About Us

Founded in 1986, the Hoboken Historical Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history, diverse culture, and unique stories of Hoboken. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we collect and display artifacts in themed exhibitions, host educational programs, and offer lectures, tours, films, and performances that celebrate our city’s past and present.

Our Main Gallery exhibitions explore Hoboken’s history through compelling themes, such as photojournalist Benedict J. Fernandez’s groundbreaking work, the impact of arson fires, the evolution of Washington Street, and Hoboken’s role in World War I. Our Upper Gallery showcases the work of six to seven local artists annually, whose pieces are inspired by Hoboken’s people, places, and spirit.

Beyond exhibitions, the Museum offers a variety of engaging programming, including:
Lecture Series – Expert-led discussions on Hoboken’s historical and cultural impact
Children’s & Family Programs – Storytime, art workshops, and interactive experiences
Fundraising Workshops – Hands-on learning opportunities in floral design, painting, calligraphy, and more
Community Events – Annual favorites like the Hoboken Baby Parade, Secret Garden Tour, House Tour, and Gala

We also publish books, walking-tour maps, and oral history chapbooks, documenting the vibrant communities that have shaped Hoboken’s recent past.

Located in one of the oldest buildings on Hoboken’s waterfront—the former Bethlehem Steel machine shop, now the Shipyard—the Museum is open six days a week in a 2,000-square-foot space that welcomes locals, students, and visitors alike.

Click here to watch a short video about us!

Mission Statement

The Hoboken Historical Museum is dedicated to advancing the understanding and appreciation of Hoboken’s history, culture, and architecture. Through collecting, preserving, and interpreting artifacts and oral histories—both historic and contemporary—the Museum educates and engages the community while documenting Hoboken’s physical and cultural heritage, which holds local, regional, and national significance.

The Museum actively collaborates with organizations that share similar interests and maintains permanent spaces to support its mission. Through exhibitions, programs, and events, the Museum serves Hoboken residents, visitors, and all who enjoy its history and culture.

Vision Statement

The Hoboken Historical Museum envisions itself as a dynamic, inclusive, and culturally vital institution that enhances the public’s connection to Hoboken’s history. The Museum will fulfill this vision by:

Hosting diverse programs & events – Including tours, lectures, special events, and interactive workshops that enrich community engagement and increase awareness of the Museum’s mission.
Expanding staff & operations – Establishing a full-time team, including a director, curator, collections manager, development director, membership coordinator, grant writers, and administrative staff to strengthen operations and outreach.
Securing additional space – Expanding by at least 7,500 square feet to include:

• Three galleries (one featuring a permanent exhibit on Hoboken’s history)
• A 75-seat auditorium for programs and presentations
• Dedicated space for children’s programs and instruction
• Expanded office and collection storage space (an additional 3,000 square feet)
  Integrating technology – Using modern digital tools to enhance communications, archival accessibility, and engagement.
  Building financial sustainability – Establishing a $10 million endowment to support operations, staffing, collection preservation, and long-term growth.

Through these efforts, the Museum will continue to be a premier institution, deeply embedded in Hoboken’s cultural fabric, celebrating its past, present, and future.

View our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement of Principle

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Contact Us

Call us

201-656-2240

Email us

• Museum information: info@hobokenmuseum.org
• Museum collections & research: collections@hobokenmuseum.org
• Membership information: vmoyeno@hobokenmuseum.org
• Educational programs: info@hobokenmuseum.org
• Journalists: pr@hobokenmuseum.org

Mail us

Hoboken Historical Museum, PO Box 3296, Hoboken, NJ 07030

Visit us

Hoboken Historical Museum, 1301 Hudson St., Hoboken, New Jersey

Hours

Tuesdays – Thursdays: 2 – 7 PM Fridays: 1 – 5 PM Saturday – Sunday: 12 – 5 PM

Admission is $5.

Museum members are free. Must show membership card.

Children under 13 are free.

Students are free. Must show valid student ID.

Free admission for participants in the Families First Discovery Pass and Museums for All programs. 

Click here for directions to the Museum.

Follow us on social media

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Museum Staff

Have a question? Contact us at 201-656-2240 or an individual email address below.

Director
Bob Foster
rfoster@hobokenmuseum.org

Development Manager
Victoria M. Moyeno
vmoyeno@hobokenmuseum.org

Collections Manager
Rand Hoppe
rhoppe@hobokenmuseum.org

Communications Associate
Vera Sirota
pr@hobokenmuseum.org

Volunteer Coordinator
volunteer@hobokenmuseum.org

Education Curator
education@hobokenmuseum.org

Museum Associate
Bill Curran
billc@hobokenmuseum.org

Board of Trustees

Below is a list of the current members of the Board of Trustees. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions concerning any aspect of the Museum, please do not hesitate to contact any Trustee.

Officers

President
Valerie Hufnagel

Vice-President
Anthony Vetrano

Treasurer
Bill Tobias

Recording Secretary
Katherine Kingsbury

Board Members