September 12, 2023 at 7 pm – The History of Kingsland Park
Nutley Town Historian, John Demmer and Park Historian, David Wilson presented a one hour illustrated history show exploring the beloved, Kingsland Park. This presentation covered the creation of the park, recreation areas, the quarry, the Third River, waterfalls area, United Nations Garden, WPA projects, celebrations, and the Kingsland ManThe video was recorded and edited by Lou Raffaelli of Lou Raffaelli Visuals.
September 23, 2021 at 7 pm – The Franklin Theatre
On Thursday, September 23, Town Historian John Demmer and Life Long Nutley Resident David Wilson, along with projectionist, Don Lee presented a fascinating program on The Franklin Theatre. This program was many years in the making. Pictures, stories, advertisements, and news accounts of this beloved epicenter of Nutley’s recreational life were featured. In addition, photos from a private collection, featured during this program, are the only known interior views found to date. Enjoy this presentation as we travel down memory lane as you recall the smell of popcorn and the many good times you had at the Franklin. The video was recorded by Sal Scarpelli and edited by Andy Conte.
August 3, 2021
“The film was made in 1942 and used locally and nationally as a preparedness training movie. It demonstrated and celebrated the efforts of a small town committed to keeping its citizens safe during war times. The original was lost for many years and found its way back to the Fire Department in the late 1980s from out West. Robert E Lee (Bob) of the Essex Film Club made some VHS copies and positives of the film. Preservation chemicals were added to the film. Years passed again and a DVD copy was shown at the town’s 2002 100-year anniversary. The original was lost again until 2019 and found in a Nutley film studio awaiting preservation. Don Lee, Bob’s son, was able to take VHS sections, original footage and some of his Dad’s positives to make a viewable copy for 2019. The original film canister and film still exists, but has degraded over time and is not useable at this time. We thank Bob & Don Lee for their efforts to preserve this important film.” John Demmer, Town Historian David Wilson, Historian
Introduction by Historian, David Wilson & Township Historian, John Demmer, Moderated by Senior Librarian, Nick Van Dorn
April 10, 2021
On March 27, 1894, a unique fundraiser was held in Franklin Township, New Jersey, to start a local Red Cross chapter. The Nutley Amateur Circus was staged in an old training pavilion on horseman Eaton Stone’s 40-acre farm just outside town. The circus became the social event of the year, and the whole town was involved in its preparation. Artists created hand-decorated programs; local businesses donated materials and labor to spruce up the pavilion, even stringing electric lights; white banners with red crosses were strung across porches throughout town; and the Erie Railroad was persuaded to run special trains for the event. The fundraiser showcased local talent—amateurs—including businessmen who trained as tumblers and equestrians showing off their riding skills. Wall Street brokers became ushers, and lawyers acted as clowns. And Molly, a local delivery horse, performed flawlessly as “Little Surefoot” while Nutley resident Annie Oakley unveiled a new act.
Relive this exciting event with an online presentation by John Simko, a Nutley historian and the Director of the Nutley Museum.
Saturday, March 27. 2021
Learn the true and inspiring story of centenarian Agnes Joan Negra. During World War II, using her shortwave radio from her home in Nutley, NJ, Agnes listened to Radio Berlin each night and notated the names of U.S. Prisoners of War as they were announced. Agnes then went on to send personal letters to each family to inform them that their loved ones were still alive.
Author, Nutley native, and Son of Agnes, Ronald along with his Wife Valerie, discussed the creation of this book and this inspiring story of his Mother.
February 13, 2021
Discover the beauty, the challenges, and the meaning of murals—with an emphasis on Nutley’s own—with Nutley Museum director John Simko.
John spotlighted murals in buildings throughout town such as Nutley’s Library and Post Office, schools such as Lincoln and John Walker Schools, and churches such as Grace Episcopal Church. He also highlighted Nutley Muralists who have painted works outside of Nutley in buildings such as New York’s Customs House, Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, and Newark’s City Hall.
December 5, 2020
Nutley Museum Director, John Simko gave a virtual tour of the Nutley Museum and highlighted neat projects the Nutley Historical Society is working on. Learn more about Nutley’s history here!
September 19, 2020
NJ Author and Nutley Resident Anthony Buccino, discussed his book, Nutley Snapshots in Plain View, via Zoom, in Celebration of Library Card Signup Month.
Test your Nutley geography, and see how many places you recognize through Anthony’s photographs!
Nutley Trolley History: November 2018
Nutley Trolley history was presented by Nutley historians David Wilson & John Demmer in November of 2019. A narrated tour of pictures will take you on a ride from the period 1896 through the final days of streetcars in 1937. Discussion on the founders, construction, routes, types of street cars, township development and politics of the day are included.
September 2019
Town Historian John Demmer along with local author and historian David Wilson presented an hour of history on the North West section of Nutley. The “today and yesterday” format lets you place yourself in twenty historical locations. William Lambert, architect and developer, was highlighted for his contributions to the development of Nutley (formerly Franklin). Early industrial development in Nutley was also discussed including the first electric power plant, quarry, hat factory and more. This film was edited by Andy Conte.
Essex Film Club 80th Anniversary Celebration: October 2019
Town Historian, John Demmer gave a slide show history of Bob Lee, Essex Film Club, and the history of its renovation. This film was edited by Andy Conte.