The New Jersey State Elks Association Historical Committee proudly announces the grand re-dedication of our relocated NJSEA Historical Museum.
On Sunday, August 24th, 2024 at 1pm, at Lacey Lodge #2518, the NJSEA Historical Committee held a grand re-opening ceremony of its museum with invited Elks dignitaries, visiting members, and guests.
Our “New Jersey State Historical Home”, which had been hosted in New Brunswick Lodge # 324 since 2007, was re-established at Lacey Lodge # 2518. Through the generosity of Lacey Lodge membership, two spacious and well-appointed rooms are set aside for this noble collection, and much of the committee's artifacts are on display. These donated rooms also provide ample wall surfaces for pictures and framed items. Along with relocated exhibit showcases, formerly at New Brunswick, traditional cabinets and contemporary digital displays are used in the museum’s new setting.
The preceding museum holdings have been added to and expanded by recent acquisitions since 2007. Various local Lodge artifacts, articles, images, including analog and digital versions, State Convention items, and other memorabilia are featured in the displays, all recounting the history of the NJSEA and its wonderful members.
Although a specific annual plan for displays, content, scheduling, and duration is still being developed, the Historical Committee wants to encourage support and participation from the local Lodges and each of our twelve districts. If your Lodge may be interested in loaning historical items from your Lodge or district to be on display, please contact one of our committee members.
Please plan to stop by Lacey Lodge and visit whenever one might be in town, and bring your family and friends to see our new ‘home’. Again, our thanks to New Brunswick Lodge # 324 for its hosting of the museum for almost a decade, and to Lacey Lodge # 2518 for allowing our NJSEA historical collection and legacy to continue in its new location.
Thomas Gardner
NJSEA State Historical Committee Chair
