Nutley
Historical Society and Museum
65 Church
Street, Nutley N.J. 07110
973-667-1528
A not-for-profit organization
dedicated
to serve the educational, cultural
and historical needs of our
community.
Make 2018 Your Year to Get Involved with the Nutley Historical Society
By Barry Lenson
A
If so, we have a suggestion for you. Why not make 2018 the year to get more involved with the Nutley Museum and Historical Society?
The Society offers great resources for you and your family – and all you need to do is to attend some of the events that are held at the Nutley Museum, which is located at 65 Church Street, a short stroll up the hill from Franklin Avenue.
• When and Where Was the Nutley Historical Society Founded?
It happened back in 1945, when a group of forward-thinking citizens established a society to preserve our town’s history. They were motivated, in part, because the Park Street School, a brick school house that was built back in 1875, wasn’t being used for too much. The society decided to use that school as a town museum – and 72 years later, the Nutley Museum is still here to enjoy.
• What’s in the Nutley Museum?
The Nutley Museum houses an extensive collection of objects, artworks and documents from Nutley history. You’ll find one of America’s most important collection of items owned by Annie Oakley, the famous sharpshooter who moved to Nutley in 1892 and stayed for more than a decade. There are also artworks on display that were created by Reginald Marsh, Arthur Hoeber, Gary T. Erbe and other great painters who lived and live in Nutley.
There are displays on the history of Nutley sports, businesses, Police and Fire Departments, and more. Plus, special exhibitions are held throughout the year.
• When Can You Visit the Nutley Museum?
The easiest way to visit is to attend one of the family events that are held throughout the year. There’s an Ice Cream Social in the spring, a Pumpkin Festival in the fall, and a Christmas Party in December, complete with carol singing and a beautiful tree to admire. There are also lectures, historical exhibitions and more. You can also call 973-667-1528 to arrange a private visit and tour.
• What about School Groups?
The Historical Society enthusiastically invites students and teachers from Nutley schools to visit and learn about Nutley history! Call 973-667-1528.
• How Can You Join and Get Involved?
Click the “Join Now” tab on the Nutley Historical Society’s website. Student memberships cost $5.00, family memberships are $25.00, and there are other levels. As a member, you will receive advance email notifications of upcoming events and other benefits.
• Can You Rent the First Floor of the Nutley Museum for Parties and Events?
Yes, you can. The beautiful downstairs room in the Museum, complete with kitchen, is one of the most popular and affordable rental spaces in town. Call 973-667-1528 to learn more.
• The Nutley Historical Society Is Your Place to . . .
Connect with other town history buffs . . . research your town, ancestors, and home . . . enjoy special lectures and events . . . and feel just plain good about living in Nutley!
See you there!
Schedule a Tour or Event at the Nutley Museum
For school groups and private museum tours, please call Kerry Flynn, caretaker, at 973-667-1528, or Suzanne Hagert at 973-667-4270. The Nutley Historical Society is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to serve the educational, cultural, and historical needs of our community.
Adapted from Nutley Neighbors; Best Version Media
A community magazine serving the residents of Nutley, N.J.
Member Benefit
Call Kerry Flynn, caretaker, to rent the hall, 973-667-1528
PLEASE CALL AND LEAVE A MESSAGE BEFORE YOU EMAIL FOR RENTAL AVAILABILITY INFO - Thanks
Approximate opposing views of historic first floor hall (Annual Christmas Party)
More information on the Nutley Museum, and meeting room rental with photos.
Mark Your Calendar
October 7, 2018 - Fall Pumpkin Festival - 2 p.m.
December 6, 2018 - Annual Christmas Party - 7 p.m.
For school groups and private museum tours, please contact Suzanne Hagert 973-667-4270
Nutley Historical Society
Now is a great time to join or renew your Nutley Historical Society membership.
Thanks to all our members who supported the Nutley Historical Society’s events and activities.
Nutley Historical Society
A not-for-profit organization dedicated to serve the educational, cultural and historical needs of our community.
65 Church
Street, Nutley N.J. 07110
973-667-1528
Copyright & Reprint Information
Contact Room Rental, via phone, not email, Call 973-667-1528
|
Official
Web Site |
Follow/Like Us on Facebook
Check-in When You Visit
New Jersey Author Michael Gabriele will
mark the 85th anniversary of the opening of the legendary Nutley Velodrome
Eighty-five years ago, the world’s top professional bike riders came to Nutley to compete at the legendary Nutley Velodrome. The cycling track opened on Sunday, June 4, 1933, before a standing-room-only crowd of 12,000 cycling fans. The velodrome was located on Park Avenue, occupying an area where the present-day Little League field and the township’s Parks and Public Properties building sits.
