Details for All Events
Centennial Kickoff
Opening Ceremony – Let the countdown begin! Help kick off the 100-Hour Centennial Celebration with Museum Director, Mary Sue Sweeney Price, Mayor Cory Booker, WOR Radio talk show host, Joan Hamburg, and other VIP Guests. Performances by the Malcolm X. Shabazz High School Band and the Newark Boys Concert Chorus will lead off the celebration.
The fun begins as the clock is set for the 100-Hour countdown of continuous programming in honor of the Newark Museum’s Centennial. Join in on the festivities with VIP guests including Museum trustees and musical entertainment, featuring Newark’s talented young people. Be a studio audience member in a live broadcast by WOR radio personality Joan Hamburg from 11 am–1 pm! Watch artists and quilters work, and sign the Big Museum Centennial birthday card. Engelhard Court
Joan Hamburg Live Broadcast at the Museum
WOR Talk Radio’s own Joan Hamburg will set up a studio in the Museum for her special Centennial broadcast where she will share her personal thoughts on the Centennial. Hamburg, who has been on the air since the 1970s, often broadcasts live from her favorite places, which, of course includes the Newark Museum during Centennial Week. Her entourage of loyal fans follows her wherever she goes. The Museum will set up chairs for her audience. (Look for other live broadcasts throughout Centennial Week including Lite-FM’s Karen Carson on Wednesday night and CBS-FM’s Bob Shannon on Sunday. Engelhard Court
100 Amazing Objects
Museum Senior Curator Ulysses Dietz will unveil the museum’s 100 most amazing objects in honor of its Centennial. All of the Newark Museum’s nationally renowned curators have spent months selecting items in the Museum’s extensive collections to be a part of this Centennial project. Now you can be a part of the special opening as Museum Senior Curator Ulysses Dietz unveils his selection of the most amazing objects from the Decorative arts collection. Come pick your favorites! Take a tour or participate in a self-guided treasure hunt to find the Amazing Objects! Throughout the Museum
100 Amazing Objects Tours—featuring the Decorative Arts Collection
Be one of the first to take a closer look at these selected objects that tell a story. Understand their unique importance and see why they are visually enticing! Come pick your favorites!
One of the main highlights of the 100-Hour Centennial Celebration Marathon will be discussions by the Museum’s curators, who will discuss their respective collections and present a fascinating perspective on 100 Amazing Objects. Throughout the celebration, each will take a turn telling visitors why certain objects were chosen based on specific criteria of amazing looking, amazing story, and amazing importance.
100 Amazing Objects also offers specialized tours of masterworks of all the collections throughout the Museum's 80 galleries. The 100 objects chosen tell the many stories of the Museum's history and shed light on the ways we build unique global collections to teach, to delight and to amaze. During the 100-Hour Centennial Celebration Marathon, visitors will be invited to share which object is their favorite, and their remarks will be posted at newarkmuseum.org Meet in the main building next to the Museum Shop.
Susan G. Komen Foundation Presents Breast Health: Learn the Facts
Representatives and breast cancer survivors will present breast cancer facts and prevention and share amazing stories of survival. The Foundation seeks to educate the public about breast cancer, its risk factors, prevention, early detection, screening, diagnosis, treatment, therapies, support as well as research. It raises money, including “races for the cure,” to fund research.
Learn to Quilt with Meg Cox
Join expert quilter Meg Cox, author of The Quilter's Catalog: A Comprehensive Resource Guide, and take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. She explains the simple pleasures of this traditional, yet contemporary, art form, and demonstrates how to piece a quilt top and tie the three layers together. All levels of experience are welcomed to participate and learn how to begin a quilt. All supplies will be made available, and Mark Dunn of Moda Fabrics will provide the fabrics. Meg Cox has put together fabulous baskets for a few lucky raffle winners, including the best quilt design software by Electric Quilt. Fall in love with quilting and become “hooked” for life. Former Wall Street Journal reporter, Meg Cox is currently at work on a sequel to The Quilter's Catalog. Cox is vice president of the national non-profit Alliance for American Quilts.
Carol Duncan, author of How To Have a Museum with Brains, discusses Newark Museum Founder, John Cotton Dana.
