Nutley Historical Society and Museum, Nutley, New JerseyNutley 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.

Mark Your Calendar

December 5, 2019 – 7 p.m., Annual Christmas Party

December 7, 2019 – 9:30 a.m., Saturday Morning Movies at the Museum

Events are held at the Nutley Museum, 65 Church Street, Nutley, unless otherwise noted.

Nutley Historical Society sponsored events are free and open to the public, unless oherwise noted.

Click here for hall rental information

Nutley news and historical archives

Annual Christmas Party

December 5, 2019

A Saturday Morning Movies at the Museum

9:30 a.m., Saturday, December 7, 2019

This showing marks the third installment of The Gary and Zeny Erbe Old-Time Film Festival, a film series that will be held at the Nutley Museum. All events will feature films that were donated to the Nutley Museum by Nutley residents Gary and Zeny Erbe. Gary Erbe, a world-renowned painter who lives in Nutley, collected the antique films that will be shown and had them transferred to DVDs.

Free and open to the public.

Nutley Historical Society mourns
loss of trustee Michael Slomkowski

The board and members of the Nutley Historical Society are saddened to report the passing of long-time member and trustee Michael T. Slomkowski, 71, at his home on Tuesday, October 8, 2019.

Michael T. Slomkowski, long-term Nutley Historical Societ trusteeMike was a familiar face at NHS functions where he served as Hospitality Director, always making sure the coffee was ready, the milk was cold, and the snacks in perfect order as he welcomed everyone with his super wide grin and warm personality. His presence and support of NHS will be missed and we recall his long-term commitment to the history of Nutley.

Born in Jersey City, Michael  moved to Nutley 57 years ago, where high school brought him together with his future wife of 49 years Eleanor Stager. Michael was a graduate of Bloomfield College and a proud U.S. Army Viet Nam Veteran. Prior to his retirement, he worked as an account manager for ADP in Florham Park, previously working for Hoffmann-LaRoche in Nutley. He also served as a board member of the Nutley Historical Society.

Michael is survived by his daughters, Jill Loguidice and her husband, Bobby, Lori Fiordilino and her husband, Salvatore, and Robin Engel and her husband, Tom; 3 brothers, Charles Slomkowski, Henry Slomkowski, and James Ginter; and 5 grandchildren, Alec, Ava, Evan, Liam, and Braden. He was predeceased by his sister, Patricia Slomkowski.

The funeral service will be held at the S.W. Brown & Son Funeral Home, (www.swbrownandson.com), 267 Centre St., Nutley on Friday, October 11, 2019 at 10:30 am. The entombment will follow at Glendale Cemetery in Bloomfield. Visitors will be received at the funeral home on Thursday from 4 pm to 8 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Grace Hospice,105 Fieldcrest Avenue Suite 402 Edison, NJ 08837 or EPIC School at epicschool.org would be appreciated.

Nutley Historical Society photo exhibit open to the public

Lost and Found Nutley: The Forgotten Photographs of Nathaniel Frederick Carryl

N. F. Carryl - John Demmer CollectionNineteenth-century glass-plate negatives, rescued from a Newark second-hand shop a half century ago, have been brought to light in this unique exhibit. N. F. Carryl’s intimate and beautiful turn-of-the-century portraits of Nutley focus on the Kingsland farm and its extended family.

The exhibit will be open Tuesday evenings, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., from September 17 to October 15.

Exhibit closes on Saturday, October 19 Noon to 5 p.m.; Gallery talk by Town Historian John Demmer at 1 p.m.

“Lost and Found Nutley,” a joint effort of the Nutley Historical Society and Town Historian John Demmer, is made possible through the generous support of Silas Mountsier.

Nutley Historical Society, 65 Church Street, Nutley, N.J.

The Nutley Historical Society presents

Lost and Found Nutley: The Forgotten Photographs of N. F. Carryl

September 15, 2019 – Exhibit opens -- Lost and Found Nutley: The Forgotten Photographs of N. F. Carryl. Gallery talk by Town Historian John Demmer.

Thanks to all who filled the Nutley Museum on Sunday afternoon to learn more about the Forgotten Photographs of Nathaniel Frederick Carryl.

Nutley Town Historian John Demmer detailed the long and nearly-lost history of the glass plate negatives left behind Carryl, a member of the Kingsland family.

More than thirty of the images have been printed in high resolution and are on display in the first floor gallery of the Nutley Museum. These prints, of the more than 130 glass plate negatives, tell a long forgotten story of a town called Franklin full of hay fields and corn fields, horses, barns and streams where children played more than a 120 years ago.

