West Orange’s Local History Guru Earns Spot On State Commission

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Want to know about West Orange’s connection to a 9/11 hero, an iconic rock and roll album, an Olympic swimming champ, a trailblazing Black athlete – or why the heck there’s no “North Orange?”

Ask Joe Fagan.

The town’s official historian – the author of four books on West Orange – has been at it for decades, documenting the endearing and inspiring stories that make the town such a special place. His work has become so synonymous with the township’s history, that one of West Orange’s favorite astronauts, Scott Kelly, took Fagan’s book “Stories of West Orange” with him on his historic, year-long mission aboard the International Space Station.

Fagan earned the honorary title of township historian in 2012 after a unanimous vote form the township council, partly on the strength of his weekly newspaper column, “Discover West Orange.”

Now, he’s nabbed another honor: a spot on the New Jersey Historical Commission.

Gov. Phil Murphy nominated Fagan for a year-long term as a commissioner on the state agency in November. The New Jersey Senate approved the nomination in December, and the governor has since officially appointed him to the position.

As a member of the New Jersey Historical Commission, Fagan will help to “advance public knowledge and preservation” of the state’s history.

In West Orange, the historian has already carved out a mark for himself:

• He compiled a booklet highlighting various aspects of West Orange’s history to mark the townwide 150th year celebration
• He spearheaded an effort to place 12 historical roadside markers around West Orange
• He hosted a local cable TV show for years spotlighting local history
• He worked on a local podcast, “Roads of Home” (West Orange Podcast Takes A 'Journey Into Local History')

“It’s gratifying to be recognized for your hard work when you thought no one was watching,” Fagan said, promising to “put forth a maximum effort in helping to raise awareness and to preserve the rich history of our state” in his new role.

Want to learn more? Catch up with some of Fagan’s recent stories about West Orange’s local history below (click headlines to read article):

• Why Is There No 'North Orange?' Historian Explains NJ Oddity
• Ex-Olympian From West Orange Recalls Her Own Bid As Teen
• West Orange Woman Helped Save Lives On 9/11, Historian Says
• First Black Athlete At West Orange HS May Be In This Old Photo
• Iconic Aerosmith Album Photo Was Taken In West Orange, Historian Says

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