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 Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center!
Funding from the New Jersey Historical Commission enables Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center (WheatonArts) to introduce NJ history to broad audiences through an extraordinary variety of educational and interpretive programs. Core NJ History programs originate from: the AAM-Accredited Museum of American Glass, housing the largest collection of American (and NJ) glass on display in the United States; the Down Jersey Folklife Program, presenting programs based on research of the rich cultural diversity in southern New Jersey; the WheatonArts Glass Studio, a replica of the original T.C. Wheaton Glass Factory, offering glassmaking demonstrations and hands-on education programs; and Craft Studios that feature programs in ceramics and other crafts accompanied by exhibits that provide technical and historical information. New Jersey history-related programs include museum exhibits, docent tours, narrated demonstrations, on-site school programs, outreach programs, workshops, performances, seminars, and hands-on craft opportunities for daily visitors. The history of New Jersey is presented as a reflection of the cultural, economic and industrial development of the region.
Museum of American Glass Lily Pad pitchers on display.
Artist Don Friel shaping the handle of a Lily Pad pitcher.
Visitors watching a Glass Studio demonstration.
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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