Museums to Visit in New Jersey

Learn more about the Garden State’s rich history when you visit these museums in New Jersey:

1. The Historic Village at Allaire

   732.919.3500
   4263 Atlantic Avenue
   Farmingdale, NJ

   This living history museum was a former factory-town that produced iron. Once home to Howell Iron Works Co., Allaire had mills, blacksmith shops, and a blasting furnace to support iron production. It was also a self-contained community with several businesses to serve factory workers, including bakeries, pattern-making shops, and a general store with a post office. It also had its own school, church, and boarding house in addition to workers’ homes.

   The museum’s exhibits shed light on Industrial America and the social and economic changes that marked the era. Guests can experience village life in the 1800s through immersive exhibits and hands-on activities. The village features 13 historic homes and several well-preserved structures. It is staffed by volunteer craftspersons and interpreters who can discuss life in the old village and provide more historical context.

2. African Art Museum

   201.894.8611
   23 Bliss Avenue
   Tenafly, New Jersey

   The African Art Museum holds the distinction of being one of five museums founded by the African missions (SMA) Fathers. It is also among the few museums dedicated solely to African art in the United States. Admission to the museum is free but donations are greatly appreciated.

   Its permanent collection is displayed on a rotating basis and includes sub-Saharan paintings, sculptures, textiles, and decor. The museum’s fascinating exhibits offer insight into the folklores and religious practices across the African continent.

3. African American Heritage Museum

   609.704.5495
   661 Jackson Road
   Newtonville, NJ

   The African American Heritage Museum is the only museum in New Jersey that is dedicated to African-American realities in the 20th century. Its permanent collection includes over 12,000 photos, documents, and other memorabilia that are displayed in the museum on a rotating basis. It also harbors a collection of World War I memorabilia documenting the lives and experiences of Atlantic County soldiers. The exhibits are changed every 30 days.

   The museum was established by Ralph E. Hunter, Sr., whose personal treasure trove of memorabilia served as the foundation of the museum’s collection. It is an excellent resource for local New Jersey lore and culture. It currently has two locations, one in Newtonville and another in Atlantic City.

4. American Hungarian Foundation Museum

   732.846.5777
   300 Somerset Street
   New Brunswick, NJ

   Founded in 1955, the museum documents more than 60 years of American-Hungarian history through priceless art pieces and ephemera. The permanent collection includes paintings, sculptures, textiles, and memorabilia. The museum also hosts various events to celebrate Hungarian heritage and bring the community together.

   As an affiliate of Rutgers Library, it harbors more than 60,000 books, monographs, and historical records, making it an excellent resource for Hungarian history and culture. The archives include personal records, letters from antiquity, and Hungarian-language newspapers and periodicals.

5. AIDS Museum

   250 Central Avenue
   #126, Newark, NJ

   The AIDS Museum strives to be a national institution for the study and documentation of the AIDS pandemic. It aims to educate the public about HIV and reduce the stigma through art. In line with these goals, the museum hosts exhibits by HIV-positive artists as well as showcases AIDS-themed art.

   It also organizes events, such as vigils, film screenings, and presentations by HIV-positive individuals and those who work for AIDS service organizations. The museum is currently creating a library that will serve as a reliable source for AIDS/HIV books and educational materials.

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