The Old Barracks Museum has announced that it has been selected as a recipient for the Celebrate America! NEH Chairman’s Grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). This grant has been approved by NEH Acting Chairman Michael McDonald for the museum’s “Preserving Independence” exhibit design, which will open to the public next year.

“The Old Barracks Museum is honored and grateful to receive an NEH Celebrate America! Chairman’s Grant,” said Executive Director Michelle Doherty. “As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States, it will help us move our upcoming 2026 exhibit from concept to reality, ensuring that visitors can engage with the people, places, and ideas that shaped our nation.”

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has been dedicated to funding the humanities since its founding in 1965. It provides grants to organizations like historic sites, colleges, universities, K-12 teaching, libraries, public television and radio stations, research institutions, independent scholars, and to its humanities council affiliates. The NEH created the Celebrate America! NEH Chairman’s Grant to support public humanities projects commemorating America’s 250th anniversary.

Built in 1758 to house British soldiers during the French and Indian War, the Old Barracks bore witness to the Battles of Trenton and was later used as a Revolutionary War army hospital. Today, the Old Barracks Museum welcomes visitors from across the globe to learn about the rich history of the site through interpretive programs and exhibits. The museum largely relies upon the generous contributions of donors and grantors to further its mission of education and preservation.

The Old Barracks Museum is at 101 Barrack Street in Trenton. For more information, visit barracks.org.