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Local Attractions
The State House Annex
Currently serving as the start for State House Tours, the Annex is a similarly impressive historic attraction. A thoughtful restoration refurbished period details and added commissioned artworks, featured in a special artwork tour. Annex Only tours include the upper floors and must be arranged in advance. Public hearings are routinely held in legislative committee rooms on Mondays and Thursdays.
State House Tour Office: Annex Room 242
Phone: 609-847-3150
Email NJ State House Tours
The Old Barracks Museum
The Old Barracks is a historic landmark built for British troops fighting in the French and Indian War. During the American Revolution, the Barracks housed British and Hessian soldiers and Continental troops and served as a Continental military hospital from 1777 to 1783. Historical interpreters provide an account of life during the American Revolution.
Hours
Wednesday through Saturday,10 am to 5 pm
Admission Fee
For more information, call 609-396-1776 or visit the Old Barracks website
The New Jersey State Museum
The State Museum contains four floors of exhibit space filled with the fine art of the 19th and 20th centuries, collections of household items from the past, Native American artifacts, and a Natural History collection focusing on earth sciences. The Museum has a 150-seat planetarium and a 380-seat auditorium.
Hours
Tuesday through Sunday, 9 am to 4:45 pm.
Admission is free, except for planetarium shows and special exhibits.
For more information and group tours, call 609-292-6464 or visit the NJ Jersey State Museum.
The War Memorial
Opened in 1932, the War Memorial operates as one of the top performing arts centers and conference facilities in New Jersey. Patriots Theater at the War Memorial offers a wide variety of performance events, including ballet, opera, comedy, jazz, classical, rock, country, gospel, and folk.
Box Office Hours
Monday through Friday, 10 am to 6 pm
For event and ticket information, call 609-984-8400. For administrative offices, call 609-984-8484 or visit the War Memorial.
The State Archives
Located in the Department of State building, the State Archives serve as the official repository of all colonial and State government records of enduring historical value dating back to the late 17th century. The Archives also has New Jersey’s largest holdings of records relating to family history, deeds, and court and military records. Research materials may be used by the public.
Call 609-292-6260 for hours or to schedule an appointment or visit the State of New Jersey Department of State website.
The State Library
The State Library, affiliated with Thomas Edison State University, is a research library with a collection of over one million items. The official depository for State documents provides library services to State officials, employees, and residents. The Library has extensive holdings in law, State history, Federal materials, political science, public administration, and genealogy.
Hours
Monday through Friday, 10 am to 4:30 pm and by appointment, 8:30 am to 10 am. Closed on State Holidays.
For more information, call 609-278-2640 or visit the NJ State Library.
Old Masonic Lodge and Trenton Visitors Center
Built in 1793, this building served as the meeting place for Trenton’s first Masonic lodge. Visitors may view the original lodge room on the second floor. A Visitors Center on the first floor offers information on local attractions and sites throughout New Jersey.
Hours
Open for events only.
Call 609-695-4868 for more information or contact by email.
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The 1719 William Trent House Museum
The 1719 Trent House is located on nearby Market Street. Philadelphia merchant William Trent built this classic Georgian mansion overlooking the Delaware River in a wilderness that became known as Trenton.
Hours
Wednesday through Sunday, 1 pm to 4:30 pm
Admission fee
For more information, call 609-989-3027 or visit the Trent House Museum website.
The Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie
An 1848 Italianate mansion houses the museum's collection, which pays tribute to Trenton's rich history as a pottery and manufacturing center. There also are changing exhibits of contemporary fine art. The museum is located in Cadwalader Park, which was designed by noted landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.
Hours
Fridays and Saturdays, 12 to 4 pm and Sundays,
1 pm to 4 pm
Suggested donation
For more information, call 609-989-3632 or visit the Ellarslie website.
The Battle Monument
Located at the junction of North Warren and North Broad streets, this 150-foot monument commemorates the 1776 Battle of Trenton. Atop is a statue of George Washington. Several bas reliefs adorn the base.
For hours and more information, call Washington Crossing State Park at 609-737-0623.
Washington Crossing State Park
On December 25, 1776, General George Washington and the Continental Army crossed the icy Delaware River and landed at the site now known as Washington Crossing State Park. Exhibit galleries in the Park's Visitor Center explore that legendary campaign and showcase the Swan Collection, with more than 700 objects circa 1745 to 1789. The park is also known for its wildlife, varied plantings, and trails. Other attractions include the Johnson Ferry House, an observatory, a nature center, an open-air theater, and an annual reenactment of Washington crossing the Delaware.
Park open daily 8 am to 7 pm; Visitor Center hours: Daily 9 am to 4 pm. For more information, call 609-737-9303 or visit the Washington Crossing State Park page.
World War II Memorial
Located directly across the street from the front of the State House, New Jersey's World War II Memorial honors the courage and sacrifices of our "Greatest Generation" of citizens. The overall theme of "victory" is expressed through sculptural elements, service markers, and story walls. Interpretive kiosks broaden the visitor experience and amphitheater seating allows for reflection. Other notable sites near the capitol are explained in Around the State House.
All sites are accessible daily with no fees.