 Learn about the man who made it all possible. One hundred years ago, reform-minded librarian John Cotton Dana founded the Newark Museum. Dana, who lived from 1865 to 1929, is the subject of art historian Carol Duncan’s book How to Have a Museum with Brains: John Cotton Dana and the Making of a Democratic Culture for America. Duncan will discuss her book about Dana, who established a museum in Newark as an alternative to museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, dedicated only to displays of fine art.
Planetarium Show—The Planets
A 35-minute planetarium show recommended for ages 10 and up.
Visit some of the fantastic objects that make up our Solar System - from the blazing hot surface of our star the Sun to the frozen crusts of tiny comets. Narrated by Kate Mulgrew (Star Trek’s Captain Janeway).
Click here for Centennial Planetarium Schedule (PDF)
Afternoon Tea with a performance by the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra String Quartet
It’s the first Centennial Celebration tea! The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra String Quartet will perform in the court during teatime and will talk about each piece before they play. The program consists of Mendelssohn’s String Quartet in E flat Major, Opus 12 (1823) and Debussy’s String Quartet in G Minor, Opus 10 (1892). (This year, 2009, is the 200th anniversary of Mendelssohn's birth.) Tea courtesy of Harvest Table. Engelhard Court
Curator Holly Pyne Connor will discuss the Museum’s 18th and 19th Century American Art collection and highlight the several works featured in the 100 Amazing Objects
Curator Holly Pyne Connor will present a fascinating perspective of 100 Amazing Objects and tell visitors why certain objects were chosen based on specific criteria of amazing looking, amazing story, and amazing importance. Pyne recently co-curated “Paths to Impressionism: French and American Landscape Paintings from the Worcester Art Museum in 2008.
Wednesday Dinner Menu—Enjoy dinner by New World Catering and Food Boutique
Tonight’s menu features soup, tossed gourmet salad with bread and butter, Mediterranean Chicken with Kalamata olives, capers, artichokes and red pepper, poached salmon with cucumber scales and a side of tzaziki, vegetable strata, basmati rice with carmelized onions and sautéed mushrooms, dessert, coffee and cold beverage. Early bird specials will be offered 4:30–6 pm and cost $11. Regular pricing, offered 6:30–8 pm, costs $13 per person for dinner. Museum members pay $11. Engelhard Court
Click here for complete menu (PDF)
Thursday Dinner Menu—Enjoy dinner by New World Catering and Food Boutique, early bird specials until 6 pm, tonight’s menu includes Parmesan cheese crusted chicken with oven-dried tomatoes and Panko-crusted sole. Early bird specials will be offered 4:30–6 pm and cost $11. Regular pricing, offered 6:30–8 pm, costs $13 per person for dinner. Museum members pay $11. Engelhard Court
Click here for complete menu (PDF)
Friday Dinner Menu—Enjoy dinner by New World Catering and Food Boutique, Early bird specials will be offered 4:30–6 pm and cost $11. Regular pricing, offered 6:30–8 pm, costs $13 per person for dinner. Museum members pay $11. Engelhard Court
Click here for complete menu (PDF)
Nashville Recording Artist Josh Osborne Performs Courtesy of the Newark Bears
 While enjoying dinner in the Museum’s café, listen to Nashville Recording Artist Josh Osborne. The performance, sponsored by the Newark Bears, will feature many songs from Osborne’s debut album, which will be released this spring.
Singer/songwriter Josh Osborne has developed a style of country that incorporates elements of Americana and pop rock. Josh is truly America and Country, with a positive sense of humor and a voice that delivers. Though Osborne grew up with George Strait, Randy Travis, and Keith Whitley as country influences, it was the Beatles who inspired his passion for the craft of songwriting. He has had several cuts, including the top 5 Americana hit, You Only Call Me. Osborne is completing his debut album with songwriters/producers Joel Feeney and Kevin Savigar.
Tours of the Newark Museum collections, including 18th and 19th Century American art
Try a Centennial Signature Drink courtesy of Fedway Associates, Inc.
Courtesy of Fedway Associates, Inc., Try a free Mary Sue Sweeney Martini (named after the Museum’s Director of course!) as part of the Centennial signature drink selection. Each night the drink is offered will feature a different alcohol brand—Wednesday: Grey Goose; Thursday: Nuvo; Friday: Courvoisier
A cash bar will be available for those who do not wish to try a signature drink.