Joseph Miele, an entrepreneur from East Orange, stepped forward to fill the void left by the Newark Velodrome, which closed on Sept. 21, 1930. Professional cycling, a popular spectator sport in Newark for more than 40 years, saw its fan base sharply decline during the late 1920s. Miele thought a new velodrome in Nutley could rejuvenate the bike game.
U.S. Olympian Victor Hopkins made his debut at the track on June 7, 1933—the first Wednesday night race at the velodrome, which drew over 7,000 fans. International sprint champion and Newark native Bill Honeman, wearing his eye-catching “Stars and Stripes” racing outfit, made his first appearance at the Nutley track on June 14, 1933, winning the one-mile pro race.
The velodrome enjoyed success during its first two seasons, but by 1935 the fan base declined, much like it did at the Newark track. On Sept. 15, 1940 the Nutley Velodrome closed its gates for the last time. The golden era of U.S. velodrome cycling came to an end and the track was demolished in February 1942.
Gabriele is a member of the executive board of the Nutley Historical Society. In 2011, he wrote a book titled “The Golden Age of Bicycle Racing in New Jersey,” published by The History Press, which detailed the history of professional bicycle racing in the Garden State. His book will be available for sale following the program.
A Walk in the Park 2018
The “A
Walk in the Park” tour is sponsored by the Nutley Historical
Society. It has been held at the end of May 28. Led by
Nutley Museum director John Simko, the walking tour begins at the Mud Hole
(near the intersection of Passaic and Vreeland avenues) and travels
along the Third River.
Simko explained the river’s role in Nutley history as a source for early industry, as inspiration for world-class artists, as a symbol of civic pride, as an important boundary marker, and as a fitting memorial to our war veterans.
The tour visited the sites of three former mills, tour the pre-Revolutionary War Van Giesen homestead, find out why the Third River splits in two, where Simko recounted the beginnings of our hundred-year-old Carnegie Library and even older Town Hall, and then a walk through one of Nutley’s oldest cemeteries.
“A Walk in the Park” ended inside Nutley’s first brick schoolhouse (now the Nutley Historical Society and Museum) where refreshments were served and the museum was open and tour-related objects from our archives are on display.
The 'Walk in the Park' ends at the Nutley Museum
See videos below of earlier walking tours
Nutley History
Sharpshooter Annie Oakley Lived in Nutley, New Jersey Public Library Centennial Celebration.
A Walk in the Park: Historic Nutley Walking Tour at Memorial Park with John Simko
May 28, 2017
More than two dozen locals brushed up Nutley history with “A Walk in the Park,” hosted by Nutley Museum Director, John Simko.
The walking tour stepped off on Sunday, May 28, 2017, at the Mud Hole (near the intersection of Passaic and Vreeland Avenues) and traveled along the Third River.
Mr. Simko talked about the river’s role in Nutley history as a source for early industry, as an inspiration for world-class artists, as a symbol of civic pride, as an important boundary marker, and as a fitting memorial to our war veterans.
The tour visited the sites of three former mills as well as the pre-Revolutionary Van Giesen homestead. Those on the tour learned why the Third River splits in two, about the beginnings of our hundred-year-old Carnegie Library and even older Town Hall, and walked through one of Nutley’s oldest cemeteries.
The tour concluded inside an 1875 brick schoolhouse (now the Nutley Historical Society and Museum). The museum was open for browsing, and tour-related museum objects were on display.
The real story of the Vreeland Manor is just one stop on the historic tour of Nutley led by NHS trustee John Simko. See Nutley Videos at right.
Army Anti-Aircraft Base in Nutley
Discussion and Video Debut
Nutley
Historical Society encore discussion and new video
detailing the History of US Army "Camp Nutley," officially known as
Battery A of the 98th AAA Air Defense Battalion.
Read all about Camp Nutley and see the video: Camp Nutley, Battery A, 98th AAA Gun Battalion: I Was There
US Army 'Camp Nutley' aka Battery A of the 98th AAA Air Defense Battalion
Did you, or someone you know anyone who served in Nutley at Battery A of the 98th AAA Air Defense Battalion from 1952 to 1957?
