Dates & times
All times are local to the venue · America/New York
- 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Grace Banker and the Hello Girls: a family event at the New Jersey State Museum
A Passaic woman’s wartime service is the starting point for a family afternoon in Trenton. At the New Jersey State Museum’s “Grace Banker and Her Hello Girls Answer the Call” Book Signing & Family Event, children can try a switchboard while visitors hear Banker’s story and see footage of her fellow operators.
A family connection to the story
Grace Banker served as chief operator in the U.S. Signal Corps during World War I. In 1918, she joined 223 other women as a switchboard operator; the group became known as the Hello Girls. Banker was later among six women sent to the Meuse-Argonne offensive.
Author Claudia Friddell will read from “Grace Banker and Her Hello Girls Answer the Call” with Carolyn Timbie, Banker’s granddaughter. Both will sign copies afterward, giving visitors a chance to meet the author and a member of Banker’s family.
Further reading: NJ DOS - NJ State Museum - Calendar ↗
From a switchboard to a uniform
The children’s stations offer different ways into the operators’ story. Visitors can practice on a switchboard and take a photo, make cardstock armbands and service caps, or use Hello Girls coloring pages. The stations are scheduled around the book signing.
A video station will show 1918 footage of the Hello Girls, including Banker wearing her headset. For another look at her service, the museum directs visitors to her uniform in “The Power to Change: Revolutionary Stories from the New Jersey State Archives.”
Further reading: NJ DOS - NJ State Museum - Calendar ↗
Reading and documentary
The reading and signing precede a screening of the 2018 documentary The Hello Girls in the auditorium.
Saturday, November 14, 2026 · Book reading
- Claudia Friddell and Carolyn Timbie read from “Grace Banker and Her Hello Girls Answer the Call”; book signing follows.
Saturday, November 14, 2026 · Auditorium
- Screening of The Hello Girls (2018) documentary film.
Details for the day
Saturday, November 14
The family event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the New Jersey State Museum in Trenton.
Museum entry
General museum admission is free. A separate event fee and registration requirements are not specified.
NJ DOS - NJ State Museum - Calendar ↗ · NJ DOS - NJ State Museum - Visit ↗
For the signing
Bring a copy of the book or purchase one in the museum gift shop.
Prepare for screening
Visitors are subject to bag checks and security screening. The museum suggests leaving backpacks and large bags in your vehicle.
Getting to the museum
Parking in Trenton
The New Jersey State Museum is at 205 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608. The museum says weekend parking is free in lots adjacent to the building and on the street in front.
Use the map links to calculate directions from your starting point.
Before you make a plan
When is the book reading?
Claudia Friddell and Carolyn Timbie are scheduled to read at 11:45 a.m., with a signing afterward.
Can I bring my own book to be signed?
Yes. You can bring a copy or purchase one in the museum gift shop.
Is there a film screening?
Yes. The 2018 documentary The Hello Girls is scheduled for 1 p.m. in the auditorium.
What can children do at the event?
They can try a switchboard, make cardstock armbands and service caps, and use Hello Girls coloring pages.
Location & Google Maps
New Jersey State Museum
205 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608
Map search by venue and address. Check the organiser’s entrance details before travelling.