The Paterson Museum
Paterson Museum is a museum in Paterson, New Jersey, USA. Founded in 1925, it is owned and run by the city of Paterson and its mission is to preserve and display the industrial history of Paterson. This was its website in the early 2000's.
The best way to get current information regarding the library is by going to their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ThePatersonMuseum/
OR go to: http://www.patersonnj.gov/department/index.php?structureid=16 which is the City of Paterson website
The content below is from the site's archived pages as well as other outside sources.
2 Market Street
Paterson, New Jersey
(973) 321-1260
Visiting Hours
Tuesday through Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Closed Mondays and Holidays
Guided Tours
The Museum offers guided tours for School and community groups by appointment. Please call for further information about program details or to make a group tour reservation.
Admission
Suggested donation of $2.00 for adults; Children under 18 free.
The Paterson Museum -
Paterson Museum – Thomas Rogers Building, 2 Market Street, Paterson – Owned and maintained by the City of Paterson, the Museum was organized in 1925. Its first exhibit, displayed in the assembly room of the Danforth Public Library, consisted of natural history objects donated by local residents.
Two years later, the growing collection was moved to the adjacent carriage house of former Mayor Nathan Barnert, and within a few years, its mineral collection was one of the largest in New Jersey. The museum was relocated to the restored Thomas Rogers Locomotive Erecting Shop in 1982, giving visitors the opportunity of viewing a variety of artifacts and exhibits which help tell the industrial history of Paterson.
…From its inception, the Paterson Museum has stressed the educational aspects of it’s interpretive exhibits. A major strength of the museum lies in its varied collections, including local archaeology, history, and mineralogy. Paterson has been a birthplace and springboard to many innovators and inventors. The museum relates to the history of Paterson by showing its evolution as a machinery and textile center, the “Silk City,” locomotive manufacturing, Colt arms, and the unique Holland submarines.
Visitors will enjoy looking over the dyeing, winding, warping, weaving and Jacquard loom products that gave Paterson its worldwide reputation in silk and textiles.
REVIEWS
2016 Yelp Reviews
Cynthia A
NYC, NY
“Fascinating.”
**** September 03, 2016
Took my kids and their grandparents to the museum just before school began this year. Everyone enjoyed the visit. My father could remember when he visited the museum as a young boy which really impressed my kids. My mother mused when looking at the textiles what a shame that just about the entire textile industry has moved overseas to India, Pakistan, Korea, and China. She was a textile designer for a number of years. My oldest daughter commented that the manufacturing of textiles with their dying and use of other chemicals were probably terrible for the environment back then, which is mostly likely quite true. When we arrived home, several carpets that I had sent out for cleaning arrived. My youngest pipped up when she saw the cleaned rugs, I hope They are using organic rug shampoo and not nasty chemicals like at the museum. I assured her that the company I hired was an experienced local rug cleaner NYC that offers an organic option which I had requested and she shouldn't be concerned. And by thr way, the museum is worth a day trip if you live close by.
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Ginny P
Somerset, New Jersey
“A step back in the past.”
**** July 20, 2016
Having been raised in New Jersey, my husband and I decided to go here and see what could possibly be here. To our surprise this place was a delight and it should be a great place to take the kids to learn a little bit about the area.
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Lorena A
“Nice place”
**** bubblesReviewed June 28, 2016
One of the nice things about Silk city is the history behind the town. Is good to see the good side of Paterson.
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Katie D
“A MUST-SEE in Paterson!”
***** June 14, 2016
We LOVED this museum! It was filled to the rooftop with interesting histories and tidbits about the town and the people from it! We spent a good two hours there at least, and LOVED every minute of it! The one down side of the place, is that there's no gift/souvenir shop.
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Monalisarr
“Best museum”
***** June 12, 2016
This is one and the only Museum in Paterson NJ lived here all my life took my children when they were little and now I'm taking my grandchildren so they can learn the heritage of the museum and look at all the beautiful things they have displayed we love it
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RfoxtrotMike
Shreveport, Louisiana
“Immigration patterns and role of shipping companies in recruiting skilled workers from old world.”
**** May 21, 2016
A great insight to how textile depts. were organized , often by language spoken and how shipping companies recruited from N Italy and Germany skilled workers for the Silk City and how Haledon was founded by some of these. Paterson the first planned industrial city in the USA explained. Other industries fro locomotives to Colt revolvers exhibitions
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ross5100
Florida
“Interesting exhibits”
***** May 12, 2016
I visited here today. The parking lot was full although I was the only person there, but I parked at the Falls up the street as I was also stopping there. The museum does a good job of having exhibits highlighting the history of Paterson. It is well worth a trip.
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Nick M
Flanders, New Jersey
“The Paterson Museum”
**** March 3, 2016
If your interested in our nation's industrial revolution or a 1881 submarine, Colt pistols or Lou Costello then you should visit this museum. Less than a minute to the Great Falls of Paterson and historic Hinchliffe Stadium.
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Dashon D-Block E
“Edication”
***** December 30, 2015
The museum is cool you get to see the diesel power machine like the old trains and engines from back in the days and all items are in great condition. Three floor of history, great guides, with vast knowledge of the museum.
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robcurtross
New York City, New York
“Excellent local museum”
**** December 12, 2015
This museum is near the Great Falls of the Passaic and has a number of great names: Colt, Holland, Costello -- and great exhibits about the history of the area. The museum has some notable old-found items. It has a range of old guns, Native American artifacts, to gem stones and old locomotives.
If you have any interest in the industrial history of America, this is an essential stop, great natural beauty and great history.
