Gov. Elect Mikie Sherrill visits Trenton Area Soup Kitchen on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday as her schedule ramps prior to inauguration the following day.

The Sherrill arrival is part of a whirlwind tour as she and Lt. Governor-elect Dr. Dale Caldwell prepare to accept leadership roles for the Garden State.

Beginning on January 16, 2025, Sherrill and Caldwell will attend inauguration celebration events throughout New Jersey. Both willwill speak at an interfaith prayer service at Rutgers University, attend Veterans and Military Family Appreciation Day at the American Dream Mall, participate in faith-based and service events with cabinet nominees and transition staff in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and celebrate Inauguration Day with a festival at Military Park in Newark and an Inaugural Ball that evening.

Part of the inauguration festivities promotes a day of free and discounted museums at participating museums throughout the state on Saturday, January 17.

As America’s 250th anniversary nears the Sherrill-Caldwell team expects to spotlight our state’s history and encourages all residents to join and learn about the Garden State’s role in our country’s independence by paying a museum near them a visit.

The Sherrill-Caldwell administration intends to strengthen and prioritize the educational tools available to New Jerseyans. Gov.-Elect Sherrill promised leadership that addresses issues and concerns of all state residents.

“We started this transition by bringing community leaders, local officials, experts, and everyday New Jerseyans together to plan the best ways to deliver for residents and I am proud of the work we have accomplished. We will be hitting the ground running on Day One to drive down costs and support New Jersey families. I am also excited to celebrate Inauguration Day with people across the state and for the chance to speak with our faith communities, veterans, military families, and residents ahead of taking the oath of office. At a time when partisanship and division are rising, I look forward to bringing people together, honoring our state’s proud history, and continuing the long tradition of peaceful transfers of power in our state,” Sherrill said.

Lt. Governor-elect Dr. Dale Caldwell added these remarks in a released statement.

“It’s fitting we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. and bring our state together to celebrate our democracy one day after another. It was only through the tireless advocacy of Dr. King and millions across our state and country that we were able to make our democracy truly equal by guaranteeing the right to vote for all. I look forward to speaking with our faith communities, veterans, military families, museum goers, and residents across the state as we get ready to take the oath of office and begin delivering for New Jerseyans.”

Below is a list of all participating museums. Please check each museum for specific exhibits or tickets, and note this is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

  • Liberty Science Center
  • Battleship New Jersey Museum
  • New Jersey State Museum
  • The Hermitage
  • Edelman Fossil Park & Museum
  • Red Mill Museum
  • New Jersey Aviation Hall of Fame
  • Nordlandz – 495 US Highway 202, Flemington, NJ 08822
  • Paranormal Museum
  • Monmouth Museum
  • Sterling Hill Mine
  • New Jersey Maritime Museum