Central Ward in Newark in Essex County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Chambers Plaza
This plaza is lovingly, fittingly and perpetually dedicated to NJPAC Founding Chairman Raymond G. Chambers who, along with his extraordinary wife Patti, and their family, exemplify the very best of thoughtful, strategic and compassionate philanthropy.
A true son of Newark, Ray leveraged his good fortune and global good will to revitalize his beloved hometown by purposefully encouraging and supporting entrepreneurial innovation, community partnerships and cultural enrichment. The New Jersey Performing Arts Center was born of this uncompromising commitment to building someplace uplifting and celebratory in the state's largest city.
Ray Chambers was the first person whom Governor Thomas H. Kean enlisted to spearhead the private sector campaign to build NJPAC. Under the auspices of his family foundation, the MCJ Amelior Foundation, and with the encouragement of his exceptionally committed family, Ray made the lead private sector gift to the building campaign for NJPAC. As an uncommonly respected pillar of the business community, his early gift of confidence soon inspired historic contributions to build the Arts Center
this page online
So much of that is meaningful and life-affirming in Newark can be traced back to some impetus provided by the Chambers Family, starting with the Boys & Girls Club of Newark and including dozens of outstanding community-based institutions.
Over time, Ray, Patti and their family have expanded their uncommon altruism to the farthest corners of the world. Their unbridled optimism in the human spirit continues to motivate us all. That lesson is memorialized with gratitude on this spot.
Erected by New Jersey Performing Arts Center.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Charity & Public Work • Entertainment.
Location. 40° 44.376′ N, 74° 10.053′ W. Marker is in Newark, New Jersey, in Essex County. It is in the Central Ward. It is at the intersection of Center Street and Wayne Shorter Way / Park Place, on the right when traveling west on Center Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Center St, Newark NJ 07102,
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 2, 2026
2. Chambers Plaza Marker on the grounds of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Regionally, this marker is in North Jersey and in the New York City Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Cudjo Banquante (within shouting distance of this marker); Eleanor Roosevelt (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Presidential Honor Roll (about 300 feet away); The Founders (about 300 feet away); Philip Kearny (about 300 feet away); Training Place (about 300 feet away); Robert Treat (about 300 feet away); Firemen's Insurance Company of Newark, New Jersey (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Newark.
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 2, 2026
3. Chambers Plaza at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 3, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 3, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 127 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 3, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
