The New Jersey State Museum presents the Autumn Evening Series, a four-part live digital event. Join museum educators and curators as they host a lively discussion about a different theme each week, create a signature cocktail, and end the evening with a round of trivia. This season's dates and themes are:

• Oct. 8th: Back to School with Museology 101
  Brush up on the life-cycle of an object in a museum with our State Museum experts! Learn all about preservation, conservation, exhibition and interpretation as we discuss the study of museums.
• Oct. 22nd: Ghosts of New Jersey Past
  From fossils to artifacts, cemeteries to stories of our shared history - these tales from our past may haunt us if we don't listen closely.
• Nov. 11th: Contested Debates
  Elections are critical to our democracy, but so are the debates that precede the votes! Hear about some of New Jersey's most heated debates from the museum's collections.
• Nov. 19th: Feasts, Festivals and Commemorations
  Humanity's shared sense of ceremony and ritual have guided societies for ages. We will take a look at stories of American Thanksgiving, festivals celebrating our state's favorite fruits, and reasons why we chose to come together at certain times of year.

Each event takes place on a Thursday evening at 8pm on Zoom. The events are free, but pre-registration is required, and donations are always appreciated!
Register here today: https://forms.gle/Ljpbb53B6wN7M9Q26

Beginning in October and continuing through June, Early Learning Educator Kerry Scott engages families with 1-2 pre-recorded videos per month on our social media for families to explore themes and books together. Additionally, families can register in advance to participate in our monthly live Zoom sessions. Theme-related Play Kits will be distributed to registrants in advance to encourage a tactile experience during the virtual session. The Zoom program is free but space is limited and pre-registration required.

Our Small Explorers program provides free family engagement workshops and programs for parents and caregivers with children from birth to age five, designed to promote school readiness. It has gained a solid reputation for quality early learning content and has formed a strong community of local families with young children. Small Explorers digital engagement will offer continuity for families during a time with so much uncertainty. The New Jersey State Museum is grateful to our long-standing partner the PNC Foundation for continuing to support this crucial program through their Grow UP Great initiative.

Small Explorers Topics

Registration for Oct. 17 Zoom session closes on Oct. 10
https://forms.gle/2wd5nvi9AbPerZvw6

Through a mixture of science and magic children will see a paper spider turn into a ‘real-live’ spider. Hear the tales of Count Eggbert and Countess Eggberta as they battle the wicked witch. Watch as the wicked witch is melted right before your eyes! The audience will find out how the seemingly sane Mr. Bernoulli helped the Mad Scientist float an eyeball in the air. Then, as a grand finale, the Mad Scientist will introduce the audience to the eerie world of Dry Ice, making bubbling potions and lots of fearsome fog. All will have an evening of gruesome goodness and fun!

Space is limited; registration required to participate and receive the Zoom video link. Each child's registration includes a free Halloween goody bag. Pick up for goody bags will be at the Museum on Thursday, October 29 and Friday, October 30 3 pm-5:30 pm. Families may also choose to pick up at the Trenton Free Public Library October 28-30 until 4:30 pm.

Registration link: https://forms.gle/usVS4BSqq1oxyVkX7

Make sure to join our virtual costume parade by posting a picture of your family in costume to the New Jersey State Museum Facebook page, on Twitter @NJStateMuseum, or use #NJSMHalloweenSpooktacular.

Scouting Archaeology, Astronomy & Geology
During Scouting Geology and Archaeology sessions, you learn about the earth and the history of its human inhabitants from the Museum’s geologists, paleontologists, and archaeologists and find out what these professionals do. Museum staff will be on hand to guide you through the State Museum’s collection of specimens, tools and maps. Don’t forget to bring your own collections if required for your badge.

In Scouting Astronomy, you will explore the constellations and how to find them in different seasons, as well as learn to use the Big Dipper to pinpoint the North Star. You will also learn to read star maps and locate stars of different colors.

Participation will assist you in fulfilling many of the requirements for badges and other programs in Scouting.

Due to the current health situation, the October 17 program may be held virtually. Registration will still be required; please continue to check back to this page for updated information and the registration form.