New Jersey State Police Museum
PO Box 7068
River Road
West Trenton, NJ 08628-0068
(609) 882-2000, ext. 6401
www.njspmuseum.org

Places Nearby:
State House
William Trent House
Old Barracks Museum
NJ State Museum
Washington Crossing State Park
Howell Living History Farm
More in:

Other States:

In 1921, a 25-year old Colonel H. Norman Schwarzkopf selected a class of 120 recruits and supervised their rigorous training at a camp at Sea Girt. Eighty-one completed the course and were assigned their duties as the first New Jersey State Troopers on December 5, 1921.

Those first officers were deployed on horseback and motorcycle to enforce the laws in New Jersey's 7,500 square miles. They carried the law to the far corners of the state. "A" Troop was headquartered in Hammonton, and "B" Troop in Netcong. These pioneer days were certainly an adventure! And visitors can get a good idea of what it was like at this exceptional museum.

A tour begins with an introductory video, followed by a view of the exhibit, Honor, Duty, Fidelity. A following exhibit details tough Trooper Training with artifacts, photos, and yet another video.

The Lindbergh Kidnapping can be examined here through actual ransom notes, the ladder used by the kidnapper, and a variety of other material including a video of the Fox Movietone News with Trial Footage. The Museum also houses an extensive research library on the Lindbergh Case (can be used by appointment).

An exhibit on Police Protection illustrates early police facilities, transportation, and weaponry and features a Harley Davidson motorcycle, highlights on the Police Marine Bureau and more. And an instructional video highlights the wide variety of jobs available within the force.

One fascinating exhibit on Criminal Investigation shows the equipment used by the Crime Scene Identification Unit. Surveillance equipment can be seen here, as well as forensic lab gear, fingerprint-lifting tools, and much more. Visitors may use the interactive microscopes to view their fingerprints, gaining a better understanding of the techniques used to investigate crime scenes. An exhibit from the Ballistics Unit displays more than 100 firearms seized during the course of a criminal investigation.

Of several other exhibits, one includes several old police vehicles and even a brand new cruiser. Visitors can sit behind the wheel, turn on the "cherry tops," and listen to the police radio.

The New Jersey State Police has created a legacy of honor and service, as well as a unique, fun and educational museum that puts visitors in touch with one of the nation's best organizations. A visit takes about an hour and a half.

School Groups have a wonderful resource at the State Police Museum. A group will be met by a Trooper who will give a brief history of the State Police. Then the group will go on a self-guided tour of the Museum that imparts special insight not only into the history and activities of the State Troopers, but into the history of the entire State. Teachers can request a Teacher's Guide and/or a Lindbergh Case Study Guide that they can use before and after a museum visit.


Hours: Monday - Friday, 10am - 4pm, Saturdays by appointment. Closed Sundays and state holidays, and weekends coinciding with state holidays. Group tours by appointment.
Admission: FREE, including group tours.
Group Reservations: At least 4 weeks in advance.
Lunch: Bagged lunch can be eaten at outdoor picnic area at the Museum or at nearby Washington Crossing State Park.
Handicapped Access: Accessible.
Directions:
From the New Jersey Turnpike:
Take the New Jersey Turnpike South to Exit 7A West. Follow signs to I-195 West. Follow the directions for I-195 below.

From Route 130:
Follow Route 130 South to I-195 West and follow the directions below.

From I-195:
Take I-195 West to I-295 North. I-295 North becomes I-95 South. Follow I-95 South to Exit 1 (last exit before crossing the Delaware River into Pennsylvania). Follow the yellow signs to NJSP Division Headquarters.

From the Pennsylvania Turnpike:
Take the Penna. Turnpike East to Exit 28 North, onto Route 1 North. Follow Route 1 North to Interstate 95 North.

From I-95:
Take Interstate 95 North and cross the Scudder’s Falls Bridge. Take Exit 1 (which exits before the bridge ends) and get onto Route 29 South. Make a left turn at the first traffic light. Follow the yellow signs to NJSP Headquarters.

30 - 60 minutes from Philadelphia, 90 - 120 minutes from the George Washington Bridge.

Copyright © 1996-2014 by Patrick Tadeushuk. All Rights Reserved.