Middlesex College Program Gives Students A Glimpse Into Colonial Life

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ — The Middlesex College, located in Edison, has launched a pilot program to provide students a glimpse into County life, culture, and ideas during the 1700s. Launched last year, the program will be expanding.

The program began in fall 2023 and takes advantage of the County’s unique sites. The pilot program is developed in collaboration with the Middlesex County Division of History and Historic Preservation.

Last October, students visited East Jersey Old Town Village (EJOTV) in Piscataway as part of their coursework in Colonial U.S. History.

Cristobal Espinoza-Wulach, a history professor at the College, said the experience and collection of artifacts found at EJOTV over the course of a semester served as the basis for students building digital archives and analyzing qualitative data.

“That experience connected students with their local history and community,” Espinoza-Wulach said. “The visit also enabled them to engage with those concepts using offline content that empowered them to think and create beyond AI data sets.”

The success of the pilot program led to the College expanding its partnership with the Middlesex County Division of History and Historic Preservation with additional course offerings that incorporate similar opportunities.

For the spring semester, four courses will offer site experiences with one taught at an actual site operated by the Division of History and Historic Preservation.

“Our partnership with Middlesex College represents how County institutions can work together to serve the community,” said Mark Nonestied, Middlesex County historian and head of the Middlesex County Division of History and Historic Preservation.

“It’s important that current and future generations understand and appreciate the history of where they live and how it can be used to inform and build the future of their community.”

Espinoza-Wulach says there are additional plans in development, including possible internship opportunities with the Division of History and Historic Preservation.

“Our partnership with the County enables us to engage students with the environment that shaped the generation of the American Revolution. In doing so, we hope to ensure that new generations understand the roots of their community and those who set the foundations for our democracy,” said Espinoza-Wulach.

To learn more about Middlesex College, visit middlesexcollege.edu.

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