Neighborhoods of Mahwah Exhibit Opening at Mahwah Museum

At the Mahwah Museum the new exhibit “Neighborhoods of Mahwah 1913-2013” will open on Saturday September 14, 2013.  This exhibit will examine the growth and development of the various areas of Mahwah – East Mahwah, Masonicus, West Mahwah, Stag Hill, The Depot, The Ridge, Fardale, Darlington and The Valley.  Each neighborhood has its own unique history, whether agricultural, industrial, rural or suburban, and in the last century these have become recognized communities in their own right.  Many interesting photographs and artifacts will be on display to tell the story of these neighborhoods.

The popular exhibit “Les Paul in Mahwah” and the Donald Cooper Railroad are part of the permanent exhibits in the museum.  Return visitors will see new things added to each.  For example, the Les Paul exhibit will feature a rare guitar given to Les by his friend and legendary guitar player Django Reinhardt.   Les’s first attempt at a solid body guitar, The Log, continues on exhibit as well as his Eight Track recorder and his mixing board he built for use in his home studio.

The Museum’s Donald Cooper Railroad, the Museum’s HO-scale model railroad continues to expand with a new collection of Lionel “O” Gauge trains representing railroads across the country, and the recently completed “Blue Line” passenger main, which travels over a detailed model of the Paterson Falls.  Though the hard work of many volunteers, the Railroad is constantly changing and growing and remains a popular attraction for children and adults alike.  

The Old Station Museum, located at 1871 Old Station Lane, Mahwah, is open Sundays from 2-4 p.m. until the end of October 2012. The Station and Caboose show visitors how the railroad operated in its heyday.

The Mahwah Museum is located at 201 Franklin Turnpike.  The Museum is open weekends and Wednesdays from 1-4 p.m.  Admission is $5 and museum members and children under 12 are free. Visit www.mahwahmuseum.org or call 201-512-0099 for more information.   

The Mahwah Museum receives operating support from the New Jersey Historical commission in the Department of State.