History will take center stage in Trenton at 11 AM Tuesday as the New Jersey State Archives opens its first public gallery, giving visitors unprecedented access to some of the state’s most treasured historical documents.
The gallery at 225 West State Street expands downtown Trenton’s cultural offerings, joining the State Museum, Planetarium, State House, and Old Barracks Museum as destinations for residents and tourists.
The opening comes as New Jersey and the nation commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence.
“Commemorating the 250th anniversary of both the United States and New Jersey in multiple ways welcomes visitors to learn more about the treasures held within the State Archives and the story they tell about our founding and the years since,” said Lt. Governor Dale Caldwell, who oversees the archives as Secretary of State. “The state gallery is home to priceless documents that help us understand New Jersey’s history and guide our role in shaping the future.”
The inaugural exhibition, “Revolutionary Lives: Living the American Experiment Then and Now,” explores the experiences of a wide range of New Jerseyans who participated in the Revolution—as Patriots or Loyalists—including women, enslaved people, and native communities whose political choices and personal stories reflect the complexity of that time. The exhibition uncovers long-overlooked stories and draws connections to the present.
State Archives Executive Director Joseph Klett called the gallery a milestone for the institution.
“For centuries, the invaluable charters, manuscripts, and other resources now at the State Archives have been carefully preserved in the State’s vaults,” Klett stated. “While we have always made them accessible to researchers, we have not had an opportunity, until now, to display them on a large scale for school children, families, and scholars. It is an exciting time for history!”
The New Jersey State Archives preserves nearly 100 million records documenting the state’s history from its founding as a British province in 1664 through the present day.