WHAT: Then-and-now campus tour commemorating the 125th anniversary of NJIT’s first class to be held. Although only 100 students had been admitted to the fledging institute, 88 of them showed up in a blinding snowstorm.  Stroll today the 45-acre campus and see the growth-- 26 buildings, a magnificent newly-renovated Campus Center, four residence halls, seven labs, a multi-gigabit network and more.

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 9, 1-4 p.m.

WHERE: NJIT campus

HOW:  Call Sheryl Weinstein, 973-596-3436, to arrange a personalized tour.

WHY: The NJIT known today has a richer history than you may realize thanks to its start rooted in the Industrial Revolution. Like many port cities around the world, 19th century Newark was thriving. Factories churned out thread, metals, paints and leather goods.  Thomas Edison set the stage at his Ward Street factory for later astounding achievements, and Edison rival, Edward Weston, established the first US factory for the commercial production of dynamo electric machines.

On March 24, 1880, the Essex County Assemblyman in the state legislature introduced “An Act to Provide for the Establishment of Schools of Industrial Education.” The Newark Board of Trade sponsored the bill. The Act established three schools of industrial education: one in Newark, one in Trenton, and one in Hoboken. The first Board of Trustees met on July 1, 1884. The Newark Technical School opened that Monday, February 9, 1885 with 88 students who attended, despite a terrible snowstorm.

For more history, please visit: http://www.njit.edu/about/history-mission.php