New Jersey State Museum Foundation

NEW JERSEY STATE MUSEUM FOUNDATION: MEMBER CONNECTION

The Exclusive Bimonthly Newsletter of the NJ State Museum Foundation October / 2026 • Celebrating Over 50 Years of Support
A LETTER FROM YOUR FOUNDATION DIRECTOR Dear Member, Six months ago, I stepped into the role of Foundation Director with a deep sense of responsibility — and an even deeper sense of gratitude. For more than 50 years, the New Jersey State Museum Foundation has stood behind the New Jersey State Museum, championing its collections, its educators, its exhibitions, and its role as a gathering place for the people of our state. None of that history was built by one person. It was built by generations of board members, staff, volunteers, and members like you who believed — and still believe — that this museum matters. I want to begin this, my first newsletter to you, with a simple thank-you. Thank you to every Foundation leader, member, and donor who came before me. The legacy you have built is the foundation on which we will grow into this next chapter.With more than 20 years of experience in events, advocacy, strategic communication, and storytelling, I couldn’t wait to tell the story of this Foundation and dig into its history. Increasing visibility and awareness of the Museum and the Foundation will always be my number one priority, and these first months have been a joy spent connecting with our community — learning how we can collaborate and partner to uplift and amplify each other’s work. “We don’t inherit a museum from the past so much as we borrow it from the future — and it is our members who make that borrowing possible.” This is an especially meaningful moment to be doing this work. New Jersey is approaching its 250th anniversary, and the Museum is marking the occasion with some of the most compelling programming in its recent history — I’m honored to share all of it with you in this issue. But that same momentum has created a pressing, immediate need, and before I get to the good news, I want to be direct with you about it below. With gratitude, Priscilla Hopkins-Smith Foundation Director INVESTING IN OUR NEXT CHAPTER New Jersey’s 250th anniversary is here — and right now, more people are walking through our doors than ever before. That’s the opportunity in front of us. But rising visitorship means rising need, and that need is urgent: more educators in the galleries, more conservation for the collections in our care, more capacity to meet this moment before it passes us by. We can’t do it without you. Every membership renewal, every gift, every dollar directly funds the staff, programs, and infrastructure that keep this Museum free and open to New Jersey’s students and families. The need is immediate — and so is the impact of your support. Give today at njsmfoundation.org/supportor by contacting info@njsmfoundation.org / 609.394.5310 — and help us meet this once-in-a-generation moment. GIVE TODAY MEMBER BENEFITS SPOTLIGHT Your membership is what keeps the Museum’s education programs free and accessible to students across New Jersey. As a thank-you, here’s a reminder of everything your membership unlocks: • Invitations to member-only exhibition previews and curator talks • Discounts on Museum classes, planetarium shows, and special programs • Reciprocal admission benefits at museums nationwide • This newsletter — your bi-monthly inside look at Foundation news New this cycle: ALL members now enjoy a 20% discount until November 30 at the Museum Shop. Find the perfect gift and give back this season! Use your holiday discount to shop our collection of locally crafted treasures and captivating books on New Jersey’s history, art, and natural science. It’s a wonderful way to bring a piece of the Museum home while supporting our mission with every purchase. Shop online at njsmfoundation.org/shop or in the store. Not yet a member, or due for renewal? Join or renew today to keep these benefits active and keep the Museum’s education programs free for New Jersey’s students. BOARD OF TRUSTEES NEWS Welcoming Three New Board MembersWe are delighted to welcome three new members to the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Each brings a unique blend of expertise, community connection, and passion for the Museum’s mission. • Ken Wiesen, PhD • Dawn Heitzner-Kadow • Grady N. Elliott Jr., MBA A Fond Farewell We also say a heartfelt goodbye to Jessica Moore, who has stepped down after many years of extraordinary service, including serving as Board Chair. Jessica’s steady leadership and dedication helped carry the Foundation to this moment, and we are deeply grateful for her vision and years of devoted service. GRANTS & WAYS TO GIVE Growth like this doesn’t happen alone, and we’re thrilled to recognize the grants fueling this next chapter.New Grant AwardsWe are proud and grateful to announce the following new grant support: • PNC Grow Up Great Grant from PNC Bank — $26,000 to support early childhood education programming • Discretionary Grant, made by a Trustee of the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation — $5,000 Give Through Your Donor-Advised Fund If you have a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF), it’s one of the easiest ways to support the Museum’s growth — and your gift may qualify for a tax deduction in the year it’s made. Simply recommend a grant to the New Jersey State Museum Foundation through your DAF sponsor’s portal (Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, Vanguard Charitable, and most community foundations all make this a quick, few-click process). Legal Name: New Jersey State Museum