The exhibit will be open to the public on Tuesday evenings, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., from September 17, 2019 to October 15, 2019.

Demmer will reprise his historical talk of the history and life of the glass plate negatives at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 19.

Fall Pumpkin Festival, Nutley Museum, Nutley NJ

Fall Pumpkin Festival, October 20, 2019

Join us at the Nutley Museum for our Annual Fall Pumpkin Festival. 

Children will have the opportunity to use their creativity to paint a pumpkin and everyone gets to enjoy some light refreshments with family and friends. You will also have the opportunity to tour our expanded museum collection located on the second floor. This event is open to the public and free of charge to all those who attend. Donations are graciously accepted.

Nutley Museum, 65 Church Street, Nutley, NJ 07110

Rent the historic first floor of the Nutley Museum for your event

Call Kerry Flynn, caretaker to Rent the Hall: Call 973-667-1528

PLEASE CALL AND LEAVE A MESSAGE BEFORE YOU EMAIL FOR RENTAL AVAILABILITY INFO - Thanks

Seating for up to 70 people. Handicap accessible

Approximate opposing views of historic first floor hall (Annual Christmas Party)

Rent the historic first floor of the Nutley Museum for your event   Rent the historic first floor of the Nutley Museum for your event

More information on the Nutley Museum, and meeting room rental with photos.

Save time, download forms:

Hold Harmless Agreement

Rental Agreement

For Room Rental: Call 973-667-1528

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

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Also of Interest in Nutley, N.J.

Kingsland Manor

Van Riper Trust

Nutley Little Theatre

Nutley Historic Preservation Committee

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Nutley Sons Honor Roll

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Contact NHS via email

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Old Military Hall, Nutley, NJNews and Historical Archives, Nutley, New Jersey

Nutley History, from General George Washington's Retreat Route

to Annie Oakley to the Morris Canal on Our Western Border

to Quarry Town and Speed Racing Velodrome

to our Golfer's Heaven and Old Military Hall

to Presidential Visits and Professional Wresting

to Cold Ice Cream to our Cold War Anti-Aircraft Radar Camp

to the Arrival of Route 21 ... 

Read all about it and more in dozens of archived stories!

General Membership Meeting & Election of Board Members

Held 7 p.m., Wednesday, March 20, 2019, Nutley Museum, 65 Church Street, Nutley, NJ

See officers

Nutley Historical Society Presents: The Gary and Zeny Erbe Old-Time Film Festival

Welcome Spring with Classic Cartoons and Films

Nutley Museum, April 6, 2019

This showing marks the second installment of The Gary and Zeny Erbe Old-Time Film Festival, a film series that will be held at the Nutley Museum. All events will feature films that were donated to the Nutley Museum by Nutley residents Gary and Zeny Erbe. Gary Erbe, a world-renowned painter who lives in Nutley, collected all the antique films that will be shown and recently had them transferred to DVDs.

“We are grateful to Gary and Zeny Erbe for making this incredible resource available to the people of Nutley,” said Domenick Tibaldo, president of the Nutley Historical Society. “In addition to cartoons, the collection that the Erbes donated to the museum includes classic Westerns, old television shows, newsreels, travelogues, Civilian Defense films from the World War II era, and even films of classic prizefights. We will be thrilled to show these films at the museum in a new film festival that we are naming for Gary and Zeny Erbe to recognize their wonderful contribution to our town.”

Admission is free, light refreshments will be served

Local History on a Person-by-Person Level in upcoming Nutley Notables Book Talk

April 17, 2019, Nutley Museum

Nutley author Anthony Buccino will discuss his latest volume Nutley Notables The Men and Women Who Made a Memorable Impact on Our Hometown, Nutley, New Jersey - Volume Two at the museum in April.

See who's who in Nuley Notables.

Tour and Unveiling New and Restored Murals at John H. Walker Middle School

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Guided tours of the restored murals, unveiling of the new mural in the auditorium

John H. Walker Middle School, 325 Franklin Avenue, Nutley, NJ 07110 directions

1934 Mural at Nutley's John H. Wallker Middle SchoolNutley Historical Society is pleased host this event. View five restored murals painted by Nutley students 85 years ago and witness the unveiling of the new mural that will finally complete the set!!

In 1934, five Nutley students decorated their school with murals. In 2019, the Nutley Historical Society oversaw the repair and restoration of these unique works of art.