Opening of Exhibit “Skies Alive! Bird Migration in the Garden State”
Learn about the millions of birds who migrate through New Jersey. Special events include a lecture and demonstration by Pete Dunne of the New Jersey Audubon Society.
Did you know that New Jersey plays a major role in the migration of millions of birds along the Atlantic Flyway navigational route? Skies Alive! Bird Migration in the Garden State, is a new interactive exhibit that shows visitors the State’s diverse environments and why it is important to preserve these natural resources to ensure the survival of these transient birds.
Free Swing Dance Lessons with Arthur Murray Dance Studio–bring your dancing shoes!
Feel like you’re always standing on the sidelines watching others dance? Getting ready to tie the knot? It’s time to have Instructors from Arthur Murray Dance Studio of Chatham lead you on how to do the swing so you can finally be comfortable on the dance floor. Whether you are a novice or experienced dancer, all are welcomed to participate in this free class. So bring a friend, a date, your entire office, and start swinging the night away! It is a perfect segue to the evening’s dance party!
Boilermaker Jazz Band Dance Party Break up those mid-week blues and swing into the night!
 Bring your dance shoes to the Newark Museum when the Boilermaker Jazz Band performs hot jazz, ragtime and swing at this Swingin’ Centennial
Celebration. The Boilermaker Jazz Band has a wide repertoire that can make an audience swing to a classic jazz standard, get sentimental over an old-time ballad, boogie to a hot jump tune, or get low-down with a gritty blues.
Planetarium Show–Laser Beatles
Calling all John, Paul, George and Ringo fans! Take a laser concert Magical Mystery Tour, of some of your favorite Beatles hits featuring favorite "Fab Four", classics for all those who want to "Twist & S
hout". Click here for Centennial Planetarium Schedule (PDF)
Urban Expressions
Presented by the 35th Annual Newark Black Film Festival (NBFF), features eight independent films that will continuously show throughout the night. These movies are rated PG-13.
The Festival has presented programs that reflect the full diversity of the black experience both past and present. Filmmakers include Padraic Dowd, Dallas Penn, Rafie Kam and C. Nozkowski.
Click for complete schedule of films (PDF)
Dr. Clement A. Price, Board of Governors Distinguished Professor at Rutgers, Newark Centennial Talk: 1909! The Year, the Museum and the Future
Clement Alexander Price is Board of Governors Distinguished Service Professor, Professor of History, and Director of the Rutgers Institute on Ethnicity, Culture, and the Modern Experience at Rutgers University, Newark Campus. A native of Washington, D.C., Dr. Price’s career is marked by a blend traditional and public intellectual work that brings scholarship and scholars to a cross section of citizens and communities in Greater Newark, New Jersey. He was among the first scholars in Newark to dramatize the role of the public intellectual in ameliorating racial discord, shedding light on historical memory, dignifying the bittersweet narrative of African Americans in modern Newark’s history, and leading public and private institutions toward a higher standard of public service.
Planetarium Laser Show–Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon
Fans of Pink Floyd will not be disappointed when this epic album comes to life through laser lights in the planetarium show, Dark Side of the Moon. Explore the legendary music, considered one of the greatest and most influential albums of all time. Click here for Centennial Planetarium Schedule (PDF)
Flashlight Tour of the Ballantine House
See the Ballantine House in a different light, as Curator Ulysses Dietz leads visitors on this special after-midnight tour of the Museum’s historic landmark home.
Curator Ulysses Dietz leads visitors on this tour of the Museum’s historic brick and limestone mansion, built in 1885 for Jeannette and John Holme Ballantine, the Newark beer-brewing family. See what is lurking behind that door…was that a shadow or a ghost? Or are they just shadows in the dimly lit rooms? Ballantine House
Laser Mania
It’s a late night laser extravaganza featuring various artists from Blink 182, Beck, Sting to Shania Twain. The show runs 45 minutes and is recommended for ages 8 and up. Click here for Centennial Planetarium Schedule (PDF)
Sunrise Yoga with Anna Winkler
Get ready to feel both relaxed and energized with an early-morning yoga class with instructor Anna Winkler in a class of gentle Hatha yoga influenced by Sivananda yoga, lyengar yoga and Vini yoga. Bring a mat or towel and wear loose, comfortable clothing as you relieve the stress in your life.
