Official Site of The State of New Jersey

In its heyday, the CRRNJ Terminal was part of the largest railroad complex operating out of the New York Harbor region, transporting tens of thousands of daily commuters to Manhattan via ferry as well as welcoming new immigrants from Ellis Island. In 1967, the CRRNJ declared bankruptcy and ceased all train service from the terminal. Today, the terminal stands as an historical landmark and now serves as a gateway for visitors to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

History Programs are scheduled monthly. To receive a schedule or for more information, please contact the Nature Center at 201-915-3400 x503 or email [email protected]. Pre-registration is required for all programs and space is limited. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Groups are limited to a maximum of six. For Group Reservations or Education Programs, please contact the Nature Center.

Historic Trilogy
The CRRNJ Terminal, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island stand together as the Historic Trilogy. This program will follow the trail of the immigrant experience and will include a tour of the CRRNJ with views of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.
Recommended for ages 10 & up.

Explosion at Black Tom
Join us for a tour and discussion of the dynamics of the land known as Black Tom then and now, and how the events leading up to the explosion served as a catalyst for America’s entry into World War I. Artifacts from the site of Black Tom will be on display. We will meet at the CRRNJ Terminal for an introduction and then drive over to the Black Tom site for the second part of the program. You will need your own transportation to get to the site.
Recommended for ages 10 & up.

Architecture of the CRRNJ Terminal
This walking tour of the CRRNJ Terminal building will explore the variety of architectural features found throughout this impressive structure.
Recommended for ages 10 & up.

Trail of the Blue Comet
Journey back in time to learn about the trail of the famous Blue Comet train, all the way to its terminus at Atlantic City. This program will include a discussion about the lasting impact of the Blue Comet, artifacts from the train and a portion of the documentary, “Deluxe: The Tale of the Blue Comet”.
Recommended for ages 10 & up.

Tales from the Morris Canal
Once a key factor for commerce in the 19th century, the Morris Canal made history for its use of inclined planes and locks to transport coal and iron to cities in the Northeast. Come travel through time to learn the history of the Morris Canal and discover what remains of the canal at Liberty State Park today. Program will include a power point presentation with discussion and a short walk to the Morris Canal Big Basin.
Recommended for ages 10 & up.

To schedule an education program, please call the Nature Interpretive Center at 201-915-3400 x203 or email [email protected].

Dreams of Distant Shores
Grades: 4 - Adult
Time: 1 1/2 Hours
This presentation concentrates on the historical significance of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the CRRNJ Terminal and the role they played in America’s immigration history. Interactive activities help students explore reasons for the huge influx of immigrants in the early 20th century.

The Historic CRRNJ Terminal
Grades: 4 - Adult
Time: 1 1/2 Hours
This program is designed to illustrate the role of the Central Railroad of New Jersey (CRRNJ) Terminal complex in the history of New York Harbor. Highlighted is the importance of transportation and the role of the terminal in the immigrant’s journey to a new life. This program includes a walking tour of the building.

CRRNJ Terminal Architecture: Forms and Functions
Grades: 4 - 8
Time: 1 1/2 Hours
An educational program created to foster an appreciation and awareness of the variety of architectural features found throughout the CRRNJ Terminal. Students will explore the terminal and make observations about how the terminal’s designers manipulated space, light and color in forming this impressive structure. Program will include activity worksheets.

All Aboard!
Grades: K-4
Time: 45 minutes
This train themed program explores the distinctive features of locomotive engines and the unique features of the iconic Blue Comet including its color, sound and speed. Students will create their own Blue Comet locomotive craft.

Facilities for People with Disabilities
We encourage people with disabilities who require special considerations to contact the historic site / park at the phone number listed in the general information on the home page of the historic site / park. The staff will assist with arrangements. Text telephone (TT) users, please call the NJ Relay Services at (800) 852-7899.

For the Comfort and Enjoyment of All
This historic site / park is part of the NJ State Park system and your cooperation with the following will help ensure the survival of the museum collections, historic structures & features and surrounding property for the enjoyment and education of future generations!

• Keep your historic site / park and surrounding property clean and green! Protect this site by taking your trash with you. Whatever you carry into the site, plan on carrying it out too. Bring a bag or two for trash, recycling and cleaning up after your pet. There are no trash receptacles at this site. Thank you!
• No Smoking on NJ State Park Service Property. Pursuant to N.J.P.L.2005, c.383 (C.26:3D-56)
• Alcoholic beverages are not permitted at state historic sites [ N.J.A.C. 7:2-2.6]
• The collection or removal of any object from State Park property is prohibited without written permission from the Superintendent.
• Use of metal detecting devices on or unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) on or over the property is not permitted without a special use permit (SUP) from the State historic site / park.
• Commercial photography is not permitted on the property without a special use permit (SUP) from the historic site / park.
• Interior photography, videotaping or audio taping are not permitted in the historic structure / visitor center / museum, except by prior written permission and for educational purposes only.
• Non-commercial photography is permitted on the property (outside), but please help preserve the historic site / park and any surrounding property by not attaching anything to, climbing or sitting on historic structures and features or disturbing any plants, wild or cultivated. Photography may not interfere with other visitors to the historic site / park or impede site operations.
• Food and beverages; pets/animals, except for service animals, are not permitted in the historic structure / visitor center / museum.
• Please refrain from touching objects/furnishings in and building components of historic structures and museums, except where invited to do so by staff.

Please contact this historic site / park with specific inquiries about any of these restrictions, as there may be some variations at this specific historic site / park.

• Complete listing of New Jersey State Parks Rules and Regulations.
• For information about fishing and hunting, please refer to the NJ Fish and Wildlife website, or call the main information number in Trenton at 609-292-2965.