Foundation Federal Tax ID (EIN): # 22-6098724 Mailing Address: 205 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08625 Not sure where to start, or want to loop in your DAF sponsor directly? Contact us at info@njsmfoundation.org and we’ll walk you through it. ON VIEW NOW: CELEBRATING 250 YEARS In partnership with the New Jersey State Archives, the Museum is presenting The Power to Change: Revolutionary Stories from the New Jersey State Archives, on view through January 10, 2027. The exhibition showcases rarely seen federal and state charters and pivotal documents that illuminate the ideals of the Revolutionary era — and explores how those ideals continue to shape civic life in New Jersey today. The Power to Change is presented alongside two complementary exhibitions rounding out the Museum’s Semiquincentennial programming: • Remembering the Revolution — exploring New Jersey’s pivotal, often-overlooked role in the fight for independence. • Spirit of ’76: The Bicentennial — a look back at how New Jersey celebrated the nation’s 200th anniversary. Together, these three exhibitions offer members a full arc of New Jersey’s revolutionary story. We encourage every member to visit before The Power to Change closes on January 10, 2027. UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE MUSEUM Mark your calendar — here’s what’s coming up at the Museum in the weeks ahead. Planetarium Update: The Planetarium is back open following its equipment upgrades — come check out the newly upgraded dome in action! OCTOBER WEEKENDS: PLANETARIUM SCHEDULE 12:00 pm Big Astronomy: People, Places, Discoveries 1:00 pm Little Eve: Stories of Planet Earth (NEW!) 2:00 pm Dynamic Earth 3:00 pm Worlds Beyond Earth OCTOBER WEEKDAYS: PLANETARIUM SCHEDULE 2:30 pm Worlds Beyond Earth FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2 • 6:15 PM Observing Night with the AAAP Free. Join us in the Planetarium for a special extended sky talk focusing on what’s visible in the night sky and deep sky objects observable with a telescope. Afterward, follow us to the Simpson Observatory at Washington Crossing State Park, where members of the Amateur Astronomers Association of Princeton will help visitors view the sky through telescopes. In the event of poor viewing conditions, we’ll stay at the Planetarium and watch “Encounters in the Milky Way.” SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17 • 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM International Archaeology Day Event Free. Explore the historic archaeology of Colonial and Revolutionary New Jersey. History organizations from around the state will present artifacts, posters, and activities highlighting their archaeological findings. Kids can pick up an “Archaeology Passport” and visit each station to fill in the pages, and visitors of all ages can join us in the Auditorium for presentations throughout the day. Don’t miss this deep dive into New Jersey history during our 250th year — and while you’re here, be sure to see The Power to Change: Revolutionary Stories from the New Jersey State Archives, on display until January 2027. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20 • 12:00 NOON Lunchtime Learning: Trenton Archaeology and the Revolutionary War STEAM Center. Free. Join Richard Hunter to hear about archaeology at the Old Barracks, the William Trent House, and some of the finds his company made when the Route 29 tunnel was built.Go here to find the full calendar and plan your visit: nj.gov/state/museum/calendar.shtml. STAY CONNECTED — NEW WAYS TO FOLLOW US Our New Website Is Live – We’ve launched a brand-new website, built to make it easier to plan your visit, browse exhibitions, register for programs, and support the Foundation online. Explore it today at www.njsmfoundation.org. Our thanks again to the New Jersey Cultural Trust, whose grant support made this new site possible (more in Grants & Ways to Give, earlier in this issue). The Foundation Is Now on Facebook – After 50 years, the Foundation finally has a Facebook page of its own. Follow along for Foundation news, event recaps, member spotlights, and behind-the-scenes looks at our work supporting the Museum: facebook.com/NJSMFoundation. MUSEUM SHOP SPOTLIGHT The Museum Shop now has its very own Instagram — follow along at @njstatemuseumshop for a first look at new arrivals, behind-the-scenes finds, and member-favorite picks.The Shop is home to unique, one-of-a-kind, New Jersey-centric items you won’t find anywhere else — including original work from New Jersey artists. Shop in person or online, and every purchase directly supports the Foundation’s mission. Come see what our talented New Jersey artists have created, and shop knowing your purchase gives back. • Instagram: @njstatemuseumshop • Shop online: njsmfoundation.org/shop And don’t forget — your 20% member discount (see Member Benefits above) is good on every purchase, in person or online, all month long. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU Tell Your StoryEvery member has a reason they first connected with the New Jersey State Museum. We’d love to feature member stories in future issues. Share yours at https://forms.gle/3v5ALADUjjcd4Xgv7. Share Your Feedback Have thoughts on this newsletter or ideas for the Foundation? Reach us anytime at info@njsmfoundation.org. We read every message. THANK YOU To every member reading this: thank you. Fifty years of impact is not an abstraction — it is the direct result of individuals who chose, year after year, to say yes to this museum. As we step into this next chapter together, I couldn’t be more grateful to be doing it alongside you.


