Latest Updates from 120 East State: Jan/Feb 2026
The First Presbyterian 13 & Rev. Henry Wood: Help Us Learn More
History lives in the people, stories, and memories of our community, and we’re inviting you to help us bring important chapters to light.
120 East State continues its community history initiative to uncover the stories connected to the people and place of historic First Presbyterian Church. We are seeking photos, family stories, documents, and artifacts to help us uncover information specifically about the following two 120 East State History Mysteries:
The First Presbyterian 13 – Honoring Early Black Trentonians Laid to Rest: On the burial list of the cemetery of First Presbyterian Church are 13 African American residents of Trenton, dating back to the early 1800s, a time when Trenton was a much smaller city and New Jersey had just begun abolishing slavery. We are grateful for our community members who have already shared discoveries about these people. In 2026, we hope to dig deeper, and so are asking again for any information about them. Their names 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), Myra Miller (1819/1820 - March 1880).
The Life and Legacy of Rev. Henry D. Wood: Trenton’s history leads us to Rev. Henry D. Wood, a man born in Trenton whose life bridged faith, education, military service, and community leadership. Dr. Wood was born in Trenton in February 1847 to Albert Wood, a hotel waiter, and Lucy Ann Wood; he attended the Higbee School. His family worshiped at the Presbyterian Church. As a young man of 16 he joined Company H of the Massachusetts 54th and survived the assault on Fort Wagner only four months later. We want to know more about Rev. Wood’s life, especially his ties to Trenton and his earlier personal journey. Read more and learn what we know about him here.
How To Get Involved
If you or your family have stories, letters, records, or memories connected to either of our History Mysteries, we invite you to send them to us at [email protected]. Your contributions will help preserve our city’s rich history for future generations.
Reflecting on Patriots Week 2025
120 East State welcomed visitors and friends alike during the days before, during and following Patriots Week 2025.
With two exhibits on display – “Oh Freedom!” from the DEP, and the new 250th exhibit by RevNJ, “Revolutionary Lives”, which we were proud to be the first to display in our capital city – visitors made new connections between our lives and those of the people of the Revolutionary War era, and learned how what they did or began still has effects on our world today. The exhibits were displayed on various days between December 23 and January 5.
On Sunday, December 28, we hosted RevNJ’s award-winning program, Tavern Talks, for the second year. Everyone enjoyed River Horse Brewing’s offerings, and beverages and snacks provided by 120ES. Lively conversation and laughter filled Fellowship Hall, and participants gained insights through exchanges around the tables with the living history reenactors. The variety of individuals they portrayed helped everyone get a sense of the diverse community in New Jersey at this time, and the many perspectives people held during the war for independence.
The storm on Saturday, December 27 meant our building was closed, as volunteers could not get to the site, and sadly, our full slate of planned activities was cancelled. Please be watching for a rescheduling of those events, including the dedication of the new DAR monument to the veterans of the Revolutionary War and the Washington-Rocheambeau Route; Steve Thomas’ presentation on Black soldiers and life during the period, together with activities provided by 120ES Board members; and Dr. Richard Hunter’s cemetery talk and tour.
We appreciate all those who helped make Patriots Week 2025 a special time in downtown Trenton. We want to send a special thank you to Tricia Fagan for all her work in coordinating communication among organizations in Trenton, and supporting our efforts. Thank you, Tricia!
See you in December 2026!
New Partners, Shared Vision: Welcoming Our RFP Hires to 120 East State
We’re excited to announce our new RFP hires and to officially welcome these incredible partners to the 120 East State community and project team.
About Aegis - Our Owner’s Representative
Aegis, our Owner’s Representative, brings more than 45 years of experience in project management and real estate advisory services, with a strong track record of stewarding complex, grant-funded, and historic rehabilitation projects throughout Mercer County and the surrounding region. Guided by principles of advocacy, process, stewardship, and leadership, the Aegis team — Meghan Madeira, Partner; Shelby Wagner, Associate; and Grace Reynolds, Development Manager — will help ensure this project is thoughtfully managed and positioned for long-term community impact.
About Dr. Denise Rompilla - Our Historic Interpretation Consultant
We’re also proud to welcome Dr. Denise Rompilla as our Historic Interpretation Consultant. An interdisciplinary scholar, curator, and public historian specializing in women’s history, African American history, and historic preservation, Dr. Rompilla brings deep expertise in archival research, inclusive interpretation, and public history projects across New Jersey and New York. At 120 East State, she will lead research on the site and Trenton’s broader history, shape tours, and develop an interpretive plan that centers inclusive and underrepresented narratives.
Together, these new team members move us one step closer to realizing the full vision for the Steeple Center Rehabilitation Project.
To find out more about each of our new partners, please visit www.120eaststate.org/about.
Share Your Opinion About the Steeple Center Project With Us
Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Now’s your chance!
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:
