Mercer County Museums and Culture

In 1895, the New Jersey State Legislature formally established the New Jersey State Museum in the capital city of Trenton with a mission to collect and exhibit specimens in natural history, archaeology, and industrial history. The State Museum was initially accredited by the American Association of Museums in 1974. Since 1983 it has been a division of the New Jersey Department of State.

The Trenton City Museum is at Ellarslie Mansion in Cadwalader Park. Ellarslie Mansion, one of five historic sites and one of three museums owned by the City of Trenton, is maintained and operated by the Department of Recreation, Natural Resources & Culture, Division of Culture with additional support from the Trenton Museum Society.

William Trent House, built between 1716 - 1719, is a National Historic Landmark and was the country seat of William Trent, a Philadelphia merchant and his family. It is the oldest building in New Jersey's capital city and once home to the man for whom the city is named. <br> When you visit the William Trent House, you are literally stepping back in time. You will gain amazing insight into the many layers of colonial life during the early 18th century.