported legislation aimed at assisting small farms and limiting corporate ownership of farmland.
Booker ended Saturday’s stops in Hunterdon County at the Hunterdon County 4-H & Agricultural Fair. The five-day fair celebrates the county’s agricultural heritage with livestock exhibits, agricultural technology demonstrations, vendors and county resource booths. Booker’s office also offered mobile office hours at the fair.
“Every year, I look forward to traveling across New Jersey and listening directly to the people who call our state home. As I kicked off this year’s 21-County Tour, I was reminded of how much pride New Jerseyans have in their communities and how much they do to make them stronger. From preserving the rich history of the Morris Canal to supporting the farmers who feed our families and passing our agricultural traditions on to the next generation, these are the people and traditions that make our state so special. I look forward to continuing to meet with New Jerseyans, hear their stories, and learn more about the work they’re doing to strengthen their communities as I travel across our state,” said Senator Booker.
The tour continued Sunday with stops in Passaic and Sussex counties.
In Passaic County, Booker attended Sunday service at Canaan Baptist Church, whose congregation has advocated for social justice and equality in the community for decades.
Booker then traveled to Sussex County, where he toured the Sterling Hill Mining Museum in Ogdensburg and learned about the history of the former zinc mine and the region’s mining industry.
The museum is located at New Jersey’s last working underground zinc mine. The site is known for its mineral diversity and fluorescence, with dozens of naturally occurring mineral species that glow under ultraviolet light.
“New Jersey is full of remarkable places and stories that too often don’t get the attention they deserve. Visiting Sterling Hill was a reminder that some of the most extraordinary and scientifically unique places in the world are right here in our own state. From the remarkable minerals beneath our feet to the history of the people who worked these mines, Sterling Hill tells a story that is uniquely New Jersey. I’m proud to bring attention to this important part of Sussex County’s history and hope more New Jerseyans will have the opportunity to experience it for themselves,” said Senator Booker.
“The Sterling Hill Mining Museum in Ogdensburg, New Jersey is honored to welcome Senator Cory Booker and his staff to tour the facility..The Sterling Hill Mining Museum is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) education foundation that has preserved the important mining history of northern New Jersey along with the amazing natural phenomenon of mineral fluorescence, where over 80 of the naturally occurring species of minerals glow beautifully in the darkness of the mine, like no other place on the planet. Sterling Hill’s mission is to promote both history and science and accommodate both individual visitors and especially school classes. The natural beauty of the fluorescence of the mine has actually prompted many couples to have their marriage ceremonies there. We are excited to present this natural jewel to the Senator,” said William Kroth, President and Executive Director of the Sterling Hill Mining Museum.
Booker conducts the statewide tour annually, visiting all 21 New Jersey counties to meet with residents, local leaders and organizations and highlight community initiatives across the state.
