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971 valley road
Clifton, nj 07013
Phone: (973)-744-5707
Fax: (973)-744-5732
Curator: Norma smith
Welcome to the Hamilton-Van Wagoner Museum
We hope to provide you with a refreshing glimpse of the past. A journey back in
time and place -not just to see, but to feel how our forefathers lived. The museum
mirrors the growing up of our nation with all its courage, imagination and vitality.
This 18th Century Dutch gambrel-roofed homestead, was once the home of the Van Wagoner
and Hamilton families. The basic plan of the house does not greatly differ from
its Dutch antecedents. The sturdy one and one half story cut sandstone structure,
flanked by a grainery, spring-house and gardens, reflects almost two hundred years
of American history. It brings back memories of an uncluttered horizon with farms,
orchards, fresh brooks, forests full of game and filled with the scent of wildflowers.
Although the city of Clifton was incorporated in 1917, a community had existed since
1679. Prior to 1917, the area was known as Acquackanonk Township and included parts
of Paterson, West Paterson, Little Falls and Passaic. The Indian Chief Captahem
deeded 11,000acres to the early Dutch settlers on the shores of the Passaic River.
Predominately rural, this sparsely populated village thrived and grew.
The farmhouse was presented to the City of Clifton by the developers of the property
of the late Harry Hamilton. The Hamilton family had bought the 96 acre property
in 1856 and for over 100 years until the death of Mr. Hamilton n 1970 it had been
the home of the family.
The house was moved to its present location Surgent Park in 1973. Infinite plans
have been taken with examination and documentation of the building's structural
elements. Manuscripts,maps, deeds, wills.photographs and artifacts were researched,
including the records and treasured memories of Miss Caroline Hamilton.
We trust you will enjoy your "walk in the footsteps of history" with the visualization
of six rooms furnished in different periods showing a span of time and an earlier
pattern of life. As a "living" active Museum we invite you to "walk in the footsteps
of history"
The Museum is opened for tours on Sundays from 2-4pm (except for Holidays) from
March-December. Tours at other times may be made by calling the Museum - (973)744-5707
There are various programs and events thru the year, Contact the Museum for further
information.
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