Governor Murphy Hosts Reception for Press Batallion!
Governor Phil Murphy Hosts Holiday Reception at Drumthwacket Highlighting Year-End Community Engagement!
Drumthwacket, Princeton, NJ.- By Valesca Ricardo
New Jersey’s annual holiday tradition took center stage as Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy hosted a festive reception at Drumthwacket, the governor’s official residence. The white painted mansion was built on land that witnessed the 1777 Princeton battle of the American Revolution for Independence from England.
This mansion has long been a venue for events that foster civic connection and public engagement. It is emblazoned with richly paneled rooms, coffered ceilings, leaded-glass windows, and extensive bookshelves. It reflects Drumthwacket’s long-standing role as a place of public service and tradition. And also provided a warm and elegant backdrop for the press corps invitation only event.
Members of the Hispanic press pose with Phil Murphy, Governor of New Jersey and First Lady Tammy Murphy. Photo by the Governor’s Office.
(L-r) Photo by the NJ Governor’s Office: Emy Quispe, Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff; Alejandro Román (Metro News); Valesca Ricardo (Tayakán); Laura Mora (Quadratín Hispano); Roxana Cedeño (Poder Hispano); Leo Espinoza (Quadratín Hispano); Antonio Ibarría (El Especialito); Silvia Vela (Quadratín Hispano); First Lady Tammy Murphy, New Jersey Governor, Phil D.Murphy; Carol Cuadrado (Americano Newspaper) Juan González (Mexico Latino Magazine); Oscar Alberto Quintana (Americano Newspaper); Any oliva (Mexico Latino Magazine); Diego Muñoz (Latino Street News); Orlando Jeréz (Latino Street News); Ana Patricia Candiani (Univision); Blanca Rosa Vílchez (Univisión); Mirian Bustamante (Latino Street News) and Manuel E. Avendaño (Nuestra Gente Digital).
Seasonal décor complemented the historic interiors, with Christmas trees adorned in classic ornaments, evergreen garlands, wreaths, and floral arrangements thoughtfully placed throughout the space.
Governor Murphy has previously emphasized the importance of Drumthwacket as a “unifying space”. First Lady Tammy Murphy highlighted the significance of welcoming residents into what is often referred to as the “People’s House,” reinforcing the administration’s focus on accessibility and inclusion.
Beyond formal receptions such as this one, the Murphy administration has continued its tradition of welcoming the public through The Holidays at Drumthwacket, a series of seasonal open-house tours that showcase the residence decorated for the holidays. These tours often feature contributions led by the Drumthwacket Foundation, garden clubs across the state and ornaments created by schoolchildren, highlighting both community participation and New Jersey’s cultural heritage.
The holiday reception marked one of several year-end gatherings hosted by the Murphy administration, underscoring a continued commitment to dialogue, connection, and civic engagement as New Jersey prepares to enter the new year.
