Ann A. Troy

She was principal at the Park Street School from 1919 to 1934, when she was named  principal of Washington School where she stayed until her retirement in 1952.

In 1931, Troy was elected president of N.J. State Elementary School Principals Association. She was the first woman ever to achieve such a post.

She spent many years improving the quality of life in Nutley. As town historian, Troy was often asked to conduct genealogical research for some of the prominent residents of Nutley.

Always an avid student of history, Troy was one of the founders of the Nutley Historical Society in 1945. She was an essential part in creating a museum in which to collect and preserve genetic information, historical objects, museum materials, copies of local and private papers. She served as museum director from 1954 to 1972.

Ann Troy was the editor of “Nutley Yesterday-Today” which chronicles the history of the township and many of its families with many essays written from first-hand experience of the authors. The hardcover book was published by the Nutley Historical Society in 1961.

In 1979, Troy was injured after falling in front of the Nutley post office.

In 1980, the museum was named the Ann A. Troy Gallery in appreciation of Miss Troy’s longtime dedication as museum director for the preservation and dissemination of Nutley’s History.

Ann Troy died at age 93 at Hartwick Nursing Home in Plainfield, N.J.

Troy’s life serves as a model today. For more than half a century, Ann Troy dedicated her time and effort to Nutley and her citizens. Her vigor for education, history and the advancement of the community continues to be an example for all Nutley citizens.

Sources: Nutley Historical Society; Nutley Elementary School research project; Nutley Free Public Library Archives; Donna DiLauro, Nutley Journal.