To mark the 50th anniversary of the New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC) and emphasize the significant work of history organizations and programs across the state, we asked our FY2017 and FY2018 grant recipients to submit a short narrative and photos describing the impact of NJHC funding. Each week until the end of our fiscal year in June, we will post a spotlight featuring the responses of our grant recipients. Whether NJHC support contributed to general operating, a brand new exhibit, an engaging education program or the restoration of a historic object, it’s truly amazing to see what New Jersey history organizations, libraries, and individuals have to offer.
This week we spotlight the Passaic County Historical Society!
The Passaic County Historical Society uses NJHC funding to underwrite our School Trip Grant Program. The program was designed and launched in 2015 to provide school-age children the opportunity to learn about local history. PCHS was aware that budget cuts in many local districts often made school trips difficult or impossible. Understanding that out of the classroom enrichment activities are such an important part of a child’s education, we decided to think outside of the box for ways to get students into our museum.
The reception for this program has been overwhelmingly positive. After her class visited in May, one Paterson teacher wrote, “It was a terrific trip! A few of our students had been to the grounds before, but not inside. The guided tour made all the difference in the world! Our docent made the castle come to life with wonderful stories…” By fall of 2017, we welcomed over 450 students from nine different schools/groups which have taken advantage of the program. While many groups came from nearby (Paterson and Clifton), others have come from all over Passaic County and even from neighboring counties. Through this program and thanks to NJHC funding, PCHS has seen its school visit attendance increase substantially at a time when out of class trips have become a rare occurrence.
Lambert Castle, courtesy of VisitNJ.org
For questions about NJHC Grantee Spotlights, please contact Greer Luce, Communications Officer, at 609-633-0776 or greer.luce@sos.nj.gov.
About the New Jersey Historical Commission
The New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC) is a state agency dedicated to the advancement of public knowledge and preservation of New Jersey history. Established by law in 1967, its work is founded on the fundamental belief that an understanding of our shared heritage is essential to sustaining a cohesive and robust democracy.
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