The Middlesex County Division of History and Historic Preservation is leading a transformative effort to elevate East Jersey Old Town Village into a professional, best-in-class museum destination for visitors and school groups. This work is guided by the County's pursuit of accreditation through the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) — a distinction that has represented the gold standard in the museum field for more than 50 years. For more information on the AAM accreditation program, click here.

Enhancing the Visitor Experience

As part of Middlesex County's commitment to providing a better experience, the Division of History and Historic Preservation is expanding the collection of historic buildings at East Jersey Old Town Village in Piscataway. Planned additions include a new Orientation Center and the reconstruction of a 1790s-era barn known as the Prall Barn. These facilities will complement the site’s existing historic buildings while significantly expanding public access and programming opportunities.

Enhancements will also include improved parking, dedicated bus drop-off areas, and more accessible pedestrian pathways, ensuring a seamless and inclusive experience for all visitors.

Accessibility and engagement remain central to this vision. Improvements to wayfinding, site interpretation, and visitor flow will strengthen connections between guests, the County’s history, and its living history programming — particularly for school tours and educational groups.

The following renditions show the orientation building and historic Prall barn, depicted in red. These facilities will include a reception area, exhibits, a gift shop, meeting spaces and restrooms.

The Research Behind the Vision

Since 2017, the Division of History and Historic Preservation has engaged in a comprehensive, data-driven planning process. Through partnerships with researchers, planners, and industry experts — as well as direct input from Middlesex County residents and visitors — the County has identified several key insights guiding this investment:

• History, arts, and culture play a vital role in bringing people together. Respondents consistently identified community connection, empathy, and unity as the most important benefits of a vibrant cultural environment.
• Middlesex County’s historic sites are highly valued by residents. Preserving these locations ranked as a top public priority among survey participants.
• Demand for school visits and educational tours has increased significantly in recent years. Expanded facilities will enable the County to accommodate more students and provide best-in-class, immersive learning experiences.
• There is potential to develop more historically relevant spaces and provide public access beyond what currently exists. Doing this will not only improve the site’s opportunity for national accreditation but will also expand and deepen activities and opportunities for residents and visitors. 

Looking Ahead

Middlesex County’s commitment to accreditation and continued growth is shaping a broader effort to define and strengthen its identity as the region’s leading steward of history. As part of this work, East Jersey Old Town Village is undergoing a rebranding initiative designed to better connect visitors and students with the County’s rich past.

Additional updates will be shared as this work progresses.

Community input remains an important part of this process. Residents and visitors are encouraged to share their perspectives on future plans and priorities.

What experiences would they like to see? What should be preserved or enhanced?

Timeline

FAQs

 For more information, please reach out to history@co.middlesex.nj.us.