Key Takeaways
- Two New Jersey sites, Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University and The Charles J. Muth Museum of Hinchliffe Stadium, have been named among the best new museums in the United States.
- The museums were ranked second and seventh, respectively, in the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards.
- The Edelman Fossil Park & Museum allows visitors to dig for 66-million-year-old fossils alongside expert teams.
- The Charles J. Muth Museum of Hinchliffe Stadium honors the athletes who broke barriers in Major League Baseball and features interactive displays and multimedia presentations.
- The full list of best new museums includes a range of institutions from across the United States, including the National Medal of Honor Museum, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, and the Museum of BBQ.
Introduction to New Jersey’s Best New Museums
New Jersey is home to not one, but two, of the best new museums in the United States, according to the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards. These museums have been nominated by an expert panel and voted by readers as the best new or newly transformed venues on the scene. The awards recognize a range of institutions, from avant-garde art spaces to impactful history museums, that represent the top openings of the past two years. In this article, we will explore the two New Jersey museums that made the list and what makes them so special.
Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University
Ranking second in the nation is Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University in Mantua. This unique museum is located at a former Inversand Company marl pit, which has yielded over 100,000 fossils from more than 100 extinct species. Visitors to the museum can dig for actual 66-million-year-old specimens alongside an expert team who help identify discoveries. The fossils found at the museum include everything from fossilized bones to shark teeth and marine crocodile remains, giving visitors a glimpse into the sea creatures that swam in the area when New Jersey was ocean floor. The museum’s Explorer Guides assist in cleaning and identifying the finds at the Fossil Field Station, making for a truly hands-on and educational experience.
The Charles J. Muth Museum of Hinchliffe Stadium
Coming in at No. 7 is The Charles J. Muth Museum of Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson. This museum is tucked inside one of America’s last surviving Negro League ballparks and stands as an educational and cultural hub honoring the athletes who broke barriers when Major League Baseball shut them out. The museum features interactive displays and multimedia presentations that make history come alive, including jerseys, scorecards, and other memorabilia from legends like Larry Doby and Josh Gibson, who once played at the stadium. The museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in baseball history and the importance of the Negro Leagues in shaping the sport.
The Full List of Best New Museums
The full list of best new museums includes a range of institutions from across the United States. The National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas, took the top spot, followed by the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University in Mantua, New Jersey. Other museums on the list include the National Public Housing Museum in Chicago, Illinois, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History in Cleveland, Ohio, and the Museum of BBQ in Kansas City, Missouri. Each of these museums offers a unique perspective and experience, making them must-visits for anyone interested in history, art, science, or culture.
Visiting the Top New New Jersey Museums
For those interested in visiting the two top new museums in New Jersey, here is some practical information to get you started. The Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University is located at 66 Million Mosasaur Way, Mantua, New Jersey 08080, and can be reached through their website at efm.org. The Charles J. Muth Museum of Hinchliffe Stadium is located at 186 Maple St, Paterson, New Jersey 07522, and can be reached by phone at 862-385-1240 or through their website at muthmuseum.org. Both museums offer a unique and educational experience that is sure to delight visitors of all ages. Whether you are interested in fossils, baseball history, or just want to learn something new, these museums are definitely worth a visit.