
Traveling Trunk Show
Experience the past like never before with the Gloucester County Historical Society’s Traveling Trunk Show program.
Bring History to Life
The Traveling Trunk Show is a unique way to transform history from stationary exhibitions into a hands-on experience. Perfect for classrooms and community organizations, the Traveling Trunk Show is designed to make history interactive, engaging, and memorable.


What is the Traveling Trunk Show?
The Traveling Trunk Show is a collection of reproductions and artifacts from the Gloucester County Historical Society Museum. Each trunk is a treasure chest of history that brings the museum to you. Filled with carefully curated heirlooms and artifacts, plus ready-made educator tools for standards-based lessons that tell the stories of our rich heritage. Educators will engage students and families to research and to share the history of their own heirlooms while participating in the Traveling Trunk Show.
What’s Inside the Trunk?
Historical Artifacts
Authentic replicas and/or reproductions that give a tangible connection to the past.
Educator Notebook
Comprehensive lesson plans, supplements, and resources to help you teach effectively with the artifacts.
Interactive Learning Materials
Activities and materials designed to engage students and deepen their understanding of Gloucester County’s diverse history.

How It Works

Sign Up
Educators and community leaders can enroll their classroom or group in the Traveling Trunk Show program, bringing the museum directly to their students.

Get Your Trunk
Each trunk can be picked-up at GCHS or delivered to your school or organization ready to present, unpack, and explore.

Teach and Inspire
Use the included lesson plans and artifacts to create an immersive historical experience.

Contribute
Educators and students are encouraged to submit their own heirlooms and stories to be used to create online classroom museums hosted on the GCHS website.

Trunk Show FAQ
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What is the benefit of using the Traveling Trunk Show?
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- Interactive Learning: Students interact with historical artifacts, making learning more engaging and impactful.
- Convenient Access: Bring the museum experience directly to your classroom or organization.
- Customizable Lessons: Tailor the lesson plans to fit your specific educational goals and curriculum needs.
- Community Involvement: Encourage students and their families to share their personal histories, fostering a deeper connection to the past.
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Who can apply for the Traveling Trunk Show?
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Anyone can apply for the Traveling Trunk Show program. Our most frequent participants are educators, home-schooled students, scouting organizations, senior centers, libraries, historical organizations, and similar groups.
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What is the cost of the program?
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There is a $50 refundable fee to hold your reservation and rent a trunk for a two-week period.
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How long can you rent a trunk for?
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Traveling Trunk rentals are for a minimum of two weeks. Extensions may be granted based on time of year, demand, and/or classroom size.
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How do I arrange to rent the trunk?
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After applying and confirming your reservation period with GCHS Staff, you can pick up your trunk on your scheduled day. The trunks may be dropped off or picked up during GCHS business hours. We recommend that educators call prior to dropping off and picking up to ensure that GCHS staff is available.
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How early should I reserve a trunk?
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We recommend interested parties contact us two weeks before the time you intend to rent the trunk. Reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis—It’s never too early to book!
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Does this program meet New Jersey Curriculum Standards?
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Yes. The Traveling Trunk Show meets New Jersey and National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies in History, Culture and Perspectives, and Social and Emotional Learning.
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Curious about the Traveling Trunk Show?
Please let us know if you have questions about how to apply or would like more information.