The State Museum collects, preserves and interprets

objects that document the lives of people who have

lived in New Jersey from the 17th century to the present. 

Beginning in 1924 with the acquisition of a

Belleek porcelain teacup made by the famous firm

Ott & Brewer, the Cultural History collection has

grown to include over 13,000 artifacts encompassing

numerous subjects and materials. 

Ranging from ceramics produced by Trenton potteries to flags carried into battle by New Jersey Civil War regiments to utilitarian artifacts reflecting the rich maritime and agricultural heritage of the Garden State, the Cultural History collection is one of the most comprehensive museum collections of New Jersey material culture. Textiles, trade tools, furniture, glass, and an array of additional artifacts documenting craft, work, play, community, and family life in the state are also represented in the growing collection.

Internships at the New Jersey State Museum>>

Plate (ca.1930)
Lenox China, Inc., Mercer County, NJ William Morley, designer,
painted porcelain,
Gift of Brown-Forman Corporation CH2006.1.1014,
Photograph by Ricardo Barros