Booker Continues Annual 21-County Tour with stops in Passaic and Sussex Counties

NEWARK, N.J. - U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) continued his Annual 21-County Tour today with stops in Passaic and Sussex Counties, where he attended Sunday service at Canaan Baptist Church and toured the Sterling Hill Mining Museum in Ogdensburg. The visits highlighted Canaan Baptist Church's work advocating for social justice and equality, as well as the unique scientific and industrial history of Sussex County's former zinc mine.

Each year, Senator Booker embarks on a tour of all 21 of New Jersey's counties to highlight the work he's doing to make a difference for New Jerseyans in the Senate - and the ways New Jerseyans are making a difference in their communities.

In Passaic County, Senator Booker visited Canaan Baptist Church, whose congregation has for decades been a leading voice for social justice and equality in the community.

Senator Booker then traveled to Sussex County, to visit the Sterling Hill Mining Museum and discuss the history and significance of the mine and mineral industry in Ogdensburg. The Museum is located at New Jersey's last underground working zinc mine. The mine and surrounding area is considered one of the most scientifically unique places on Earth, with some minerals found nowhere else in the world, and an important testament to Sussex County's mining and industrial history.

"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.