Photo Credit: Steve Thomas, reenactor (http://livinghistoryco.com) portrays an NJ’s own Colonel Tye at RevNJ’s Tavern Talks held at 120 East State on December 29. Thanks to the DEP, Washington Crossing State Park and Elizabeth Dowd for the loan of the “Oh Freedom!” panels in the background. Photo credits: Revolution NJ
As we look back at 2024, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible progress and support that have propelled 120 East State forward. This has been a milestone year, bringing us closer to our vision of transforming the First Presbyterian Church complex into The Steeple Center, a beacon for community engagement, economic development, and cultural enrichment in Trenton. Here’s a look at what we’ve accomplished together:
Fundraising & Donor Support
From September 26 to December 31, we raised $12,696.20 through our end-of-year fundraising campaign, thanks to the generosity of 53 individual donors and 2 organizations. Notably, 30 of our donors were Trenton residents, showcasing the deep local investment in our mission.
Major Milestones in 2024
- Created a logo (thank you community artists!)
- Launched a social media presence to engage with the community
- Secured key grants for cemetery preservation and historic interpretation
- Expanded our board from 11 to 14 members (Welcome Leroy Brown, Jackie Fay, Ron Zilinski, and Ida Malloy!)
- Strengthened community partnerships with local and regional organizations
- Gained 419 social media followers and 192 email subscribers
Key Projects
- NJ Historic Trust Signage – Highlighting the site’s historical significance
- Fire Alarm System Upgrade – Enhancing safety and preservation efforts
- Organ Evaluation Begins – A step toward restoring this historic instrument
- Enhanced Communications – Thanks to The Hustle Lab
- Grant Expansion – Engaged grant writer Anne Gossen to increase funding opportunities
- Capital Campaign Development – Partnered with Lipton Strategies to guide our efforts
Community Events & Engagement
Throughout the year, we hosted and participated in various events to connect with the community, including:
- Lunch & Learns
- Logo Contest
- Art All Day
- Lafayette Returns
- Patriots Week (Two-day event)
Expanding Our Network
We strengthened our reach by joining and collaborating with partner organizations, including:
- Trenton Sk8s
- Project All In – Youth Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- WorkWell Partnership
- Princeton University Pace Center
- Sprout U School of the Arts
- TCNJ Students Digital Learning Class
- The Lotus Group
- I Am Trenton Foundation
- Art All Day
- African American Cultural Collaborative of Mercer County
- Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville
- Trent House
- Old Barracks
- Isles
- Ten Crucial Days
- RevNJ
- Trenton Downtown Association
- Crossroads of the American Revolution
- Princeton Mercer Chamber of Commerce
- State Historic Preservation Office (Commercial Historic District meeting)
Grants Awarded in 2024
- Mercer County 250th Mini Grant
- Mercer County Culture & Heritage Commission Regrant
- National Park Service Grant (cemetery preservation)
- First Presbyterian Church of Trenton Grant
Looking Ahead to 2025
With these achievements behind us, we’re excited for what’s ahead. As we continue working toward the vision of The Steeple Center, we invite you to stay connected, spread the word, and continue supporting our mission.
From all of us at 120 East State, thank you for your belief in our work and your commitment to Trenton’s future. Let’s make 2025 an even greater year!
