Museum to open exhibit on legenday sports arenas and athletes

Sports will take center stage at the Museum of Jersey City History when it opens a major new exhibit on “Legendary Arenas… And the Legends Who Performed There” on Saturday, April 19.

The exhibit focuses on the city’s major and minor sports arenas, primarily during the period from 1885 to 1985. These include Roosevelt Stadium, Jersey City Armory, Boyle’s Thirty Acres, the 4th Regiment Armory, the West Side ballpark, Lincoln Park, Pershing Field, the Oakland Outdoor Arena, and the People’s Palace/CYO.

Famous athletes who performed in Jersey City include Jack Dempsey, Jackie Robinson and Babe Didrikson, plus numerous Olympians and world champions. The exhibit also focuses on famous athletes that the city has produced, such as Ed Franco, Al Blozis, Martha Norelius, Huddy Oliver, Charlie Mays, Charlie Brown, and Coach Bob Hurley.

“When you see all the achievements over the years in all the various arenas, it really is a remarkable sight,” said Peter Begans, a museum board member who curated the exhibit. It wasesigned by Diana Basmajian and will occupy the museum’s second floor for the next six months.

Begans is also coordinating a series of talks connected to the exhibit. So far the museum has hosted discussions on the history of boxing and baseball in Jersey City. Other subjects will include basketball, football and track and field.

The museum is located at the Apple Tree House, 298 Academy St. The museum is open on Tuesdays from 1 to 4 pm and every other Saturday and Sunday, also from 1 to 4 pm. However, it will be closed this Sunday, April 14, to prepare for the sports exhibit. For more information, please check the museum’s website, mjchistory.org.