New Jersey State Museum Foundation 205 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08625 \| 609-394-5310 \| www.njsmfoundation.org. The New Jersey State Museum Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. EIN 22-6098724. Donations are tax deductible as allowed by the IRS. You’re receiving this email because you’re a valued member of the NJ State Museum Foundation.

The Exclusive Bimonthly Newsletter of the NJ State Museum Foundation
October / 2026 • Celebrating Over 50 Years of Support

A LETTER FROM YOUR FOUNDATION DIRECTOR

Dear Member,

Six months ago, I stepped into the role of Foundation Director with a deep sense of responsibility — and an even deeper sense of gratitude. For more than 50 years, the New Jersey State Museum Foundation has stood behind the New Jersey State Museum, championing its collections, its educators, its exhibitions, and its role as a gathering place for the people of our state. None of that history was built by one person. It was built by generations of board members, staff, volunteers, and members like you who believed — and still believe — that this museum matters.

I want to begin this, my first newsletter to you, with a simple thank-you. Thank you to every Foundation leader, member, and donor who came before me. The legacy you have built is the foundation on which we will grow into this next chapter.With more than 20 years of experience in events, advocacy, strategic communication, and storytelling, I couldn’t wait to tell the story of this Foundation and dig into its history. Increasing visibility and awareness of the Museum and the Foundation will always be my number one priority, and these first months have been a joy spent connecting with our community — learning how we can collaborate and partner to uplift and amplify each other’s work.

“We don’t inherit a museum from the past so much as we borrow it from the future — and it is our members who make that borrowing possible.”

This is an especially meaningful moment to be doing this work. New Jersey is approaching its 250th anniversary, and the Museum is marking the occasion with some of the most compelling programming in its recent history — I’m honored to share all of it with you in this issue. But that same momentum has created a pressing, immediate need, and before I get to the good news, I want to be direct with you about it below.

With gratitude,

Priscilla Hopkins-Smith
Foundation Director

INVESTING IN OUR NEXT CHAPTER
New Jersey’s 250th anniversary is here — and right now, more people are walking through our doors than ever before. That’s the opportunity in front of us. But rising visitorship means rising need, and that need is urgent: more educators in the galleries, more conservation for the collections in our care, more capacity to meet this moment before it passes us by.

