Museums are a great way to delve into the history of a city, how it began and how it was shaped into what is has become. Atlantic City has an abundance of history, so to answer the question does Atlantic City have museums – yes it does!
The city is located on Absecon Island and was originally inhabited by the Lenape Indians. It was incorporated in May of 1854, but long before then Englishman Thomas Budd arrived in the area and established himself as the first owner of Absecon Island. That was in the late 1670’s.
Here’s a great book about Atlantic City history.
If history interests you, take advantage of the museums in and around the city where you and your family can learn about the past with vintage photos, stories, lessons, memorabilia, folk tales, and interesting moments in time that tell “the story”. One experience would be at Jim Whelan’s Boardwalk Hall where the A.C. Free Public Library has created an exhibit about Atlantic City’s past.
Museums are not all about the history though. You can also find stunning art at places like the Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University and /the Holtzman Art Gallery in the Ocean Casino.
See more information below about these extraordinary museums and exhibits.
Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University
The Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University is a Stockton sponsored community enrichment exhibit located in a parking lot between the boardwalk and The Walk (Tanger Outlets). A variety of arts and crafts are displayed featuring the work of the university students as well as the community. Here you’ll find a gift shop selling locally made souvenirs and arts as well as studios selling their original works. The exhibit also includes free tours of a most insightful African American Heritage Museum (see below) where donations are appreciated. To top it off, live music is offered on Friday nights.
Location: 200 Fairmount Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Parking: Note free parking is available in the Wave garage with merchandise purchase of $25+
Call: 609-892-0439
African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey
You’ll find the African American Heritage Museum housed in the Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University. The museum celebrates the accomplishments and impact of African Americans in South Jersey and around the country. You can take a free tour that highlights the interesting exhibits about how African Americans have contributed to the history of Atlantic City. Current and upcoming events are detailed here. This museum in itself has a very interesting history, rising from founder Ralph E. Hunter Sr.’s passion for collecting cultural artifacts and history. This museum now has over 12,000 pieces in two locations. You can arrange a class trip to visit the museum and there is also a traveling museum that visits schools or businesses.
Located in the Noyes Arts Garage at 2200 Fairmount Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
P – 609-350-6662
C – 609-892-0439
Holtzman Art Gallery
The Holtzman Art Gallery displays and sells beautiful and intriguing art. It’s located on the 6th floor of the Ocean Casino at 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401. The gallery can be reached by phone at 609-992-3353 or by email to davidt@holtzmangallery.com.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum (Odditorium)
Sad to say that after 25 years, Ripleys Believe It or Not! Museum on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City closed permanently as of December 31, 2022, however there are other Ripley’s attractions around the country and the world. Find them here.
Atlantic City Historical Museum and The Atlantic City Experience
The Atlantic City Historical Museum on the Garden Pier was closed in 2016 due to the pending sale of the pier. Fortunately, it found a new home in Jim Whelan’s Boardwalk Hall as The Atlantic City Experience.
The Atlantic City Experience exhibit located in the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall brings the rich and unique history of Atlantic City to life with its displays detailing the cultural and historical story of the city. Please check out Boardwalk Hall’s events schedule.
One display example would be the Mr. Peanut who was created in 1916 for the Planter’s Peanut Company. He became the ambassador of the Planter’s Peanut shop on the boardwalk and of Atlantic City itself and took his show on the road (or boardwalk) in 1930 when he began walking the boards selling 5 cent bags of peanuts.
The Exhibits
The exhibits at The Atlantic City Experience include the exciting diving horses of the Steel Pier, the dancing girls, the Miss America Pageant (first Miss America, Margaret Gorman, crowned on September 7, 1921), historical churches and homes to prohibition information and include extensive resources and virtual exhibits from the Atlantic City Free Public Library’s Atlantic City Heritage Collections. Here you’ll find a collection of postcards, digital files, books, memorabilia, photographs, postcards, video, audio and digital files about Atlantic City history. You can make an appointment with Atlantic City Free Public Library to do research or request information and they’ll do the research for you, within limits, of course. You’ll also find online exhibits at the Atlantic City Experience website.
The Atlantic City Experience is generally open weekdays from 9am-5pm but will close periodically for Boardwalk Hall special events so be sure to check the events schedule before your planning your trip.
Contact:
Atlantic City Free Public Library
Atlantic City Heritage Collections
1 N. Tennessee Ave., Atlantic City, NJ 08401 (609) 345-2269 x3063
Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 609-348-7000
Tickets: 609-348-7512
The Eternal Gandhi Peace Center and Museum
The Eternal Gandhi Peace Center and Museum opened at The Walk (Tanger Outlets) in 2022. Poverty and gun violence were the reason this initiative was chosen for Atlantic City. The museum features many of the same interactive displays as the National Gandhi Museum in India and is the first museum of its kind in the United States to chronicle Mahatma Gandi’s life. Gandi is widely known for teaching and promotion of non-violence and advocating for social and political progress.
The Gandhian Society’s goal is to promote the Gandhian Way of Life in the United States, spreading the message of self-discipline, love and non-violence to the American people. The office has a conference room, classrooms and a non-profit merchandising store where items such as Khadi products and photographs are sold as well as other items. The complex includes a library of books about Gandhi.
Ideal Institute of Technology
The museum also houses the Ideal Institute of Technology whose intent is to teach alternative work options to young adults and pay them while they learn and work at the Peace Center.
There are no membership fees or costs so visitors can enjoy and learn and spread the word of harmony and conflict resolution for the Atlantic City population of residents and visitors. One of the missions is to give the community a place where they can visit and feel safe.
Location: 109 N. Arkansas Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 in Tanger Outlet Mall (near Adidas)
Contact: 1-732-754-9830 or 1-732-407-5013
Email: gandhiansociety2021@gmail.com
The history of a city can tell you a lot about how it got to where it is today. Not only that, but history is just so interesting, at least to this writer. If you share that interest you might want to check out my History of Atlantic City article.
