Kearny Eagle Scout Project: Tour of Kearny’s Historical Monuments
Kearny Scouts of Unit 305 proudly announces the inaugural hike of the “General Philip Kearny Memorial Town Tour” on Saturday, September 7, 2019. This self-guided 5.1-mile urban hike was developed to provide participants with an opportunity to learn more about the fascinating and culturally diverse history of the Town of Kearny. Nathaniel Jablonski, a Life Scout and the Troop Guide of Unit 305 in Kearny, planned the historical tour among 12 of Kearny’s notable monuments to bring Kearny’s rich history to life for his Eagle Scout Service Project.
To bring the plan to fruition, Jablonski recruited his fellow Scouts, leaders, and others in the community to assist him in the research of Kearny’s monuments, production of a tour booklet, and design and implementation of the metal waypoints that will help guide hikers to the various points of interest positioned throughout the Town of Kearny. Jablonski presented his idea initially to Mayor Alberto Santos and then to the full Town Council twice for their approval and support.
Jablonski also presented his historical tour to the members of the General Philip Kearny Memorial Committee to secure the needed initial funding for the design and production of the metal waypoint signs, commemorative medals, and patches. This committee previously worked to erect the statue of General Philip Kearny at the post office on Midland Avenue and raised monies to install the statue of the Civil War soldier at Veterans Row on the site of the former New Jersey Home for Disabled Soldiers and Sailors. The committee’s commitment to memorializing Kearny history served as the inspiration for Jablonski’s historical tour which will continue the mission of bringing Kearny’s history to life in an interactive manner for a new generation.
To provide a lasting impact for the community, Jablonski designed the historical tour not only for Kearny residents but also for others in Hudson County and beyond to learn and appreciate the contributions of Kearny’s residents, past, present, and future, in an engaging way. The outdoor urban hike is structured similarly to that of other historical trails throughout the United States. In a joint effort with the Office of Cultural Affairs in Jersey City, Jablonski secured the inclusion of the General Philip Kearny Memorial Town Tour on the newly released app for Hudson County historical walking tours. Mayor Santos and Jablonski recorded the introduction and information about the 12 featured monuments in the tour booklet, memorializing the historical tour of Kearny in a modern format. For more information about the recording of the self-guided walking tour, visit www.VisitHudson.org.
Participants in the General Philip Kearny Memorial Town Tour can earn a commemorative medal and patch of General Kearny once they complete the registration form and tour booklet. The inaugural hike will take place on Saturday, September 7, 2019. To register, email GeneralKearny@gmail.com. Participants will gather starting at 9:00 a.m. with the tour step off at 10:00 a.m. from the parking lot of the American Legion and VFW Post #1302 on Belgrove Drive in Kearny.
Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout is one of the most challenging aspects of Scouting. Only approximately 4% of all Scouts merit this prestigious recognition. In addition to earning a minimum of 21 merit badges, including 13 required ones, Scouts must complete an extensive community service project that benefits an organization other than the Boy Scouts of America. The Eagle candidate is expected to plan, fundraise, secure materials, and oversee the execution of a completed project, including managing Scout leaders and fellow Scouts in leadership activities throughout the endeavor.