The Nutley History Society is seeking former members and artifacts of this chunk of Nutley history in protecting the free world.
Share your story and preserve our history by sharing your tales of serving at the camp. Please call us at 973-667-1528 and leave your contact information.
The camp was located on the south side of Park Avenue near Route 21 where the ball fields, tennis courts and hockey rink stand today. Its four 90 MM radar controlled guns were assigned to defend the George Washington Bridge, just 11 miles away, from Soviet bomber attack.
AA
shirt donated to the Nutley Museum by
Know Your Town, Nutley: Early History
By Jesse K. Bartel
The natural wilderness which was once Nutley was first disturbed by the tread of the Lenape Indians on their eastward migration from the west of the Mississippi...
Washington School fourth grade students recently toured Nutley Museum, Franklin Reformed Church and Cemetery.
Our trustees and docents continue to itemize, catalog and preserve as much Nutley history as we can.
If you have an item tied to our town's history, please consider donating it to the Nutley Museum.
Give us a call 973-667-1528, or email us to get together.
Celebrating Guthrie's Ice Cream
When Nutley Was a Golfer's Heaven
Courtesy of
Nutley Neighbors, a
Nutley Videos
Nutley Historical Society
John Simko, Museum Director
Walk In the Park
2017
Walk in the Park 4:32
Walk in the Park 4:23
Walk in the Park :57
Schools 1:01
Schools 1:51
Womens Club 6:24
Womens Club 1:21
John Simko at the Mud Hole (2012)
The Longest Three Hours in Nutley History
Two Policemen Pulled from River, Town Worker Dies, in Effort to Save Boy from Flooded Third River
Historical Society Supports Performing Arts' Annie Get Your Gun
NUTLEY Yesterday - Today - Ann Troy & Vivian Noyes Fikus
Where all great study of Nutley history begins
Hardcover keepsake
LOST AND FOUND: Beautiful Buildings
That Once Graced Nutley
“Lost and Found: Beautiful Buildings That Once Graced Nutley” curated by Art Director Barry Lenson of the Nutley Historical Society. It was on view at the library July-September 2014, as part of the Nutley
Links subject to change
Vreeland Homestead
The Vreeland House recently changed hands in May 2012, when the Junior Woman's Club of Nutley turned over the property to the township of Nutley, N.J. The town placed oversight of the 200-plus year-old house in the hands of the Nutley Historical Society.
Read about the Vreeland Homestead
Guest speakers included Anthony Bowens AKA "Vigilante" who wrestled his first match on April 13, 2013, in his hometown of Nutley and who later went on to win his first title on April 12, 2014, Sal Scarpa, brother of Joe AKA Chief Jay Strongbow, who brought lots of memorabilia.
March 26, 2016
Nutley Museum Director John Simko looks back at the Nutley Amateur Circus, a colorful fundraiser to help those in need more than 100 years ago. Although this event took place in 1894, it inspired a local mural competition unveiled in 2016 and installed at John Walker Middle School.
Fall Pumpkin Festival
October 15, 2017
The Nutley Historical Society thanks the Nutley High School Key Club students who wonderfully volunteered to help with our Pumpkin Festival.
Nutley High School Performing Arts Presents Annie Get Your Gun
Nutley High School, Nutley, NJ—Nutley High School Performing Arts presented three performances of Annie Get Your Gun at Nutley High School in March 2017.
Also of Interest in Nutley, N.J.
Nutley Historic Preservation Committee
Web site
development & maintenance
provided at no cost to Nutley Historical
Society,
sponsored by:
Links are subject to change
Contact Room Rental, via phone only, not email, Call 973-667-1528
Benefits of Nutley Historic
As a member, you and your family are welcome to participate in any or all of our upcoming events. Nutley Historical Society members have the benefit of renting our meeting room at the museum at a reduced rate.
When you join or renew your membership, the Nutley Historical Society will be able to continue and expand our work to bring you interesting, informational and fun programs throughout the year. By making our history available and known to those who visit the museum, we continue to move forward by knowing about and appreciating our past. We can only accomplish this with your help.
Email Contact - Nutley Historical Society
Room Rental, Call 973-667-1528
The Nutley Historical Society is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to serve the educational, cultural and historical needs of our community.
65 Church
Street, Nutley N.J. 07110
973-667-1528
Copyright © 2005-2018, Nutley historical Society
Links subject to change.