Updated New Jersey Hall of Fame celebrates iconic figures from the Garden State
The New Jersey Hall of Fame Entertainment and Learning Center at the American Dream complex in East Rutherford celebrates the past and current legends of the Garden State. Since the first ceremony in 2008, over 200 of New Jersey’s most outstanding citizens, including musician Jon Bon Jovi, former NHL goaltender Martin Brodeur, and Nobel Prize winner Dr. John Forbes Nash, Jr., have been inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.
In collaboration with Electrosonic, a Christie partner, the New Jersey Hall of Fame Foundation wanted to re-energize the Center, using ProAV to engage a generation of tech-savvy visitors with high expectations.
Now, the 10,000-square-foot space features AV technology across six exhibits, including the New Jersey Theater. We spoke with Jackson Benedict, director, sales - Museum & Cultural at Electrosonic, about the Hall of Fame and how Electrosonic helped elevate its status as a “must-do” experience in New Jersey.
Q: Could you tell us a little about the goals of this project?
Jackson Benedict (JB): The New Jersey Hall of Fame wanted to create a space that would showcase New Jersey and grab the attention of its guests. They decided that leveraging storytelling and immersive technology would aid that goal. The New Jersey Hall of Fame incorporates audiovisual technology that recognizes and celebrates icons such as Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, Frankie Valli, and Danny DeVito, along with many more who have contributed to the state’s reputation.
The New Jersey Hall of Fame features over 200 of New Jersey’s most outstanding citizens and engages visitors with AV technology across the 10,000 square-foot space. Photo credit: C&G Partners, Exhibition & Exhibit Designers
C&G Partners was selected as the Exhibition and Experience Designer, and Electrosonic was hired as the Audiovisual Design and Integration partner. The Foundation accomplished the overall goal of exciting, informing, and involving visitors to learn and explore the achievements of countless outstanding New Jersey men and women.
Q: Did the goals of the project reflect any broader market trends you see?
JB: Throughout the audiovisual technology field, many organizations have found success in creating memorable experiences for visitors using immersive technology. At Electrosonic, we help museums attract visitors, inspire guests, and encourage learning by crafting environments where every element serves the story being told.
Today’s generation is comfortable with innovative, digital experiences, and that’s what our award-winning AV solutions offer museums. By blending multimedia displays, personalized audio, gaming, interactive content, and immersive environments, we create spaces that are fun and unforgettable.
Q: Electrosonic updated a number of experiences at the Hall of Fame, including the Jersey Proud Theater. Could you tell us a little about this space?
JB: The Jersey Proud Theater seats 30 visitors to watch a short film featuring Hall of Famers through scenes from films and television, musical performances, acceptance speeches, and historic moments.
Together, the film highlights the struggles and triumphs of the inductees, culminating in their rise to success. We are proud to have designed and integrated audio and projection systems that overcome the challenges of projecting onto an exterior curved screen and create an immersive cinematic experience with the “Jersey Proud” film produced by Donna Lawrence Productions.
Q: What drove the selection of a Christie HS Series laser projector for the Jersey Proud Theater?
JB: For the Jersey Proud Theater, we needed a bright and reliable solution capable of delivering vivid visuals on a curved exterior screen. Christie’s HS Series was ideal - exceeding expectations, providing consistent performance and clarity that brought to life the media celebrating the achievements of New Jersey’s most iconic celebrities.
Q: Were there any challenges with the creation of the theatre?
JB: The biggest technical challenge that arose with the theatre update is the curved exterior screen. It requires specialty projection studies that ensure correct coordination. This, alongside the projection, sensors, and camera integration of other exhibits, made it difficult to have a control system that centrally manages audio and visual systems throughout the Hall of Fame.
Q: Did the outcome of the updates to the Hall of Fame meet expectations? What has the response been from guests?
JB: The Foundation wanted to create a vibrant, story-driven experience that would inform and inspire visitors. The solutions met this objective and celebrated the achievements of New Jersey’s icons and everyday heroes through compelling narratives that connect visitors to the people and moments that shaped the state.
This is a Hall of Fame that goes beyond the expectations of a digital generation that demands more from venues. It meets the continuing demand for in-person experiences while offering a choice of interactive and virtual installations that allow visitors to create their personal journeys through space.
Q: What do you hope guests come away with after visiting the Hall of Fame?
JB: We want every guest to leave feeling empowered by becoming their own hero from this unforgettable experience. Every legend honored here started as someone with a dream, a passion, and the courage to make a difference. Through immersive storytelling and powerful exhibits, the museum celebrates the achievements of New Jerseyans and aims to inspire the next generation to carry that legacy forward.
