Historic Happenings Blog

Wednesday, February 5 – Passaic County Black History Exhibit Explores the Achievements of Patersonians     The Paterson Museum is excited to announce the opening of its newest changing exhibit,  “Thus Shall They Upward, Onward Press: An Exploration of the History of African Americans in Paterson from 1600-Present .”     Installed in honor of Black History Month, the exhibit is a survey of the accomplishments of many of Paterson’s African American citizens. The exhibit will feature some familiar citizens, such as Larry Doby,  but visitors will also learn about some individuals like Dr. Norman Cotton , Minerva Miller and Henry Otis Harris who also made an impact on our community. The exhibit will be in place from Wednesday, February 5 th  through Saturday, March 28 th  in the Hannah Memorial Gallery. Please join us at the Museum on Saturday, February 8 th  from 1pm-3pm for the opening reception.  The program will be led...

Saturday, February 29 – Passaic County Free Historical Program in The honor of Black History Month      Join us on Saturday, February 29 th  at 1pm at the Paterson Museum as we welcome Public Historian Sue Kozel. A researcher whose area of study focuses on the areas of power and equality, Kozel will present Why Wench Betty’s Story Matters: The Murder of an NJ Slave in 1784. Learn about Betty, her murder and the court proceedings that followed. How does her story fit into the larger picture of slavery in New Jersey in the 1780s? What can it tell us about the life of America’s enslaved populations? This program is free and open to the public. This program is funded by the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, an independent non-profit and state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities.     The program will take place at the Paterson Museum, located at 2 Market Street (on the corner of Market and Spruce Streets) in the hea...

Friday - Saturday, May 10 -  11  - Paterson, Passaic County Golden Spike Ceremony 150 Anniversary Celebration at the Paterson Museum Join the staff of the Paterson Museum on Friday and Saturday to commemorate the Golden Spike Ceremony of 1869. The Paterson Museum is located at 2 Market Street, just around the corner and within walking distance of Great Falls National Historical Park. On Saturday, starting at 6:30 pm, there will be a fundraiser party, with a showing of the "The Great Train Robbery," along with souvenir photos and prizes. On Sunday, from 12:30 - 4:30 pm, you will find information tables, model trains, and souvenir photos.  For more information, call 973-321-1260 or visit  https://patersonmuseum.com .