The sixth space was left undecorated, and in 2016 the Nutley Historical Society sponsored a student art competition to fill that niche with a mural honoring the Nutley Amateur Circus, an 1894 Red Cross fundraiser.

The five restored murals will be available for guided viewings. Following the tours, guests gathered in the auditorium to recognize some of those who helped make the restorations possible and to unveil the newest mural before its installation.

Five Murals in Search of a Sixth

Thanks to all who turned out for our tour at John H. Walker Middle School on Wednesday to see the five restored murals and enjoy unveiling the new, sixth mural for the building's alcoves. As those who witnessed the pre- and post-restoration of the 85-year old murals, there was plenty of work involved to bring them up to date. The Nutley Historical Society, The Nutley Preservation Committee and future generations thank these sponsors for their generosity:

Students, 1936, William Klemm—first floor, south (Silas Mountsier)

Today, 1934, Harry Mac Dougall—first floor, north (Carol and Vincent Lo Curcio III)

March, 1935, Ruth Gehring—second floor, north (Nutley High School Class of 1967)

Summer, 1934, Ruth Wuest—second floor, south (Ruth Bedford)

Sea Bottom, 1934, Vivian C. Noyes—third floor, south (Nutley Park ShopRite—the Lo Curcio and Infusino families

Nutley Amateur Circus, 2016, David Dizdari—third floor, south (middle and high school competition winner, sponsored by the Nutley Historical Society)

Thanks also to John Simko and the many hands that worked together to bring this years-long project to fruition.

Nutley Historical Society 'Picturing Nutley' Photography Contest

Funded by Essex County

Nutley, New Jersey, August 1, 2018 – The Nutley Historical Society is pleased to announce that entries are now being accepted for Picturing Nutley, a photography contest for the residents of the town. Picturing Nutley is supported by a $1,000 Grant awarded by Essex County.

About the Contest: Guidelines:  Entries must be pictures that Nutley residents have taken of the town. (This is not a contest for older or historical pictures.) Each entrant can enter up to three photos. All submissions will be judged by the Board of Trustees of the Nutley Historical Society, and decisions of the judges are final.

The Board of Trustees of the Nutley Historical Society has considered all the photographs entered in the Picturing Nutley Contest, and we are delighted to congratulate the winners! More than 100 wonderful photographs were entered in the contest, and we congratulate and thank everyone who participated! We are delighted to announce that there will be an exhibition early this summer in the Nutley Public Library that will feature your photographs! Congratulations to everyone who entered, and many thanks for being part of the Picturing Nutley Contest!

ADULT DIVISION

Grand Prize Winner: Jessica Botti, Stillness Spilling Chaos

Honorable Mention: Jacob Michels, Third River in Snow

Honorable Mention: Vern McKinney, Alley of Trees in Early Morning Haze

HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION

Grand Prize Winner: Grace Arisy, photo of Third River

Honorable Mention: Kai Madrazo, photo of Third River

K-8 DIVISION

Grand Prize Winner: Caitlin Neibuhr, photo of Stream in the Fall

Honorable Mention: Ava Valdovieso, photo of Nutley Bridge

Honorable Mention: Gavin Goldsworthy, Alley of Trees in the Park

CONTEST SITE, more information.

12th Annual Ice Cream for History at the Nutley Museum

June 6, 2019

Ice cream for illustration purposes onlyHere’s the “Scoop”

The Nutley Museum will be open for FREE tours of its newly renovated collections.

  After the tour enjoy an ice cream treat courtesy of The Nutley Historical Society.

  This event is open to all members, students and their families.  

Free Admission

Nutley Museum, 65 Church Street, Nutley NJ

A Walk in the Park, May 27, 2019

Nutley, NJ - A Walk in the Park with John Simko 2018

The Nutley Historical Society sponsors “A Walk in the Park”

The walking tour, led by Nutley Museum director John Simko, begins at the Mud Hole (Memorial Park, near the intersection of Passaic Avenue and Vreeland Avenue) and travels along the Third River. Simko will discuss the river’s role in Nutley’s history as a source for early industry, as inspiration for world-renowned artists, as a symbol of civic pride, as an important boundary marker, and as a fitting memorial to our war veterans. 

Visit the sites of three former mills, tour the pre-Revolutionary War Van Giesen homestead, find out why the Third River splits in two, learn about the beginnings of our hundred-year-old Carnegie Library and even older Town Hall, and walk through one of Nutley’s oldest cemeteries. 