Meditation in the Galleries
experience the serenity of meditation in the Tibetan galleries with Anna Winker, director Shakti Yoga & Living Arts. As you are surrounded by beautiful art in the Museum galleries Anna Winkler, director of Shakti Yoga & Living Arts in Maplewood, leads a morning meditation session. Bring a mat or towel and wear loose clothing.
Food as Medicine with Steve Guidi
Share the wisdom of Chinese healing arts and learn simple recipes and sample ingredients from this cultural tradition.
Many people believe chicken soup can cure the common cold. Steven Guidi L.Ac. will discuss "food as medicine" within the context of the Chinese healing arts. Guidi is the director of the Park Wellness Center for integrative health professionals, which he founded in 2005. He integrates acupuncture, acupressure, topical and internal herbs, cupping therapy, and traditional Chinese dietary therapies in his private practice.
Tai Chi Performance with world champion Sitan Chen
 Join Master Sitan Chen as he demonstrates the fluidity of Tai Chi and instructs participants in this ancient martial art form. Wear loose and comfortable clothing.
See for yourself why Master Sitan Chen is considered one of the best. Originally developed in China a few hundred years ago, Tai Chi (TaiJi) is a type of martial art that is primarily known for its health benefits, including dealing with tension and stress. Master Sitan Chen has won a total of 32 gold medals in national and international Tai Chi competitions.
Katherine Anne Paul, Curator of the Arts of Asia
Discusses the Asian collection and highlights objects featured in 100 Amazing Objects that are amazing looking, have an amazing story, and are of amazing importance. [See description of 100 Amazing Objects]
Get a License, Save a Life, presented by The New Jersey Sharing Network and DonateLife NJ
This is an informational presentation on organ and tissue donation that will feature testimonials from donor families and recipients. Representatives from Donate Life New Jersey will also discuss key legislation passed about organ and tissue donation in New Jersey and answer questions on how New Jersey residents can register their wish to be an organ and tissue donor. Donate Life NJ is a coalition of representatives from both state organ procurement organizations, eye banks, tissue banks and the New Jersey Hospital Association. For further information on organ donation, call The Sharing Network at 1-800-SHARE-NJ.
Music From China Performs Masterpieces of Chinese Music
 Four string musicians perform Chinese classical and folk music on a variety of instruments including 2-string fiddles, a moon guitar and hammered dulcimer.
Musicians Wang Guowei, Sun Li, Wang Junling and Susan Cheng will perform masterpieces from the traditional repertoire consisting of classical compositions and regional folk music with an array of stylistic variations. The program includes classical compositions ranging from Ambush on Ten Sides, a powerful re-creation of a 3rd century battle, to the romance with nature of A Moonlit River in Spring. Folk music selections span China’s broad landscape, from the urban sophistication of Shanghai and Guangdong (Canton) to the open grasslands of the Mongolian steppes and rural villages of northern China.
Sculpture Comes to Life—An Indian Dance Showcase
 Watch a Bharatanatyam performance by master dancer Ramya Ramnarayan who will transform sculpture from the Museum’s Indian collection into dance as curator Katherine Paul describes each work of art.
The Museum sculptures will come to life through the eyes of Ramya Ramnarayan, a Bharatanatyam dancer, performer and choreographer and Director of Nrithyanjali Institute of Dance. Bharathanatyam is one of the oldest known dance forms. With an unbroken tradition going back 2000 years; it originated in the ancient temples of Southern India. Through the medium of dance, the audience will be exposed to ancient myth, symbolism and mysticism.
Body Language and Expression, a Mime/Movement Workshop with Yass Hakoshima
Through carefully designed physical and mental exercises participants will be introduced to basic elements of body awareness, dynamics, breathing and improvisation in this workshop for all ages led by Mime artist/teacher Yass Hakoshima of Montclair. The workshop will help to improve self-confidence and effective expression and show how to gain physical and mental strength. Hakoshima’s teaching method is based on various authentic Japanese theater forms. He has more than years of teaching and performance experience. The program is for all ages.
Behind the Scenes tour of Insecta Fantasia and the Science Collection with the Museum’s own entomologist, Science Curator Sule Oygur.
