Trenton’s N.C. Wyeth Painting to be Sold

Thomas Edison State University (TESU) has decided to sell its N.C. Wyeth painting “Reception to Washington on April 21, 1789, at Trenton On His Way To New York to Assume the Duties of the Presidency Of the United States.”  (see Wyeth’s ‘Reception to Washington’ to be Sold, written by Dan Aubrey, June 22, 2022, U.S.1).

At the September 9^th, 2022, quarterly meeting of the Board of Trustees of Thomas Edison State University, the board modified their resolution to sell the NC Wyeth painting of Washington’s Reception with the Ladies of Trenton.  They no longer need to sell the painting by January 2023, and they are looking for alternatives for keeping the painting in Trenton, with the State of New Jersey perhaps offering them money for the painting and placing it in the newly renovated State House.  They have recognized the outpouring of response from people in the area who want to keep the important painting in Trenton. However, the option to sell is still a possibility.

The painting, at a value of $4m was donated to the TESU almost 3 years ago by Wells Fargo Bank. 

Wanda Saez, a spokeswoman for the bank said at the time “The college has had an interest in this painting for many years.  We know they will take wonderful care of it, and they realize – as we do – how important this painting is for the city of Trenton.”

TESU President Merodie A. Hancock recently stated “While this was the most unique gift in our history of our university, gifts to the University are ultimately meant to further our mission and empower working adults.  It is our great hope that this painting will find a new home where it can be more widely viewed and enjoyed while at the same time help us further progress the TESU mission.”   

The Trenton Historical Society (THS) strongly feels that the painting was given to TESU by Wells Fargo to keep in trust for the citizens of Trenton and that the painting should not be sold and eventually leave the city of Trenton. 

Trenton Historical Society’s Position on the Sale of the N.C. Wyeth Painting by Thomas Edison State University (click here)

Thomas Edison State University Trustees and Administration

Please voice your opinion to TESU selling the painting. Click here for sample letters. Contact anyone on this list if you have their information, or send all other correspondence to:

and/or

TESU Board of Trustees