Montclair State University Opens The Charles J. Muth Museum of Hinchliffe Stadium
New museum and learning center will chronicle history of Hinchliffe and serve as educational resource for Paterson and Montclair State University students
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Montclair State University officially opened The Charles J. Muth Museum of Hinchliffe Stadium, the latest highlight in the school’s growing partnership with the city of Paterson, at a special event on April 11.
Distinguished guests and elected officials were on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new museum and learning center, which highlighted the transformational support of Montclair alumnus and Paterson native Chuck Muth ’77 and his wife, Laura.
Montclair President Jonathan Koppell, Chuck Muth, Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh, Hinchliffe developer Baye Adofo-Wilson, Paterson Public Schools Superintendent Laurie W. Newell and Museum Director Jessica Bush provided remarks as part of the morning program, which also included a special performance by the Rosa L. Parks School of Fine and Performing Arts choir.
Muth’s $5 million gift will allow Montclair to serve as an educational partner for the museum, which will chronicle the history and legacy of Hinchliffe Stadium – one of two remaining Negro League baseball stadiums in the country and a cultural touchstone in the city.
“Chuck embodies everything that makes Montclair State University special, and the impact of he and Laura’s philanthropic support in ensuring generations of our students can also succeed cannot be overstated,” says Koppell. “This museum is a truly collaborative effort and strengthens our bond with one of the most vibrant and diverse communities in New Jersey. It will be a space that will not only allow members of the city to engage with educational programming, but that will also provide experiential learning opportunities for Montclair State University students. We are thrilled to officially launch this initiative and are grateful to Chuck and Laura for helping make it a reality.”
The gift furthers the Muth family’s continued support of Montclair State University. Growing up near Hinchliffe Stadium, Chuck graduated from Montclair in 1977 and has served on the advisory board of the University’s Feliciano School of Business since 2013. The Muth’s also have an endowed scholarship at Montclair that is named for Chuck’s parents, Charles and Madeline, that supports business students from Paterson.
“Growing up in Paterson and attending Montclair State University gave me the foundation I needed to achieve my dreams in business and in life, so to continue our support in this unique way is an incredible opportunity,” says Muth. “To know that this museum will help educate generations of students from the two places that have had the biggest impact on me means the world to us, and we cannot wait to see the community and Montclair students engaging with the history of Hinchliffe Stadium.”
Montclair will oversee the educational programming for the museum, which will include the curation and presentation of a wide range of exhibits and programs for diverse audiences.
The space will include a movie theater, interactive displays that engage audiences in the history of the Negro Leagues and its famous players (including the more than 20 Hall of Fame players who played at Hinchliffe such as Satchel Paige and Paterson native Larry Doby), and displays of artifacts that span the history of the stadium, its place in Paterson history, and its revitalization. [caption]
Opening day guests and elected officials get a first look at the museum.It will also ensure future learning opportunities for both Paterson and Montclair State University students, which is a key component of various initiatives between the city and institution.
“Hinchliffe Stadium was constructed as ‘the city stadium’ with Paterson residents in mind,” says Museum Director Jessica Bush. “As a component of the Great Falls National Historical Park, our museum offers visitors the chance to discover the stadium’s profound national historical significance, and, alongside Paterson’s other cultural institutions, help to instill a sense of community pride and help to make this city a true travel destination.”
The museum is the latest achievement in the expanding relationship between Montclair and the City of Paterson.
One Square Mile, a place-based approach to community revitalization developed by Montclair President Koppell, was launched in Paterson in 2023 through support from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, with East Side High School serving as the first component of the multi-year initiative.
“Chuck is a source of inspiration for Paterson children who can look to him as an example of what is possible for them,” says Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh. “Today, we celebrate the restoration of Hinchliffe Stadium, and of the opening of The Charles J. Muth Museum to help tell its incredible story.”
For more information on The Charles J. Muth Museum at Hinchliffe Stadium, visit Montclair’s Center for Community Engagement.
PHOTO GALLERY
Video by University Videographer Christodoulos Apostolou. Photos by John J. LaRosa for Montclair State University.
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