A special presentation by Curator Christa Clarke, who will discuss the Arts of Africa collection, including works highlighted in 100 Amazing Objects [See description of 100 Amazing Objects]
Paper Mill Playhouse Children’s Theater on Tour Performance Free To Be
A special collection of stories, poem and songs that encourage children to be themselves and pursue their dreams. All of the material is dedicated to the sense of wonder and curiosity that makes childhood a rich time of discovery, change and growth. The songs are based on Free To Be You and Me, by Marlo Thomas and Friends. The Millburn Theater’s auditioned group of talented 13- and 14-year-olds will dedicate their performance to the Museum’s 100th Anniversary.
FREE Salsa Dance Lessons with Jesse and Joanna Yip
The signatura dancers of J. Bonilla Dance Studios, just in time for tonight’s salsa party! Learn the hot moves that will sizzle up the dance floor. Yes, it’s time to put on your dancing shoes and learn to dance the salsa, the tango, the mambo and Latin Dance. The dance lessons will get you ready to dance the night away for all night owls joining in the evening’s dance party!
Sizzling Salsa Party with Ray Rodriguez y Swing Sabroso
 Everybody is welcomed to work up a sweat. It’s a salsa Centennial celebration tonight! Calling young and old, students and professionals -- come out and dance the night away at the Museum with Ray Rodriguez y Swing Sabroso. Founded in 2001, Swing Sabroso has a large number of loyal fans throughout the tri-state area and abroad. The group is known for its distinctive style, Salsa Dura, which is a mélange of the musical talents of the group’s musicians. The group will play music from its debut CD Baila con Swing Sabroso and other hits.
The Spoken Word with Kelli Koontz Wilson
Newark’s own writer and storyteller shares poems and short stories about motherhood, entitled A Mother’s Cry. Through stirring characterizations, Kelli Koontz Wilson offers inspirational and positive messages by sharing the journey of her own transformation from that of artist to educator.
Midnight Night Owls: Nocturnal Animals Program
Find out who the real night owls are in this Centennial program when you visit the Museum’s Mini Zoo and get up close with some of its residents.
Not all animals sleep at night! Find out which animals are more active after the sun goes down. One of the Museum’s professional animal handlers will introduce visitors to the zoo’s nocturnal creatures. Expect to meet the resident owl and some insects. The Mini Zoo is home to more than 65 live animals representing 58 species. The Museum offers special programs in its Mini Zoo for both adults and children where they learn about each animal and its natural habitat through interactive, self-guided visits and fascinating drop-in programs. Mini Zoo
35th Annual Newark Black Film Festival presents continuous screening of two films: Hip-Hop: Beyond Beats & Rhymes, by Bryon Hurt, a documentary film about the gender politics of hip-hop, the music and the culture and Estilo Hip Hop, by Loira Limball, a feature-length documentary that chronicles the lives of three hip-hop enthusiasts from Brazil, Chile and Cuba, who believe that hip-hop can change the world. These movies are rated PG-13. click here for complete schedule of films (PDF)
Tibetan Chanting at the Altar The Venerable Lama Pema Wangdak, part of the Sakya lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, offers the morning prayer at the Tibetan Buddhist Altar. In Tibetan Buddhism, the morning prayer is a sacred ritual and the Venerable Lama Pema Wangdak will enlighten and transform the Tibetan Buddhist Altar through spiritual chanting.
In 1989, the Venerable Lama Pema Wangdak established the Vikramasila Foundation, a non-profit organization for religious, educational and cultural purposes based in Fair Lawn, NJ and New York City. The Foundation is based on the teachings of the Sakya School and seeks to provide wisdom through Tibetan Buddhist studies and meditative practices, education centers, meetings and conventions, special religious and social services and publications.
Green Space Tapestry In the middle of Newark, there is a hidden gem…take a walk in the Alice Ransom Dreyfuss Memorial Sculpture Garden at the Newark Museum with Robert Sikora, Director of Education at the Greater Newark Conservancy.
Sikora will share stories, weaving together plants lore, culture and history in the Newark Museum’s urban green space. The Greater Newark Conservancy, founded in 1987, promotes environmental stewardship to improve the quality of life in New Jersey's urban communities through environmental education, community greening and gardening, job training and advocacy for environmental justice. Prior to working at the conservancy, Sikora was Education Curator at New York City’s Central Park Zoo.
Beth Venn, Curator of Modern and Contemporary art and Senior Curator of American art discusses the Contemporary art collection and highlights the top works in the collection based on the criteria for the Museum’s 100 Amazing Objects. [See description of 100 Amazing Objects]
Mary-Kate O’Hare, Associate Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, will discuss selected works in the Modern and Contemporary American art collection and highlights works featured in 100 Amazing Objects.
[See description of 100 Amazing Objects]
Feel the rhythm as Maplewood’s Columbia High School Jazz Band takes the stage to perform classic jazz standards.
Freespace Dance Performance With bodies floating in the air, the contemporary dance ensemble is  bold, fearless, and captivating.
Freespace Dance of Montclair is a contemporary modern dance company of seven dancers directed by Donna Scro Gentile, who is known for creating emotionally driven work with an athletic signature style.
Ceramic artist John Watts at the Wheel
Watch John Watts “throw pots” as he demonstrates how to work the pottery wheel.
The Newark resident owns a gift shop in Newark where he sells pottery, jewelry and other gift items. Watch John Watts as he creates beautiful ceramics, both functional and decorative, in this fun demonstration. Watts, who received his MFA from the University of Iowa, said his interests consist of the three P’s: pottery, painting and playwriting.
Ismael Calderon Director of Science discusses the exhibit Dynamic Earth: Revealing Nature’s Secrets and specifically focuses on plate tectonics, and the developments of bio and animal adaptations through natural selection. Dynamic Earth Exhibit
New Jersey Tap Dance Ensemble Presents Tap Explosion Get ready for a toe-tapping celebration when the  NJTAP takes the stage for the Centennial!
The New Jersey Tap Dance Ensemble will celebrate the Newark Museum’s 100 years with this special performance. “Tap Explosion!” uses storytelling, music and dance to connect with the community as it “taps” into tap dancing’s history, legacies and traditions as they honor the museum. The program features Artistic Director Deborah Mitchell, Music Director J. Leonard Oxley, NJTAP Soloists and NJTAP Principle dancers who are some of this century's finest tap artists. Auditorium
Irondale Ensemble Project: Improvisational Theater
 This is a fun and innovative program for all ages. The Irondale Ensemble Project is a theater company that creates and presents original work through the research and exploration of emerging themes in our society.
Dance Party featuring Rhythm Revue's Felix Hernandez
Dance the night away as Rhythm Revue's Felix Hernandez (of 98.7 KISS-FM, 88.3 WBGO-FM) spins soul, Motown, funk, salsa and disco dance classics of the 60's, 70's, 80's. It’s a free Centennial dance party. So come after work, bring some friends, grab some dinner at the Museum and then get ready to dance!
Checkmate! Kings Knight Chess Club Challenge Check if your king has the right move, mate.
Participate in a fun and friendly chess competition with Kings Knight Chess Club. Boards will be provided for the competition, or you can bring your own chessboard to learn the skills and strategies of the game from the instructors who are certified by the United States Chess Federation. Who knows…you may have the right moves! The Kings Knight Chess Club was formed in 1998 with a goal to educate and motivate youths through the game of chess and to promote thinking as a competitive activity by creating an environment in which cognitive skills are rewarded.
Flashlight Tours with Assistant Director of Education, Kevin Heller, and Manager of School Programs, Shirley Thomas
Interact with the Museum’s collections as never before. The educators will bring along a bag of “touchable” treasures from the Educational Loan collections that will enhance the way you experience art.
Portraits Alive
A troupe of professional actors will bring portraits in the Museum’s collections to life in this unique theatrical event. One never knows who will be walking the halls during its Centennial! Meet an 18th-century Boston merchant’s wife on the eve of the American Revolution, a Concord Minuteman ready to fight, an African American woman at the crossroads of freedom, and a “New Woman” full of passion and excitement about her new rights and independence.
Night at the Museum Movie Screening
The Ben Stiller comedy, directed by Shawn Levy with an all-star cast including Robin Williams and Dick Van Dyke. What better place to watch this movie than at the Newark Museum...at night! Night Owls beware! You never know what may come to life in the Newark Museum’s collection.
Poetry Readings at Day Break
Start the day with poetry that is inspired by the rising sun.
Bird Watching
Learn about birds in a garden known to be a haven for migrating birds that pass through New Jersey. Rebecca Buck the Museum’s Deputy Director of Collection Services leads a birding program in the Museum’s Alice Ransom Dreyfuss Memorial Sculpture Garden.
