June 29, 4:15 PM

Speaker: Zachary Gelles, Princeton University
In 2019, the Event Horizon Telescope released the first ever image of a black hole, opening up a wealth of new opportunities to learn about the fundamental nature of gravity. In this talk, we will discuss what a black hole is, where we expect to find them, and how we can take pictures of them up close. Zach will explain how black holes actually bend light, giving them a distinct appearance that can teach us about how gravity behaves when it is particularly strong. Finally, he will discuss what astrophysicists hope to do in the future to continue learning from these mysterious objects.

Reserve your seat

Join Dr. Dana Ehret, Curator of Natural History, as he leads fossil collecting trips to Big Brook Preserve on June 29, July 20 and August 17, 2024.

Dr. Ehret and participants will collect and learn about prehistoric marine life, including fossil sharks! Learn the techniques of fossil collecting and Dr. Ehret will help you identify your discoveries. Big Brook Fossil Preserve is known by fossil collectors along the East Coast as a hotspot for fossils from the Age of Dinosaurs.

Families are welcome and encouraged to attend, but all attendees must have a ticket, including parents/guardians and children.

Space for each date is limited. Tickets are $15 per person. For additional information and to buy tickets use this link. Members receive 50% discount, email Melissa.Mantz@njsmfoundation.org to confirm membership status and get discount code.

July 5 – August 30

Drop by the Museum and enjoy a free activity all summer-long! Use this link for a complete list of programs by date, or visit the Calendar page.

Tuesdays – 12:00 to 2:00 PM
Every Tuesday a Museum volunteer with an activity cart will be set up in one of our galleries. Explore art, history and science with interactive games, touchable objects and simple arts and crafts. All ages.

Wednesdays – 1:00 to 3:00 PM
Every Wednesday visit the Imagination Studio to make and take a craft. Stop by for a fun, free family activity or a stress relief moment for yourself! All ages.

Thursdays - 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM
Every Thursday morning we have story time in the Discovery Den for our smallest visitors. Join us for a story followed by a simple craft.

Fridays – 12:00 – 2:00 PM
Every Friday interact with a Museum Docent to learn more about our galleries. Tours are informal and you can catch up anytime. Great for a lunchtime break. Each week is different so you can make sure to enjoy them all!

July 6, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

In the American Civil War, flags guided troops into battle and served as patriotic emblems of honor and pride. Join flag historian Dr. David Martin of the New Jersey Civil War Heritage Association and NJSM Curator of Cultural History Nicholas Ciotola for a gallery walk about the history of five new flags to be unveiled in the State Museum’s exhibition, The Civil War Flag Collection of New Jersey. One-hour-long tour followed by a reception hosted by Hunterdon 300th in the museum’s Riverview Court.

Local families are welcome to register for the Small Explorers program, taking place in the Discovery Den on the second Saturday of the month. This playgroup is an opportunity for you to explore the Museum with your child and connect with other families for support. Families are encouraged to sign up for a full year of sessions to build knowledge, skills and relationships. The program is 45 minutes long and begins promptly. Sessions take place in-person at 9:45, 11:00 and 12:15 PM in the Discovery Den, The program is FREE, but space is limited; advance registration is required. Contact Susan.Kozak-Buckley@sos.nj.gov to learn more and register.

Small Explorers is supported by a grant from PNC Grow Up Great.

NOTE: Registration requests must be received by 10:00 am the Friday before the event in order to allow time for staff to confirm space availability.

Visit the Events/Calendar page for monthly program details and to register.