The Gilded Age in the Ramapo Valley Opens at Mahwah Museum

Grace and Chris in front of the completed exhibit.

Ramapo students and faculty worked together to develop and mount an exhibit at the Mahwah Museum on the Gilded Age in the Ramapo Valley. Cathy Moran Hajo, Sarah Koenig and Marion Brown of the Museum worked with students Chris Flug (American Studies), Grace Martinez (History) and Alex Samieske (History) who conducted research in local archives, used newspaper databases and historical sources and the Museum’s rich collection of photographs. They also rolled up their sleeves to paint the exhibit walls in a faux damask pattern that gives it a unique look.

The exhibit looks at the impact of the Gilded Age on local history, showing how the influx of wealthy industrialists changed a rural community. The exhibit covers the years 1870 to 1899, and features the Havemeyer Family (on whose farm the College was built), the Darlings (of Darlington) and others and the families whose lived were impacted. Rare photographs from the 19th provide a unique look at who lived and worked in Mahwah.

The Museum is open on Saturdays until the end of June, from 1 to 4pm. It is located at 201 Franklin Turnpike, Mahwah, NJ.

Categories: Faculty News, Faculty-Student Research, Student News