The exhibit at the Newark Library opened
last night and what a turnout. It was the largest turnout for this
type of event in the history of the library - anywhere between 200
and 250 people where there.
The exhibit has hundreds of wonderful photo's and articles showing
what life was like here in Newark, and in the State of New Jersey,
and outlining the contributions that the Irish made to this City
and State. It is a wonderful collection of Irish history in this
City and State.
It is broken down into two sections - the "Irish In Newark"
part is on the second floor lobby. There is a case right by the
top of the stairwell with photo's of my TIGHE/CARLIN family - my
Great Grandparents Owen and Ann Carlin - one of the "first
six policemen" here in Newark (1850-1893); my Grandparents
John Thomas and Ann Tighe (Newark Policeman 1890/1910) and all of
their children in 1903 and another in 1908 - including my mother
- Helen Tighe; and my Uncle John Cornelius Tighe (with the Newark
Salvage Corps/Fire Dept 1922/24 - and with the Newark Police Dept
1924/1945).
The exhibit was set up by Brad Small, Curator, there at the Newark
Public Library, who did an OUTSTANDING job on this, his first, exhibit.
I've been lending a hand to Brad and those working with him on this
project for the past few months. I was able to get several of the
Newark establishments to "make a contribution" of food
and beverages for last night's events and I'd like to mention, and
thank, Bragman's Deli; Hobby's Deli; Cryan's Tavern; McGovern's
Tavern; the Kilkenny Ale House; and Skippers Plane Street Pub; all
came through for me and donated wonderful sandwiches and "liquid
libations" for the night's events. Several other individuals
and organizations also helped out with donations.
Three members of the McGlone family - father and his two young
sons - played the bagpipes on the first floor of the Library to
greet the visitors as they entered. Three members of "Ceili
Country" were there in Centennial Hall to provide musical entertainment
throughout the evening events. And four wonderful young girls from
the Schade Academy of Irish Dance performed several Irish dances
which everyone there thoroughly enjoyed.
All in all, it was a wonderful way to kick off the beginning of
this exhibit. Brad Small and the library staff who worked with him
putting this together deserve a lot of credit. If I were a history
teacher grading their report I would have to give all of them an
A+
And before I forget, I must also mention Dermot A. Quinn - from
the History Department of Seton Hall University - who provided much
of the "Irish In New Jersey" part of the exhibit - who
was the "Guest Curator" of this exhibit working in close
conjunction with Brad. The third floor of the Library lobby holds
the "Irish In New Jersey" part of the exhibit.
If you are looking for an excuse to come back for a visit to Newark
then this is your chance. Parking is available at the parking lot
of the Newark Museum on the corner of Central Ave and University
Place - across the street from St. Patrick's Cathedral.
The exhibit will run from now until May 11th.
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