We can’t do it without you.

Every membership renewal, every gift, every dollar directly funds the staff, programs, and infrastructure that keep this Museum free and open to New Jersey’s students and families.

The need is immediate — and so is the impact of your support.

Give today at njsmfoundation.org/supportor by contacting info@njsmfoundation.org / 609.394.5310 — and help us meet this once-in-a-generation moment.

GIVE TODAY

MEMBER BENEFITS SPOTLIGHT
Your membership is what keeps the Museum’s education programs free and accessible to students across New Jersey.

As a thank-you, here’s a reminder of everything your membership unlocks:
• Invitations to member-only exhibition previews and curator talks
• Discounts on Museum classes, planetarium shows, and special programs
• Reciprocal admission benefits at museums nationwide
• This newsletter — your bi-monthly inside look at Foundation news

New this cycle: ALL members now enjoy a 20% discount until November 30 at the Museum Shop.

Find the perfect gift and give back this season! Use your holiday discount to shop our collection of locally crafted treasures and captivating books on New Jersey’s history, art, and natural science. It’s a wonderful way to bring a piece of the Museum home while supporting our mission with every purchase.

Shop online at njsmfoundation.org/shop or in the store.
Not yet a member, or due for renewal? Join or renew today to keep these benefits active and keep the Museum’s education programs free for New Jersey’s students.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES NEWS
Welcoming Three New Board MembersWe are delighted to welcome three new members to the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Each brings a unique blend of expertise, community connection, and passion for the Museum’s mission.
•  Ken Wiesen, PhD
•  Dawn Heitzner-Kadow
•  Grady N. Elliott Jr., MBA

A Fond Farewell
We also say a heartfelt goodbye to Jessica Moore, who has stepped down after many years of extraordinary service, including serving as Board Chair. Jessica’s steady leadership and dedication helped carry the Foundation to this moment, and we are deeply grateful for her vision and years of devoted service.

GRANTS & WAYS TO GIVE
Growth like this doesn’t happen alone, and we’re thrilled to recognize the grants fueling this next chapter.New Grant AwardsWe are proud and grateful to announce the following new grant support:

•  PNC Grow Up Great Grant from PNC Bank — $26,000 to support early childhood education programming
•  Discretionary Grant, made by a Trustee of the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation — $5,000

Give Through Your Donor-Advised Fund
If you have a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF), it’s one of the easiest ways to support the Museum’s growth — and your gift may qualify for a tax deduction in the year it’s made. Simply recommend a grant to the New Jersey State Museum Foundation through your DAF sponsor’s portal (Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, Vanguard Charitable, and most community foundations all make this a quick, few-click process).

Legal Name: New Jersey State Museum Foundation
Federal Tax ID (EIN): # 22-6098724
Mailing Address: 205 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08625

Not sure where to start, or want to loop in your DAF sponsor directly? Contact us at info@njsmfoundation.org and we’ll walk you through it.

ON VIEW NOW: CELEBRATING 250 YEARS
In partnership with the New Jersey State Archives, the Museum is presenting The Power to Change: Revolutionary Stories from the New Jersey State Archives, on view through January 10, 2027. The exhibition showcases rarely seen federal and state charters and pivotal documents that illuminate the ideals of the Revolutionary era — and explores how those ideals continue to shape civic life in New Jersey today.

The Power to Change is presented alongside two complementary exhibitions rounding out the Museum’s Semiquincentennial programming:
•  Remembering the Revolution — exploring New Jersey’s pivotal, often-overlooked role in the fight for independence.
•  Spirit of ’76: The Bicentennial — a look back at how New Jersey celebrated the nation’s 200th anniversary.

Together, these three exhibitions offer members a full arc of New Jersey’s revolutionary story. We encourage every member to visit before The Power to Change closes on January 10, 2027.

UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE MUSEUM
Mark your calendar — here’s what’s coming up at the Museum in the weeks ahead.

