Historic photo of members of the 1929 New Jersey Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi.
Newly recognized archival materials highlight nearly a century of leadership by New Jersey Extension professionals
A photograph and accompanying documents commemorating the founding of New Jersey’s chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP) have received national recognition, highlighting the enduring legacy of Rutgers Cooperative Extension and the professionals who have served New Jersey communities for nearly a century.
Charter document of the New Jersey Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi established on June 12, 1929.
The 1929 charter establishing New Jersey’s ESP chapter, along with the original announcement published by the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station and a photograph of the chapter’s charter members, won the Oldest Charter Photo Contest sponsored by Epsilon Sigma Phi, the nation’s oldest and largest professional organization dedicated to Extension professionals.
Founded in 1927 in Bozeman, Montana, ESP recognizes excellence, scholarship, leadership, and service among Cooperative Extension professionals across the United States. New Jersey established its chapter just two years later, on June 12, 1929, reflecting the state’s early commitment to Extension education and outreach.
The winning submission includes the original charter listing the 20 founding members of the New Jersey chapter, an official NJAES press release announcing its formation, and a rare group photograph of the charter members. Together, the materials document an important milestone in the history of Rutgers Cooperative Extension and the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station.
Among those recognized were county agricultural agents, home demonstration agents, Extension specialists, and administrators whose work helped shape Extension programming across the state. Their efforts laid the foundation for a statewide educational system that continues today through Rutgers Cooperative Extension, delivering research-based programs in agriculture, environmental stewardship, youth development, nutrition, family and community health, and related fields.
The official NJAES press release announcing the formation of the New Jersey Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi on June 12, 1929.
The original 1929 NJAES announcement noted that New Jersey joined a growing national network of Extension professionals committed to advancing agriculture and home economics through education and public service. At the time, ESP chapters had been established in 34 states, with New Jersey among the organization’s earliest members.
Nearly 100 years later, Rutgers Cooperative Extension remains one of the university’s most visible public engagement programs, connecting New Jersey residents with the latest research and practical solutions through county offices, faculty, staff, and volunteers statewide.
The national recognition of the 1929 charter materials serves as a reminder that today’s Extension professionals build upon a legacy established by generations of educators dedicated to improving the lives of New Jersey residents through science-based outreach.
The award also underscores the importance of preserving the history of Rutgers Cooperative Extension and the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, ensuring that the contributions of the state’s earliest Extension leaders continue to be recognized by future generations.
