Photo Credits: 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
2024 In Review
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
Grants Awarded in 2024
- Mercer County 250th Mini Grant
- Mercer County Culture & Heritage Commission Regrant
- National Park Service Grant (cemetery preservation)
- First Presbyterian Church Grant
To take a deeper look at what we’ve accomplished in 2024, check out our “2024 In Review” article.
Help Us Solve One of 120 East State’s History Mysteries
Perfect way to celebrate Black History Month by rediscovering critical African American history in Trenton
120 East State, the non-profit redeveloping historic First Presbyterian Church into a community-based arts and economic development hub, is asking the Trenton community to help solve the mystery of 13 early African American Trentonians buried in the church’s cemetery.
“We know their names and we know their dates of death, but we don’t know anything else about these early African American residents of Trenton,” said 120 East State President Cherry Oakley. “The graves date to the early 1800s when Trenton was a much smaller city and the African American population was about 10% of the city’s residents, some of whom lived in the city shortly after New Jersey abolished slavery in 1804, and may have been born into slavery and lived into freedom.
“There’s no better way to celebrate Black History Month than to rediscover this chapter of African American history and bring these stories to life – it would open a fascinating window into our city’s history,” Oakley said. “Who are these people? Attention must be paid to them so we make sure we have the entire story of our city available.”
The First Presbyterian 13 are: Mary Price (d. Oct. 1841), William Ryerson (d. June 1843), Mary Bristol (1800/1801 – January 1864), Sally Hulicks (d. November 1865), Jane Fisher (c. January 1866), Leah Vandyke (d. January 1867), Ann Johnson (1799/1800 – September 1867), Jane Williams (d. April 1870), Tamar Smith (d. January 1871), Nancy Brown (d. January 1872), Theresa Jones (d. March 1872), Sarah Smith (d. April 1876), and Myra Miller (1819/1820 – March 1880).
Help us honor their legacy by working to bring their stories to light. Together, we can preserve Trenton’s history for future generations. To learn more, click here. If you’d like to help, please contact us at hello@120Eaststate.org
Save The Date
- Saturday, 3/29/25 @ 11:00am – 12:30pm: Join Dr. Skyler Gordon in discussing what our community wants and needs to know about our history.
- Thursday, 4/10/25 @ 5:30pm – 7:00pm: Hear Dr. Nicole Belolan report on our next steps in telling the story of 120 East State. This program is made possible, in part, by the Mercer County Cultural & Heritage Commission, through funding from the Mercer County Board of Commissioners and the New Jersey Historical Commission.
- Saturday, 4/26/25 @ 11:00am: Join 120 East State for its first official Community Advisory Boards Gathering.
Please be sure to check your social media feeds and email inboxes for more details about registration for each of their events as they become available.
Share Your Opinion About the Steeple Center Project With Us
Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Now’s your chance!
We’re inviting dynamic, engaged individuals to join 120 East State’s Community Advisory Boards.
Join us in shaping the future of the Steeple Center at 120 East State. Share your voice, ideas, and insights to create programs and initiatives that truly matter. Be part of something bigger at 120 East State – together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant community!
Please complete our brief Community Connect Survey so we can get your input. Thank you.
Connect With Us On Social Media!
Stay connected with 120 East State by following us on social media!
Our profiles are packed with exclusive interviews from our dedicated board members, exciting project updates, intriguing historical facts about our location, and candid photos of our team engaging with the community. Don’t miss out on the latest news and behind-the-scenes glimpses of our journey to transform the historic First Presbyterian Church into The Steeple Center. Join us online and be part of our vibrant, growing community!
Click the links below to follow us today and stay in the loop:
