Hoboken Historical Museum
Hoboken Historical Museum
4.5
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Friday
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About
The Hoboken Historical Museum welcomes visitors 6 days a week, showcasing Hoboken's history, diverse culture, architecture and landmarks with exhibits, guest speakers and educational programming in the former Bethlehem Steel Machine Shop at 1301 Hudson St., one of the oldest buildings on the waterfront. Exhibits change every 6-12 months, on diverse subjects, from Hoboken in the 1970s, to the engineering behind the Holland and Lincoln Tunnels, to the history of sweets factories and bakeries to a celebration of Frank Sinatra's centennial. The Museum hosts events nearly every weekend; check our website for details. We also collect and archive artifacts, documents, oral histories and photos relating to Hoboken history, much of which is accessible on our website.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
55 reviews
Excellent
24
Very good
23
Average
7
Poor
0
Terrible
1
dee-you08
Garrison, NY89 contributions
Jan 2021
My husband and I drove down to this museum on a bitterly cold day in January from upstate NY for a day trip and to battle going "Covid-crazy". Glad we made the trip. Bill, the curator (I think), gave us a warm welcome as we entered. His enthusiasm helped to make our visit all the more interesting. The current exhibit was a huge collection of old postcards of Hoboken and the surrounding towns...very interesting...especially when your host has personal knowledge of many of the scenes on the cards. Combine a visit here with a walk along the waterfront and a self guided tour of the area (map available in the museum) and you have the makings of a full day trip.
Written February 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lia H
Bogota, Colombia1,041 contributions
Aug 2021
The museum is so charming, and quaint, inside and out. Before you go in, right outside its doors, it is already inviting, with samples of the local culture. The museum is small, and at the same time so big! They had a Frank Sinatra exhibit, with a place to sit and enjoy. 10000% worth every minute!
Written August 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bridget1955
Northampton, MA1 contribution
May 2011 • Friends
We really didn't know what to expect when we went there - some Sinatra stuff, some On the Waterfront stuff, things about crooked politicians? What we found was fantastic and we wound up spending almost two hours here.
The exhibit we saw covered the history of candy and sweets making in Hoboken. Doesn't sound like it would be much but it was great! Tootsie Rolls were made here for about 50 years, Wonder bread, Twinkies, Hostess cupcakes, baking powder, etc. Really made you realize what a big industrial powerhouse Hoboken used to be. Hoboken also had a real mom-and-pop tradition of little German and Italian bakeries and candy shops (yes, Cake Boss is a part of the exhibit). The exhibit had movies to watch, oral histories you could listen to on your cell phone and episodes of Cake Boss. The museum itself is in an old shipyard building. There is an upstairs art gallery that had really fun interesting art work from local artists and also these huge books with fascinating historic photos of Hoboken - some from the 19th C. Also has a great gift shop - postcards, t-shirts, books, mugs, prints, lots more. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and make you feel at home. And it's in a really nice part of Hoboken - about 15-20 minute walk from the path but it's a really nice walk and the museum is really close to the Hudson river so you can take a scenic stroll afterwords. Plenty of places to eat and drink nearby too. Definitely worth seeking out! O yeah - it's only $2 to get in!!!! And you get a free map!
The exhibit we saw covered the history of candy and sweets making in Hoboken. Doesn't sound like it would be much but it was great! Tootsie Rolls were made here for about 50 years, Wonder bread, Twinkies, Hostess cupcakes, baking powder, etc. Really made you realize what a big industrial powerhouse Hoboken used to be. Hoboken also had a real mom-and-pop tradition of little German and Italian bakeries and candy shops (yes, Cake Boss is a part of the exhibit). The exhibit had movies to watch, oral histories you could listen to on your cell phone and episodes of Cake Boss. The museum itself is in an old shipyard building. There is an upstairs art gallery that had really fun interesting art work from local artists and also these huge books with fascinating historic photos of Hoboken - some from the 19th C. Also has a great gift shop - postcards, t-shirts, books, mugs, prints, lots more. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and make you feel at home. And it's in a really nice part of Hoboken - about 15-20 minute walk from the path but it's a really nice walk and the museum is really close to the Hudson river so you can take a scenic stroll afterwords. Plenty of places to eat and drink nearby too. Definitely worth seeking out! O yeah - it's only $2 to get in!!!! And you get a free map!
Written June 16, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tbancuso
Hoboken, NJ20 contributions
Jun 2015 • Family
From a 3rd gen Hobokenite.
Its pretty good. It,s a decent history lesson. Too long Hoboken had to fight for its history and was totally ignored by the masses. You missed the actual history by never witnessing Bethlehem Steel working, the smell of Maxwell House Coffee especially when the cloud cover prevented any aroma to escape the area...If it was 31 degrees it was going to snow...You missed the propeller and furniture manufacturer as well as the pencil factory and the making of leather. The latter buildings still exist. The Macy building was just trashed in favor of??? It housed the giant balloons for the Thanksgiving Parade in the city. The Lincoln Tunnel would be closed at night while they were secretly transported to the Central Park area of the city. Fun to watch; even more fun to be a clown in the parade!!!The Hostess and Tootsie Roll, and Lipton Tea buildings are still around as well.