Planetarium Update: The Planetarium is back open following its equipment upgrades — come check out the newly upgraded dome in action!

OCTOBER WEEKENDS: PLANETARIUM SCHEDULE
12:00 pm  Big Astronomy: People, Places, Discoveries
1:00 pm  Little Eve: Stories of Planet Earth (NEW!)
2:00 pm  Dynamic Earth
3:00 pm  Worlds Beyond Earth

OCTOBER WEEKDAYS: PLANETARIUM SCHEDULE
2:30 pm  Worlds Beyond Earth

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2 • 6:15 PM
Observing Night with the AAAP
Free.
Join us in the Planetarium for a special extended sky talk focusing on what’s visible in the night sky and deep sky objects observable with a telescope. Afterward, follow us to the Simpson Observatory at Washington Crossing State Park, where members of the Amateur Astronomers Association of Princeton will help visitors view the sky through telescopes. In the event of poor viewing conditions, we’ll stay at the Planetarium and watch “Encounters in the Milky Way.”

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17 • 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
International Archaeology Day Event
Free.
Explore the historic archaeology of Colonial and Revolutionary New Jersey. History organizations from around the state will present artifacts, posters, and activities highlighting their archaeological findings. Kids can pick up an “Archaeology Passport” and visit each station to fill in the pages, and visitors of all ages can join us in the Auditorium for presentations throughout the day. Don’t miss this deep dive into New Jersey history during our 250th year — and while you’re here, be sure to see

The Power to Change: Revolutionary Stories from the New Jersey State Archives, on display until January 2027.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20 • 12:00 NOON
Lunchtime Learning: Trenton Archaeology and the Revolutionary War
STEAM Center. Free.
Join Richard Hunter to hear about archaeology at the Old Barracks, the William Trent House, and some of the finds his company made when the Route 29 tunnel was built.Go here to find the full calendar and plan your visit: nj.gov/state/museum/calendar.shtml.

STAY CONNECTED — NEW WAYS TO FOLLOW US
Our New Website Is Live – We’ve launched a brand-new website, built to make it easier to plan your visit, browse exhibitions, register for programs, and support the Foundation online. Explore it today at www.njsmfoundation.org.

Our thanks again to the New Jersey Cultural Trust, whose grant support made this new site possible (more in Grants & Ways to Give, earlier in this issue).

The Foundation Is Now on Facebook – After 50 years, the Foundation finally has a Facebook page of its own. Follow along for Foundation news, event recaps, member spotlights, and behind-the-scenes looks at our work supporting the Museum: facebook.com/NJSMFoundation.

MUSEUM SHOP SPOTLIGHT
The Museum Shop now has its very own Instagram — follow along at @njstatemuseumshop for a first look at new arrivals, behind-the-scenes finds, and member-favorite picks.The Shop is home to unique, one-of-a-kind, New Jersey-centric items you won’t find anywhere else — including original work from New Jersey artists.

Shop in person or online, and every purchase directly supports the Foundation’s mission.
Come see what our talented New Jersey artists have created, and shop knowing your purchase gives back.
• Instagram: @njstatemuseumshop
• Shop online: njsmfoundation.org/shop
And don’t forget — your 20% member discount (see Member Benefits above) is good on every purchase, in person or online, all month long.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
Tell Your StoryEvery member has a reason they first connected with the New Jersey State Museum. We’d love to feature member stories in future issues. Share yours at https://forms.gle/3v5ALADUjjcd4Xgv7.

Share Your Feedback
Have thoughts on this newsletter or ideas for the Foundation? Reach us anytime at info@njsmfoundation.org. We read every message.

THANK YOU
To every member reading this: thank you. Fifty years of impact is not an abstraction — it is the direct result of individuals who chose, year after year, to say yes to this museum. As we step into this next chapter together, I couldn’t be more grateful to be doing it alongside you.

NEW JERSEY STATE MUSEUM FOUNDATION: MEMBER CONNECTION

Stay Connected