SECTION:   SCHOOL RESOURCES

The New Jersey State Museum is pleased to present the following programs. To make reservations, please or 609-292-6347.

Archaeology & Ethnology Programs

The New Jersey State Museum offers six different Archaeology & Ehtnology courses that are designed to provide smaller groups of students with an interactive learning experience.  Students are able to ask questions, see real objects, and learn from one of the Museum’s leading experts in their fields. To see how you can maximize your visit and to make reservations call (609) 292-6347 for reservations. 

Courses are offered on a first come, first-served basis. Whichever course is reserved first will be the course that is offered during the time slot. Call to reserve your selection soon - (609) 292-6347.

The following classes meet New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards: 5.1, 5.2, 5.4, 5.5, 5.10 and 6.3 and are held on:

Tuesdays & Thursdays: October 6 - 27; November 10 December 17; January 7 - March 11; March 25 - April 8; April 22 - June 24

Reservations are required two weeks in advance.

Archaeology of New Jersey: The Abbott Farm

10:30 am & Noon; 60 minutes; Grades: 9-College; Museum Classroom; $2/person; Reservations Required

The Abbott Farm National Historic Landmark is one of the most significant prehistoric sites in the Northeast. From 11,000 years ago until European contact, this site has been occupied by Native Americans. Learn about this archaeological site, its history, controversy and excavations. Through the Museum’s collections, students will examine artifacts from the site to understand their manufacture, meaning and importance to the native peoples of the area.

If Pots Could Speak: A History of Pre-Historic Ceramics from New Jersey

10:30 am & Noon; 60 minutes; Grades: 4-12; Museum Classroom; $2/person; Reservations Required

The examination of ceramics is much more than looking at pieces of broken pottery. These little pieces and sometimes whole pots open windows onto prehistoric technology, style, and cultural affiliation. At each level of analysis they provide additional information to the larger story of whole cultural system. Through museum collections, students will examine prehistoric ceramics from New Jersey and other related artifacts to understand their manufacture, meaning and importance to the native peoples of the area.

Introduction to Archaeology: New Jersey Style

10:30 am & Noon; 60 minutes; Grades: K-College; Museum Classroom; $2/person; Reservations Required

New Jersey has both a rich prehistory and history that can be explored through the archaeological record. Students will learn about the history of archaeology in the state, basic field and laboratory techniques and archaeological interpretation. Concentrating on New Jersey archaeology, students will learn about the most significant historic and prehistoric sites in the state, using the Museum’s artifacts.

Prehistoric Technology

10:30 am & Noon; 60 minutes; Grades: 4-12; Museum Classroom; $2/person; Reservations Required

Native Americans throughout North America have utilized their natural surroundings helping them survive without the modern day tools we take for granted. Through the Museum’s collections and hands-on activities, students will work with natural materials, learning and understanding how prehistoric peoples made the tools they hunted with, the pots they cooked in and the ornaments they wore.

The following classes meet New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards: 5.1, 5.2, 5.4, 5.5, 5.10 and 6.3 and are held on:

Thursdays: October15 - Dec 17; January 7 - June 17

Statesmen, Indians, Soldiers, Missionaries and Travelers:   The Development of an Ethnographic Collection

10:30 am & Noon; 60 minutes; Grades: 4-12; Museum 2nd Floor; $2/person; Reservations Required

The exhibition galley walk will highlight a selection from over 3000 ethnographic objects that were donated since 1920 when the Museum purchased a deer hunter kachina made in the American Southwest. The collection has continued to grow over the years as New Jersey’s citizens -- including statesmen, soldiers, missionaries and Indians -- traveled the Americas and indeed the world for work or pleasure they Participants will see examples of the clothing, basketry, pottery, weapons and children’s toys used by the peoples of traditional cultures they encountered.

NEW! - School Docent Program

Tuesdays & Thursdays: March 2 - June 29

Statesmen, Indians, Soldiers, Missionaries and Travelers: The Development of an Ethnographic Collection

Noon & 1:00 pm; 45 minutes; Grades: K-8; Museum Lobby; FREE; Reservations Required

This student-lead but professionally trained Docent Tour of Statesmen, Indians, Soldiers, Missionaries and Travelers: The Development of an Ethnographic Collection will provide students and their teachers with a personally guided tour of the exhibition that explains the concept behind the exhibition, identifies key elements, and provides a personalized experience including time to explore the exhibition on their own as well as time for questions.

Limited to 25 participants per tour.

Main Museum Building and Auditorium Galleries
205 West State Street, Trenton Tuesday – Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm Sunday, noon to 5 pm
Closed Mondays & State Holidays