Last but not least, you missed the Hoboken Shore Railroad at work. It was considered the shortest Railroad in the US servicing the port and delivering the goods to the factories along the waterfront and around town. Some of the track still exists for HSRR and the trollies as well.Make sure you visit Lackawanna Station. The waiting room has been restored. The railroad (now NJ Transit) was not only a commuter operation but had passenger trains to Chicago and Buffalo. ...Have fun...But... the W Hotel food still lousy and overpriced and NOT part of Hoboken history.
Its pretty good. It,s a decent history lesson. Too long Hoboken had to fight for its history and was totally ignored by the masses. You missed the actual history by never witnessing Bethlehem Steel working, the smell of Maxwell House Coffee especially when the cloud cover prevented any aroma to escape the area...If it was 31 degrees it was going to snow...You missed the propeller and furniture manufacturer as well as the pencil factory and the making of leather. The latter buildings still exist. The Macy building was just trashed in favor of??? It housed the giant balloons for the Thanksgiving Parade in the city. The Lincoln Tunnel would be closed at night while they were secretly transported to the Central Park area of the city. Fun to watch; even more fun to be a clown in the parade!!!The Hostess and Tootsie Roll, and Lipton Tea buildings are still around as well.
Last but not least, you missed the Hoboken Shore Railroad at work. It was considered the shortest Railroad in the US servicing the port and delivering the goods to the factories along the waterfront and around town. Some of the track still exists for HSRR and the trollies as well.Make sure you visit Lackawanna Station. The waiting room has been restored. The railroad (now NJ Transit) was not only a commuter operation but had passenger trains to Chicago and Buffalo. ...Have fun...But... the W Hotel food still lousy and overpriced and NOT part of Hoboken history.
Written July 3, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tdhill03
Newark, NJ80 contributions
Jul 2017 • Couples
Took the time to visit the museum and it was closed. Nothing was posted on their website. Perhaps they should think about this. We were not the only people there to visit.
Written July 29, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, TDHill03,
I'm so sorry that you were surprised to discover we were closed when you visited the Museum this week. I apologize that the message about our galleries being closed while our new exhibition is being installed is so easy to overlook -- I will correct that immediately. It's on the homepage in a banner about upcoming events, and on the "Plan your Visit" page, as well as in our Google Place results, but evidently it's not clear enough. Thank you for your feedback.
Written July 31, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
gbzia
Cedar Knolls, NJ128 contributions
Jan 2014 • Friends
On a cold NJ day my daughter and I were looking for something to do before visiting the nearby beer hall Pilsenerhaus. A Trip Advisor search found the museum and we noticed that the normally expensive parking was free for three hours.
As it turned out the museum was very interesting featuring a display on hurricane Sandy and it's effect on the area. There was also interesting art on display from a local artist as well as many books featuring old photos of the area. We learned that prior to WWI the area had a large German population and there was ships from Hoboken to Hamburg.
Well worth the visit and don't' forget to have the parking ticket validated!
As it turned out the museum was very interesting featuring a display on hurricane Sandy and it's effect on the area. There was also interesting art on display from a local artist as well as many books featuring old photos of the area. We learned that prior to WWI the area had a large German population and there was ships from Hoboken to Hamburg.
Well worth the visit and don't' forget to have the parking ticket validated!
Written January 25, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SunyEllie
Jersey City, NJ193 contributions
It's a very nice museum with lots of history but it very very small.
I does give you lots of perspective on the history of the town the factories the immigrants
I does give you lots of perspective on the history of the town the factories the immigrants
Written September 4, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
superTAN007
Palm Harbor, FL112 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
The staff was so friendly here and made some new locals feel welcome. Lots of interesting info about the area and immigration to the area. Was a nice way to end our Hoboken walking tour (even though we were supposed to start there)
Written September 3, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
leegeeNewJersey
new jersey99 contributions
Aug 2012 • Friends
I work just across the street from this museum so I have visited it many times. It changes its exibits often enough so you don't get bored. It isn't a large space but cozy enough and worth the visit. It also has story time for children every other week at no charge and is located in a great spot to check out the rest of Hoboken.
Written January 29, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PnJCam
Manchester, UK3 contributions
Oct 2011 • Couples
People are fantastic much nicer than New Yorkers great little place easy to access.
Written October 23, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robyn S
Canberra, Australia
how do I get there from New York?
HobokenMuseum
Hoboken, NJ9 contributions
There are several public transit options listed on the "Plan Your Visit" page of the Museum's website. We even validate for up to 3 hours of parking if you drive. Open Tues-Thurs 2 - 7 pm, Fri 1 - 5 pm, Sat-Sun 12 - 5 pm. Generally closed in July & January for new exhibit installations. Please check the website or call before you visit!
Hoboken Historical Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Hoboken Historical Museum
- Hoboken Historical Museum is open:
- Tue - Thu 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Fri - Fri 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Sat - Sun 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- We recommend booking Hoboken Historical Museum tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Hoboken Historical Museum tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Hoboken Historical Museum:
- (0.47 mi) Sheraton Lincoln Harbor Hotel
- (1.40 mi) Pendry Manhattan West
- (0.39 mi) Dharma Home Suites Hoboken at Novia
- (1.22 mi) Equinox Hotel New York
- (0.32 mi) Best Street in Hoboken! Immaculate 2BR w/Terrace & NYC view
- Restaurants near Hoboken Historical Museum:
- (0.09 mi) The Madison
- (0.09 mi) Bin 14 Bistro and Wine Bar
- (0.10 mi) Pier 13
- (0.07 mi) Apulia Risto Pizza
- (0.10 mi) Stingray Lounge