Paterson Museum

Upcoming Events 2023

April 1 – June 24

Exhibition:

Paterson’s Poets: Voices from the Silk City Since its founding in 1792, Paterson has been home to many poets. Still more have visited Paterson and been enthused by the beauty of the Great Falls or the ingenuity of the city’s residents. This exhibit celebrates and honors the poets who were not only inspired by Paterson, but became a part of our community, whether they lived, worked or played here.

May 20

Lecture:

Made in Paterson: The Life and Legacy of U.S. Senator William Hughes. Join local historian Daniel J. Willever as he discusses his new book, Made in Paterson, exploring the life and legacy of U.S. Senator William Hughes, a frequently overlooked yet influential figure of Paterson’s history. Willever’s research interweaves Hughes’s life with aspects of Paterson’s unique local history, tracing his origins in the local labor movement, legal studies, time as a soldier, and his work defending striking silkweavers from prosecution. In addition to highlights from the book, the talk will feature a display of artifacts from Hughes’s life and career. Copies of Made in Paterson will be available for purchase and signing. Join us in-person at 1pm.

May 25

Program:

Power of Words: Paterson Poetry Past and Present. Join Word Seed Inc. and the Paterson Museum for Power of Words, a Paterson poetry experience. Beginning at 6:30pm, the evening will include featured poets and open mic opportunities.

June 22

Program:

Power of Words: Paterson Poetry Past and Present. Join Word Seed Inc. and the Paterson Museum for Power of Words, a Paterson poetry experience. Beginning at 6:30pm, the evening will include featured poets and open mic opportunities.

July 8 – Sept 23

Exhibition:

Order’s Up! Paterson and the Rise of the New Jersey Diner: This exhibit will focus on Paterson’s contributions to the Diner industry, including information about the Paterson Vehicle company, Libby’s Lunch and other Paterson eateries past and present.

July 8

Reception:

Order’s Up! Paterson and the Rise of the New Jersey Diner: Join us at the Museum from 1pm to 3pm as we open our newest exhibition. Speakers include Giacomo DeStefano, Museum Director and author Michael Gabriele.

July 27

Program:

Power of Words: Paterson Poetry Past and Present. Join Word Seed Inc. and the Paterson Museum for Power of Words, a Paterson poetry experience. Beginning at 6:30pm, the evening will include featured poets and open mic opportunities.

August 5

Program:

A Roadmap to the Diner Capital of the World with New Jersey author Michael Gabriele. Join us in-person at 1pm. This presentation will describe how diners have played an important role in New Jersey’s history as gathering places for communities. Diner experiences—good food, slice-of-life encounters with friends and strangers, and the memories they inspire—have reflected the state’s spirit, culture and mythology for more than 100 years.

September 22-23

Program:

ATC Studios’ Shakespeare on Site presents The (Mini) Life of Henry V Do you like action? Swordfights? Drama? Suspense? The Paterson Museum will host ATC Studios’ Shakespeare on Site for three performances of The (Mini) Life of Henry V. The debut performance will take place at 7pm on Friday, September 22nd, inside the Museum. On Saturday, September 23rd, there will be two open air performance in front of the museum at 12:30pm and 3pm. All performances are free of charge, donations gratefully accepted. All are welcome to join us at the Museum for this great introduction to Shakespeare. For more information, contact ATC Studios at (862)243-2827. Click here to learn more.