The New Jersey Historic Trust advances historic preservation for the benefit of the state’s diverse population today and for its future generations. Through its education, tourism, stewardship, and financial investment programs, the Trust saves New Jersey’s heritage and strengthens its communities.

In order to present a fuller understanding of our heritage, the Historic Trust actively supports the discovery, preservation, and appreciation of the tangible remains of history that have been previously under-represented in the historical record.

The Historic Trust seeks to achieve its mission by serving as:

• A leading voice for preservation at the state level
• A catalyst for preservation and community revitalization activities
• A full partner in state policy development
• A technical and financial resource for the stewardship of historic properties.

The Trust was created to advance historic preservation in New Jersey through funding programs and educational initiatives, and through state policies sensitive to preserving history and historic sites.  We believe that our built environment gives us all a sense of place, guiding our future endeavors and telling the story in each community of who we were and what we achieved.

In 2019, Governor Murphy signed legislation to re-apportion the proceeds from the Corporate Business Tax that substantially increased the annual appropriation to the Trust for historic preservation projects. The challenge now facing the Trust is to ensure that these funds are spent wisely, protecting and sustaining the state’s unique heritage for many future generations. 

The Trust has identified a new series of challenges for itself and to pursue the following goals:

We will continue to offer high-quality oversight of historic preservation projects funded through traditional bricks and mortar grant programs. Our challenge is to find new ways to increase awareness and expand usability of New Jersey’s diverse historic sites to enhance the visitor experience. As such, the Trust will invest in visitor amenities and site improvements that encourage our historic sites to increase the number of visitors who are able to engage with the state’s vibrant, tangible history.

New Jersey’s preservation commitment can be strengthened by expanding the pool of those who participate. Most of the Trust’s funding currently comes from the NJ Corporate Business Tax dedication. The challenge is to seek out and direct private funds toward preservation work to enhance our existing programs.

The existing program currently reaches a limited audience. Our challenge is to diversify and expand our portfolio of historic preservation projects by exploring creative new ways to utilize our revolving loan program to reach a broader constituency. 

The Trust will continue to advocate for a responsible historic tax credit in New Jersey that leverages investment in historic buildings throughout the state. This has been a long-standing goal for the preservation community. While most understand the direct economic benefits to a community when a building is restored, the proposed tax credit will have a tangible and quantifiable economic impact throughout New Jersey’s diverse communities, both urban and rural.

The majority of historic resources are in private ownership. Our challenge is to work with private property owners as well as our non-profit and state partners to leverage more meaningful open space, farming, and historic preservation protections. We aim to preserve some of the state’s most significant historic sites by acquiring protective easements.

The impact of environmental change on our historic building stock presents physical and philosophical concerns. The challenge for the Trust is to encourage investment in the adaptability and resiliency of sites while educating the people who manage them about sustainable stewardship.

The challenges we face are compelling and the goals we set are substantial. We look forward to working with all New Jerseyans in the coming years to transform New Jersey’s understanding and appreciation for its unique heritage and lasting legacy.

Department of Community Affairs Building
101 South Broad Street, Trenton, NJ 
(Corner of South Broad and Front Street)
(609) 984-0473

Mailing Address: PO Box 457, Trenton, NJ  08625
Delivery Address: 101 S. Broad St. , 6th Floor, Trenton, NJ 08608

From New Jersey Turnpike and Rt. 195
Take New Jersey Turnpike South/North to Exit 7A. Stay to the left after tolls following signs to Route 195 West (Trenton). Follow Route 195 West approximately 8 miles to Route 29 North/Lambertville/Capitol Complex staying to the left. Turn right at bottom of exit ramp at traffic light and stay on 29 North bearing left at slight fork in road. You will pass the Trenton Thunder Ballpark on the left.  Take the Market Street exit to South Broad Street.  Turn left on South Broad Street.  The office building is located two blocks ahead on the left. 

From Garden State Parkway
Take Parkway North/South to Route 195 (Exit 98). Follow Route 195 west past the entrance/exit for the NJ Turnpike and then follow directions from the turnpike above. Follow Route 195 West approximately 8 miles to Route 29 North/Lambertville/Capitol Complex staying to the left. Turn right at bottom of exit ramp at traffic light and stay on 29 North bearing left at slight fork in road. You will pass the Trenton Thunder Ballpark on the left.  Take the Market Street exit to South Broad Street.  Turn left on South Broad Street.  The office building is located two blocks ahead on the left. 

From Route 295 (South)
Take Route 295 North to exit 60 (Route 29 North/Trenton/Turnpike). On the exit ramp, stay to the left onto Route 129 North. Follow signs for Route 29 North/Lambertville/Capitol Complex staying to the left. Turn right at bottom of exit ramp at traffic light and stay on 29 North bearing left at slight fork in road. You will pass the Trenton Thunder Ballpark on the left.  Take the Market Street exit to South Broad Street.  Turn left on South Broad Street.  The office building is located two blocks ahead on the left. 

From Route 29  (North)
Take Route 29 south to left-hand exit for Memorial Drive.  Turn left onto john Fitch Way and right onto New Warren Street.  Turn left onto Livingston Street.  Turn left onto South Broad Street.  The office building is located two blocks ahead on the left. 

Parking

On street, metered parking is available on Front Street, East Lafayette Street and Warren Street.
There is a public garage on Front Street, west of Broad Street.  Public parking is also available at the Lafayette Hotel, with an entrance/exit to Warren Street, 11/2 blocks from the DCA building.