“A Walk in the Park” ends inside Nutley’s first brick schoolhouse (now the Nutley Historical Society and Museum) where refreshments will be served. The museum will be open and tour-related pieces from our archives will be on display.

Book Launch - Local Author Reception: Michael Gabriele's Stories from New Jersey Diners

Stories from New Jersey Diners – Monuments to Community by Michael C. Gabriele“Stories from New Jersey Diners – Monuments to Community,” the new book by New Jersey author Michael C. Gabriele, will be unveiled during a reception at the Nutley Museum, 65 Church St., Nutley, on Friday, Sept. 27, 7 p.m. The event, sponsored by the Nutley Historical Society, is free and open to the public.

The book (190 pages and over 80 photos) documents stories gathered throughout the Diner Capital of the World. Diners and lunch wagons have been part of New Jersey life for 125 years, serving as beloved meeting places for their respective communities. Diner experiences—good food, slice-of-life encounters with friends and strangers, and the sentimental memories they inspire—reflect the state’s spirit, culture and mythology.

Chapters in the narrative include stories from patrons that frequented Newark’s legendary Weequahic Diner; late-night eats during Wildwood’s wild Rock and Roll days; a “pioneer street caterer” (and his faithful horse Dandy) who operated a lunch wagon in Trenton during the 1890s; an entrepreneur who traveled eight-thousand miles from India and opened a diner in Shamong; an impromptu midnight wedding in an Elizabeth lunch wagon; and a Vietnam veteran sustained by a heartfelt note from a beloved Mount Holly waitress.

This is Gabriele’s fourth book on New Jersey history, and second book about Garden State’s diner business, all published by Arcadia Publishing/The History Press. A lifelong Garden State resident, Gabriele is a 1975 graduate of Montclair State University and has worked as a journalist, freelance writer and author for more than forty years.

Make 2019 Your Year to Get Involved with the Nutley Historical Society

By Barry Lenson

ASharpshooter Annie Oakley lived in Nutley, N.J. 1894re you the kind of Nutleyite who likes to study our town’s fascinating history? Are you also making resolutions for the new year?

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 Join Now. 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.

Barry Lenson is Nutley Historical Society trustee, Art Historian, Co-Secretary

Adapted from Nutley Neighbors; Best Version Media

A community magazine serving the residents of Nutley, N.J.

Museum tours

The Ann A. Troy Gallery-Nutley Museum is open four times a year, and tours are available on request. For school groups and private museum tours, please contact Suzanne Hagert 973-667-4270

Come see what's new and old in the Nutley Museum
Archive photo, August 1954

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

Benefits of Nutley Historical Society Membership

As a member, you and your family are welcome to participate in any or all of our upcoming events. 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.

Join Now

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.

If you are interested in volunteering to be on one of our committees or for any additional information, please call 973-667-1528.

Membership Form

For Room Rental: Call 973-667-1528

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 NUTLEY Yesterday - Today, edited by Ann A. Troy

NUTLEY Yesterday - Today - Ann Troy & Vivian Noyes Fikus

Where all great study of Nutley history begins

The importance of history in general cannot be doubted. It sets before us striking instances of virtue, enterprise, courage, generosity, patriotism and, by a natural principle of emulation, encourages us to copy such noble examples. History displays the dealings of God with mankind. It often leads us to view with awe His darker judgments and again it awakens the liveliest emotions of gratitude for His kind and benignant dispensations.

In 1945 the founders of the Nutley Historical Society wrote into its constitution the statement that:

“It shall be the purpose . . . of this association to do all in its power to collect all the available historical material connected with . . . the history of Nutley and carefully to preserve the same. . . . This shall mean ultimately the writing of the history of the town. . . Down through the years, work on this project continued until the present volume has been prepared.

So now, since History never stops, we in the Nutley Historical Society in 1961—like those who wrote the first History of Nutley in 1907— pass on the torch to those coming generations who at some future time will feel the need to once again issue a . . .

“HISTORY OF NUTLEY”

Robert F. Heald

First President 1954 to 1961

March 5, 1961 The Nutley Historical Society

From the Foreword

Hardcover keepsake copies are available at the Nutley Museum

Email Nutley Historical Society

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 © Nutley Historical Society

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Site Sponsor

Nutley Notables: 

The men and women who made a memorable impact
on our home town, Nutley, New Jersey

Nutley Notables: The men and women who made a memorable impact on our home town, Nutley, New Jersey   Nutley Notables: The men and women who made a memorable impact on our home town, Nutley, New Jersey