Free Family Event Commemorates NJ Veteran, shares inspirational story
Trenton, NJ - On Saturday, November 14 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, the New Jersey State Museum will hold a free special family event and book signing as part of its 250th celebration and in recognition of Veterans Day. The book, “Grace Banker and Her Hello Girls Answer the Call,” tells the story of Banker (1892-1960), a native of Passaic, New Jersey and a Distinguished Service Medal recipient. Grace served during World War I as the Chief Operator of the United States Signal Corps. Her uniform and medals are featured in the exhibition, The Power to Change: Revolutionary Stories from the New Jersey State Archives, on view through January 10, 2027 at the State Museum.
In 1918, Grace, along with 223 other women, joined the US Army as switch board operators, and were known as the “Hello Girls.” She was eventually chosen to join a group of six women sent to the Meuse-Argonne offensive, a series of battles that led to the Allied victory. In 1919, Grace was presented with the Distinguished Service Medal.
Author Claudia Friddell and Carolyn Timbie, granddaughter of Grace Banker, will read from the book at 11:45 am and be available to sign copies afterward. Books may be purchased in the Museum gift shop, or guests can bring their own for signing.
Before and after the book signing, kids can explore several stations to learn more about World War I and telephone switchboard operation. Activities include:
- Hello Girls coloring pages.
- Make card stock armbands and service caps to dress up like a Hello Girl.
- Video station: Live footage from 1918 of the Hello Girls, including close up footage of Grace Banker on her headset.
- Switchboard station - practice using a switchboard and take your photo!
A viewing of The Hello Girls (2018) documentary film will take place at 2 pm in the Museum’s auditorium. The film tells the story of the Hello Girls; in 1918, the U.S. Army Signal Corps sent 223 women to France as telephone operators to help win the Great War. They swore Army oaths, wore uniforms, held rank, and were subject to military justice. By war's end, they had connected over 26 million calls and were recognized by General John J. Pershing for their service. When they returned home, the U.S. government told them they were never soldiers. For 60 years, they fought their own government for recognition. In 1977, with the help of Senator Barry Goldwater and Congresswoman Lindy Boggs, they won. Unfortunately, only eighteen of the original Hello Girls were still alive at that time.
The New Jersey State Museum is open Tuesday - Sunday, 9:00 am to 4:45 pm; closed on all State holidays. General admission is free. For additional information visit www.statemuseum.nj.gov, like the Museum’s Facebook page (@NJStateMuseum), and follow us on X (njstatemuseum), Instagram (nj_statemuseum), Threads (nj_statemuseum) and YouTube (@newjerseystatemuseum1895.)
About the New Jersey State Museum
The New Jersey State Museum is a center for the exploration of science, history and the arts. We preserve and share stories that inspire curiosity and creativity for the enrichment of our communities. Located at 205 West State Street in Trenton, the New Jersey State Museum is the largest museum collection in the state and encompasses three buildings including a state-of-the-art Planetarium. Established in 1895, the State Museum’s collections in Archaeology/Ethnography, Cultural History, Fine Art and Natural History contain over 2 million objects.
About the New Jersey State Museum Foundation
The New Jersey State Museum Foundation was founded in 1968 as a non-government, non-profit 501(c)(3) to support the Museum's collections, exhibitions, programs and research through fundraising, volunteerism and advocacy. In recent years, the Foundation has received generous support from the PNC Foundation, NJM Insurance Group, Department of State/New Jersey Historical Commission, New Jersey Council for the Humanities, New Jersey Cultural Trust, The Henry Luce Foundation and Princeton Area Community Foundation. The Foundation also operates the Museum membership program, as well as the Museum Shop, which sells merchandise related to the Museum's exhibitions, collections, and New Jersey history and culture.
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