Look up in the sky! Is that a red-tailed hawk? Is that a brown sparrow fluttering around that tree? You never know what beautiful bird may stop to rest in the garden during its spring migration. The Alice Ransom Dreyfuss Memorial Garden at the Newark Museum has long been recognized as a stopping place for migrating birds. In 1929, the New Jersey Audubon Society commemorated the garden with a plaque declaring it as a sanctuary. Buck will talk about bird sightings in the garden, the basics of using binoculars and identifying birds for those who aren't birders, and the best sightings - and when to find them - in the garden. Bring binoculars!
Classical guitarist Jorge Gavidia
 A native of Newark and winner of The Star-Ledger Scholarship for the Performing Arts, will perform a Centennial Concert presented by NJPAC Music Academy. A graduate of Newark’s Arts High School, Gavidia is known for the beautiful classical music he plays on his guitar.
Journeys with Sound Performance
The performance features sacred instruments from around the world. Experience the transcendent beauty of pure sound played on many sacred instruments from all over the world by Journeys with Sound. The sounds will transport you to an inner dimension where time and space will dissolve into the oneness of now. Renew your body, mind and spirit as we celebrate the healing qualities of sacred sound.
Presentation and Walking Tour
Learn about the Newark Broad Street Station District Development Plan and then take a historic walking tour of the James Street Commons and Washington Park neighborhoods, led by the New Jersey Historical Society. The program begins with a 30-minute presentation led by Perris Straughter, senior planner of the Division of Planning and Community Development, Department of Economic & Housing Development for the City of Newark. Following the presentation, Beth Mauro, the Director of Advancement for the New Jersey Historical Society, will lead a 60–90 minute walking tour of the James Street Commons and Washington Park neighborhoods presented in partnership with the James Street Commons Historic District. Mauro will help walkers relive Newark’s glorious past, marvel at its renaissance and learn about the city’s vision for the future. Mauro’s words will bring the history of the buildings to life right before your eyes.
Dinosaur Day
Dinosaurs may be extinct, but they continue to fascinate us. Come learn about these amazing creatures that ruled the earth until their mass extinction 65 million years ago. Kids can become junior paleontologists as they dig for fossils, make dinosaur models and mine for gems, with several events presented by Dinosaurs Rock and the New Jersey Paleontological Society. All these special events and programs for visitors of all ages are co-sponsored by Rutgers University-Newark and National Science Foundation to inspire appreciation and learning in the geological sciences. Dinosaur Day begins April 25 at 10 am and runs until 5 pm. All activities are free with the Museum’s suggested admission.
Youth Sleep-Over
A special event for invited area youth organizations to test this pilot program Night at the Newark Museum, with a magic show, planetarium program, arts projects, a visit to the Mini Zoo, snacks and breakfast. Kids will learn how to mount moths, dissect an owl pellet and make art projects to take home. If you are interested in possible future sleepover events, please call 973-596-6645.
Youth Sleep-Over Pickup 8 am
Time for kids in the youth sleepover to get picked up or be joined by their families to spend a full day of fun at the Museum for the last day of the 100-Hour Centennial Celebration Marathon of activities.
Martial Arts Demonstration
Master Glenn Mason of the Newark Museum will lead a class demonstrating Karate, Jujitsu and Kung-Fu.
Junior Museum Open House
Be creative! Enjoy 100 minutes of free activities, including classes inspired by the museum’s collection: Gyotaku fish printing, mini-bookmaking and recycled sculpture. It’s 100-continuous minutes of art projects and fun!
My 35 Years with the Hubble Space Telescope
 Get on board for a multimedia journey with NASA Astronaut Story Musgrave, who flew on six space shuttle flights during his 30-year career, including the first Hubble Space Telescope repair mission. Musgrave will discuss the Space Telescope from its development and launch to the upcoming final service mission. He will also show images of Earth taken with hand-held cameras from the Space Shuttle. He has been awarded 20 honorary doctorates and received NASA’s highest honor, the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, in 1992.
Young Audiences of New Jersey Presents Music Movers and Shakers, an Instrument-Making Workshop
Make an instrument out of some every-day items like an empty coffee can, beans, rice and cardboard. See how children of all ages can make instruments out of almost anything in this family creativity workshop. (The instruments will be used in a parade later in the day.)
