South Middlesex Times

The Red Mill Museum Village in Clinton, New Jersey, is a well-known landmark, frequently featured on various memorabilia and even the body of a United Airlines Boeing 757. The historic site, part of a 10-acre complex, is managed by Gina Sampaio, an alumna of Rutgers University.

Sampaio has been at the helm since November 2023 and is one of only two full-time staff members at the museum. Her responsibilities range from administrative tasks to hands-on involvement in tours and exhibits. "I’m writing the grants. I’m plunging the toilet," she explained about her multifaceted role. Like many small museums, funding remains a challenge.

A native of Hunterdon County, Sampaio's connection with local history runs deep. She started as a part-time tour guide at the museum over ten years ago and later took on roles that included curating historical narratives and organizing educational tours for school children.

Her work was recognized by the New Jersey Historical Commission during her tenure at Lebanon Township Museum for uncovering stories related to Native American students from Carlisle Indian Industrial School who were relocated to Hunterdon County.

Sampaio credits her interest in history to an assignment from Michael Rockland, her professor at Rutgers. This experience shaped her approach to storytelling at the museum, focusing on personal stories rather than grand historical narratives.

Under Sampaio’s leadership, new initiatives have been introduced to modernize visitor experiences. Collaborations like one with Bloomberg Connects offer interactive storytelling through apps. The STEAM Engine Project encourages visitors to engage with simple machines found throughout the mill.

Despite these innovations, restoring and maintaining the site requires significant financial resources. Events such as Haunted Mill and Winter Village are crucial for fundraising efforts needed for ongoing restoration projects.

"History doesn’t change," Sampaio noted. "However, the stories we tell can change." Her goal is not just preservation but bringing history alive through authentic narratives.

For those interested in supporting this endeavor, donations can be made through their website.