Hunter Research recently teamed with Dorothy Hartman of History in the Making to complete an innovative interpretive plan for historic sites, museums and parks throughout Passaic County in northern New Jersey. Geographically and demographically diverse, the county challenges any attempts to distill its story into a single perspective. From its populous communities on the I-80 corridor to sparsely developed northern highlands, Passaic County brings together a metropolitan worldview, based on generations of immigrants from all over the world, yet, in places, still rests on a bedrock of small towns and closely knit neighborhoods.
The interpretive plan fulfills one of the recommendations of the Heritage Tourism Element of the Passaic County Master Plan, which set the goal of promoting high-quality countywide history and culture. The interpretive plan anticipates a new “core” exhibit at the historic Lambert Castle, which is undergoing restoration and scheduled to reopen in 2023. The core exhibit will explore the full breadth of the county’s heritage and culture, threading together the three themes of Nature’s All Around You, a Culturally Diverse and Creative People, and the Freedom to Think, Invent and Innovate. Satellite exhibits will be placed strategically, encouraging visitors to explore interpretive programming throughout the county. The plan collected data from 55 locations, of which about half currently have interpretive programs, and the remainder having the potential to offer high-quality interpretation with further investment. The project was made possible through a grant from the New Jersey Historic Trust to the Friends of Passaic County Parks, and was developed under the direction of Kelly Ruffel, Director of the Passaic County Department of Cultural and Historic Affairs.