Jazz Brunch
 Celebrate the Museum’s Centennial with a delicious brunch and live jazz music featuring the Duke Ellington Legacy Band (led by Edward K. Ellington II, grandson of the jazz legend.) New World Catering & Food Boutique will be on hand to serve those who wish to purchase a delicious ala carte brunch. Engelhard Court
click here for brunch menu (PDF)
Globe Trackers Tours
Try some hands-on minds-on learning in the Museum’s Asian collection and Picturing America. The tours will be offered on the half hour every 30 minutes and will be led by the Museum’s educators. First Floor North Wing under Calder mobile
Lion Dance
The Chinese Community Center of New Jersey performs the traditional Lion Dance to honor the Museum’s 100th Anniversary. The Lion Dance dates over 1,000 years and is performed to celebrate momentous occasions.
Soho Daiko
 Listen to the resounding beat of Soh Saiko’s drumming as they summon the ancestral spirits, drive away evil forces and give strength and courage to all who listen. Taiko drumming is a contemporary art form that has its roots in ancient agricultural rites and the music of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples in Japan.
Soh Daiko was formed in 1979 at the New York Buddhist Church and is the first taiko group on the East Coast, taking its name from the ancient pre-Buddhist characters meaning, “peaceful, harmonious drums.”
Nai-Ni Chen
 From the flowing lines of Chinese calligraphy to the thundering motion of the martial arts, the mesmerizing choreography of the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company melds the dynamic freedom of American modern dance with the stoic discipline of the Chinese classical arts. See four original works choreographed by Artistic Director/Choregrapher, Nai Ni Chen, who will be performing in honor of the Museum’s Centennial Celebration.
The Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company reaches more than 100,000 audience members a year, touring extensively through out the United States and abroad. Today, it is one of the country’s most widely known Asian American contemporary dance companies.
Wolf Trap Basics: Storytelling Theater
Master Teaching Artist Judy Weiner from the NJPAC Theater Academy will lead this story-telling workshop. Weiner’s plays have been produced internationally as well as at regional theaters throughout the country. Weiner has also written many shows for television including ABC’s After School Special Series, the Arts and Entertainment Channel’s Biographies for Kids and Nickelodeon’s Welcome Freshman series.
Live Broadcast with Radio Personality Bob Shannon of CBS-FM
The Museum will set up a mock live studio for this radio broadcast in honor the Museum’s Centennial.
100th Anniversary Celebratory Birthday Cake Cutting
Join Newark Museum Director Mary Sue Sweeney Price and other distinguished guests as they mark the Newark Museum’s 100th birthday.
click here for list of centennial cupcake donors (PDF)
Barat Foundation’s Puppet Parade
A procession leading up to the 100-Hour finale will be led by an elaborate puppet parade created by talented children who participated in puppet-making workshops. A children’s band, complete with handmade instruments, will also march in the parade.
Drumsong African Ballet Theatre
(Formerly known as Sabar Ak Ru Afriq Dance Theater) The internationally acclaimed group combines the drums, dance, song and ritual of West African folk culture of Senegambia, in a performance of boundless energy that dazzles the eye, invigorates the spirit, and satisfies the soul. The dance company is led by Director/Master Drummer Obara Wali Rahman Ndiaye and Associate Director/ Dancer Andara Koumba Rahman Ndiaye.
Sammy Galvez and the Latin All-Stars
 Formed in 2000 by Sammy Galvez, the Latin All-Stars brings together some of today’s finest Latin musicians. Collectively, the band’s resume reads like a who’s-who of New York’s Latin music scene. Its members have played with Robert Torres, Tito Nieves, Jose Fajardo, Johnny Pacheco...and the list goes on. If it’s dancing you want, Latin All-Stars can deliver; they play Latin dance music in the style of Marc Anthony, Juan Luis Guerra, El Gran Combo, and all the legendary Latin bands. Their repetoire includes popular merengue, bachata, cumbia, bolero and salsa.
Dr. K’s Motown Revue
 Get ready to party and get down with Motown classics in celebration of the Museum’s Centennial Birthday Bash! Free tickets are available the day of the show. This outstanding band of musicians and singers takes you on every realistic journey of the Motown sound, and makes you want to sing along with every familiar hit they play. They have kept the Motown sound true to its roots and will transport you back to another era!
Encore Performance by Dr. K’s Motown Revue
Dr. K’s Motown Revue ends the Museum’s 100-Hour Centennial Celebration Marathon with great Motown hits. So get down and groove! Happy 100th Anniversary, Newark Museum!
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