Battleship New Jersey Approved for NJEDA CAFE Award to Support its Expansion & Improvement Project

CAMDEN, N.J. (August 12, 2026) – Today, New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Chief Executive Officer Evan Weiss and Battleship New Jersey Museum & Memorial CEO Marshall Spevak announced that the Authority’s Cultural Arts Facilities Expansion (CAFE) Program will support the museum’s planned expansion and improvement project. Since opening as a museum in 2001, the Battleship New Jersey has preserved its storied naval history while serving as a cultural landmark and educational destination that has strengthened community pride and helped connect local residents with national history. The Battleship’s $24.25 million renovation plans include a new visitor center as well as various improvements and upgrades to the ship itself to ensure it can continue educating the next generation. 

“As a Navy veteran, I know Battleship New Jersey stands as an enduring testament to the service and sacrifice of generations of Americans,” said New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill. “This investment will preserve that legacy and strengthen one of New Jersey’s most treasured historic destinations. It will also bring more visitors to Camden and create new activity along the waterfront, supporting the surrounding community. Future generations deserve the opportunity to experience this extraordinary ship and understand what it represents.” 

“Under Governor Mikie Sherrill’s leadership, the CAFE program is helping to spur economic activity, drive foot-traffic into key corridors, and revitalize communities across the state,” said NJEDA CEO Evan Weiss. “The NJEDA is proud to support Battleship New Jersey’s improvement project, which will expand access to this historic icon for students, families, and visitors to hands-on educational experiences, ensuring it remains a community cultural hub for years to come.” 

The Battleship New Jersey Redevelopment Project, located at 100 Clinton Street in Camden, will consist of a new three-floor visitor center which will include a lobby area, ticketing space, artifact displays, a small café and gift shop, landscaping improvements, and administrative support areas. There will also be various security improvements and renovations to help provide a better visitor experience. The credit award is for up to 100% of eligible project costs, not to exceed $19.9 million. 

“After successfully preserving the Battleship’s physical future through her historic dry docking in 2024, our responsibility is to build an institution around her that can thrive for generations,” said Battleship New Jersey CEO Marshall Spevak. “This project will fundamentally change how visitors arrive, how they experience the ship, and how we sustain this national treasure over the long term. It is the culmination of years of planning and partnership, and it gives us the opportunity to match the greatness of the ship with the visitor experience she deserves.” 

The announcement was made today during a press conference at Battleship New Jersey. NJEDA CEO Weiss and Battleship New Jersey CEO Spevak were joined by Camden County Commissioner Jeffrey L. Nash, Camden Mayor Vic Carstarphen, and other local officials. 

“Camden County is proud to be a partner to the Battleship New Jersey in this project and in its continued growth as one of our region’s most important cultural and historic institutions,” said Camden County Commissioner Jeffrey Nash, “This investment will improve the visitor experience, support tourism, and strengthen the Battleship’s role as an anchor of the Camden waterfront. It is a significant investment not only in the ship, but in the future of Camden County and the entire region.”

“The Battleship is an unmistakable part of Camden’s identity and an enduring symbol of our city’s strength and resilience,” said Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen. “This project means new investment, new activity, and new opportunities along our waterfront. Most importantly, it ensures that Camden residents and visitors from around the world will continue to experience this historic ship right here in our city.”

Battleship New Jersey serves as a cultural and educational resource for Camden and the surrounding region. The museum draws a wide and diverse audience including students, military veterans, families, and tourists exploring the Camden and Philadelphia region, and attracts approximately 80,000 visitors annually. 

New Jersey’s arts and culture sector contributes billions of dollars in economic activity each year, drives tourism, and enhances quality-of-life for residents. NJEDA initiatives like the CAFE Program and the Activation, Revitalization, and Transformation (A.R.T.) Program leverage the economic potential of arts and culture projects to boost foot traffic in downtowns and main streets across New Jersey, supporting local small businesses, creating jobs, bolstering engagement with the arts, and strengthening the vibrancy of communities. 

The CAFE Program aims to increase cultural arts activities, attract visitors, boost engagement with the arts in underserved communities, and revitalize downtowns by providing tax credits to build or renovate facilities, including aquariums, historical societies, libraries, galleries, and museums.  

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.