Inside One of USA Today’s 10 Best New Museums

Since opening its doors in 2024, the Charles J. Muth Museum at Hinchliffe Stadium has welcomed more than 20,000 guests and 3,500 K-12 students.

But it’s the experience they get when they walk through the doors — a mix of historical preservation, education programming and community engagement within one of America’s last remaining Negro League stadiums — that has made the space one of USA Today’s 10 Best New Museums in the country for 2026. 

"I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to make this donation for the benefit of the citizens of my hometown, Paterson," said Charles (Chuck) Muth.

"My family's legacy in Paterson dates back to 1850, when my great-great-grandfather, Valentin Muth, immigrated from Germany as a young man. I personally grew up just a few blocks from Hinchliffe Stadium on Redwood Avenue and attended Paterson's public schools in the immediate neighborhood. 

"This gift fulfills a personal commitment to give back to the community that provided me with the foundation for my success in business. That foundation was built first and foremost by my parents, strengthened by the education I received in the Paterson Public School System, and further shaped by my experience at Montclair State University. I hope this investment continues to help to educate future generations of Paterson residents as to the historical significance of their city and Hinchliffe Stadium."

Preserving History

Founded as the country’s first industrial city by Alexander Hamilton, Paterson’s rich history – including the incredible story of Hinchliffe Stadium itself – flows through the museum.

Situated in the historic Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, the Stadium has served as a cultural touchstone for the city for nearly 100 years. From Negro League Baseball to car races, concerts, football games and boxing matches, the stadium was revitalized in 2023 and is once again hosting events.

The Museum chronicles the entire journey, highlighting the history of both the city and the stadium through displays, interactive exhibits and a movie theater that brings Negro League and Major League Baseball stars like Paterson’s own Larry Doby to life.

“The restoration of Hinchliffe Stadium and the opening of the Muth Museum has given our community a place to reconnect with its history, celebrate its past, and imagine Paterson’s future,” says Museum Director Jessica Bush. “We offer visitors the chance to discover the stadium’s profound national historical significance, instill a sense of community pride, and help make this city a true travel destination.” 

Education

The Museum has also developed a comprehensive curriculum of age-based educational programming that showcases the Stadium’s place in the American narrative.

Welcoming classes from Kindergarten to high school, the Museum’s programming educates students on the stadium’s history, how newspapers represented athletes of color and the barrier-breaking players that played at Hinchliffe.

The Museum has also received its first grant to create programming for educators to utilize in the classroom, titled “From Hamilton to Home Runs: How Paterson’s Historic Sites Can Enhance Civics Education in the Classroom.”

In keeping with Montclair State University’s mission, the Museum has also created educational and research opportunities for students and faculty, like the Pride of Paterson Oral History Project, to engage with the site’s incredible history.

"Growing up in Paterson from 2012 to 2022, I rarely paid attention to the city’s architecture because much of it felt neglected and worn down. Recently, however, seeing Paterson’s growth has filled me with pride,” said Montclair student Edward Gonzalez. "The renovation of Larry Doby Field, where I grew up playing baseball, the revitalization of the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, and the restoration of Hinchliffe Stadium have brought new life and energy to the city. As a student at Montclair State University and now an employee of the Charles J. Muth Museum of Hinchliffe Stadium, I feel privileged to be part of Paterson’s revitalization and to contribute to preserving its history while supporting its bright future."

Community Impact

The Museum also partners with several local community-focused organizations and has created a Museum Volunteer Program, with local residents logging more than 300 volunteer hours guiding tours and helping to create an engaging experience.  

Combined with documentary screenings and other events open to the public, like Baseball Card and Collectable Shows and Racing Expos, the Museum has given patrons the chance to experience a true crown jewel in the heart of Paterson, ushering in a new era of visibility and investment for the historic district surrounding the stadium and a revitalized source of community pride.

“The Charles J. Muth Museum is a testament to what is possible when education and community-driven investment are leveraged to their full potential. It’s imperative that we continue sharing the story of Paterson and Hinchliffe Stadium, and through this museum, we’re seeing new opportunities for learning and engagement every day,” said Montclair State University President Jonathan Koppell. “This place reflects the work of so many passionate, dedicated individuals. The momentum they’ve generated will only continue to expand opportunities to inspire and inform a growing community of visitors.”