More Background on ThePatersonMuseum.com
The Paterson Museum: Preserving the Industrial Legacy of America's First Planned Industrial City
A Rich History
The Paterson Museum, located in Paterson, New Jersey, stands as a testament to the city's pivotal role in America's industrial revolution. Founded in 1925, the museum has been dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich industrial heritage of Paterson for nearly a century. Paterson holds the distinction of being America's first planned industrial city, conceived by Alexander Hamilton in 1792 as part of his vision to establish the United States as an industrial power. The city quickly became a hub of innovation and manufacturing, earning the nickname "Silk City" for its prominent textile industry. The museum's journey began modestly in the assembly room of the Danforth Public Library, displaying natural history objects donated by local residents. As its collections grew, it moved to the carriage house of former Paterson mayor Nathan Barnert in 1927. The museum found its current home in 1982 when it relocated to the restored Thomas Rogers Locomotive Erecting Shop, a fitting location that embodies the industrial spirit the museum seeks to preserve.
Exhibits and Collections
The Paterson Museum boasts a diverse array of exhibits that chronicle the city's industrial evolution and its impact on American history. Visitors can explore a wide range of artifacts and displays that bring Paterson's past to life. One of the museum's most notable exhibits is the Fenian Ram, a submarine designed by John Philip Holland for the Fenian Brotherhood. This unique piece of maritime history showcases Paterson's contribution to naval engineering and innovation. The museum also houses an impressive collection of early Colt firearms, highlighting Paterson's role in the development of American weaponry. Samuel Colt, the renowned inventor, perfected his repeating cylinder revolver in Paterson, making it an integral part of the city's industrial legacy. Textile enthusiasts will appreciate the museum's extensive display of industrial equipment from Paterson's once-thriving silk-weaving factories. Visitors can examine automated looms and other machinery that played a crucial role in establishing Paterson as the "Silk City". The museum's commitment to preserving local history extends to its collection of Native American artifacts, providing insight into the region's pre-industrial past. Additionally, the museum features a fascinating array of minerals, reflecting Paterson's geological significance.
Cultural and Social Significance
The Paterson Museum serves as more than just a repository of artifacts; it is a vital cultural institution that connects the community to its roots and fosters an understanding of the city's historical importance. The museum's exhibits and programs highlight the contributions of diverse groups to Paterson's industrial growth, including immigrants who brought their skills and cultures to the city. This focus on inclusivity helps visitors appreciate the multicultural tapestry that has shaped Paterson's identity. By showcasing the city's role in the industrial revolution, the museum helps visitors understand how Paterson's innovations and manufacturing prowess contributed to the broader narrative of American progress. The museum's exhibits on textile production, locomotive manufacturing, and submarine development illustrate the far-reaching impact of Paterson's industrial heritage. The museum also plays a crucial role in education, offering guided tours for school and community groups. These educational programs help younger generations connect with their local history and understand the importance of industrial heritage in shaping modern society.
Visitor Experience
The Paterson Museum offers a captivating experience for visitors of all ages. Located in the heart of the Great Falls Historic District, the museum provides a perfect starting point for exploring Paterson's industrial landscape. Visitors can expect to spend several hours exploring the museum's diverse exhibits. The museum's layout allows for a chronological journey through Paterson's industrial evolution, from its early days as a planned city to its heyday as a manufacturing powerhouse. Many visitors are particularly impressed by the museum's collection of vintage machinery and industrial equipment. The opportunity to see these massive machines up close provides a tangible connection to the past and helps visitors appreciate the scale of Paterson's industrial operations. The museum's location in the former Thomas Rogers Locomotive Erecting Shop adds an extra layer of authenticity to the experience. The building itself serves as an exhibit, allowing visitors to imagine the bustling activity that once filled this industrial space.
Reviews and Reception
The Paterson Museum has garnered positive reviews from visitors who appreciate its comprehensive coverage of local history and industrial heritage. Many reviewers highlight the museum's ability to bring Paterson's past to life through its diverse exhibits and artifacts. Visitors often express surprise at the breadth of the museum's collections, noting that there is much more to see than they initially expected. The museum's focus on Paterson's role in various industries, from textiles to firearms to submarines, is frequently praised for providing a well-rounded view of the city's historical significance. Many reviewers appreciate the museum's educational value, particularly for school groups and families. The hands-on exhibits and informative displays are often cited as effective tools for engaging younger visitors and sparking their interest in history. Some visitors have noted that while the museum is rich in content, it could benefit from updated presentation methods and interactive elements to enhance the overall experience. However, the authenticity and historical value of the exhibits are consistently praised.
Recent Developments and Future Plans
In recent years, the Paterson Museum has been working to expand its reach and relevance. The museum has been actively involved in community partnerships and special exhibitions to engage a broader audience and highlight different aspects of Paterson's history. One notable initiative is the museum's collaboration with local artists and cultural organizations to create temporary exhibits that explore Paterson's diverse heritage. These exhibits help to keep the museum's offerings fresh and attract repeat visitors. The museum has also been leveraging technology to enhance its educational programs. Virtual tours and online resources have been developed to make the museum's collections more accessible to a wider audience, particularly in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Looking to the future, the Paterson Museum is exploring ways to further integrate with the city's revitalization efforts. Plans are being discussed to create stronger connections between the museum and other historical sites in Paterson, such as the Great Falls National Historical Park, to provide visitors with a more comprehensive experience of the city's industrial heritage.The Paterson Museum stands as a vital institution preserving the industrial legacy of one of America's most historically significant cities. Through its diverse exhibits, educational programs, and community engagement, the museum continues to play a crucial role in connecting visitors to Paterson's rich past and inspiring reflection on the impact of industrialization on American society. As Paterson looks towards the future, the museum remains an essential link to the city's industrial roots, ensuring that the innovations, struggles, and achievements of past generations are not forgotten. For anyone interested in American industrial history, the Paterson Museum offers an unparalleled glimpse into the forces that shaped a nation and continue to influence our world today.
