A Celluloid Story: New Jersey's Filmmaking History

A star-studded exhibition comes to the Walsh Gallery at Seton Hall University as A Celluloid Story: New Jersey’s’ Filmmaking History opens on November 6, 2014. Curated by Sarah Hart and Romana Schaeffer, the exhibition celebrates the 350th anniversary of New Jersey’s statehood by exploring the state’s pivotal role in film history from 1890-1920. In conjunction with the exhibit, on November 17, 2014, film historian and author Dr. Richard Koszarski will give a presentation on New Jersey’s role in the film industry. A screening of Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle’s A Reckless Romeo will follow the presentation. The exhibition and program are free and open to the public.

New Jersey’s culture of invention, creativity and storytelling gave the state a place in the history of film innovation and laid the foundation for today’s movie culture. According to Dr. Koszarski, “[B]efore Hollywood captured the world’s imagination, audiences knew Fort Lee as America’s first film town…. [and] a host of silent-screen pioneers, from D.W. Griffith to Theda Bara, created the American motion picture industry right here in the streets and studios of New Jersey.” Through objects and images, A Celluloid Story explores the stories of New Jersey inventors, studios, communities, films, and celebrities who helped film to grow from a technological fad into a form of art. Featured inventors include New Jersey resident Thomas Edison, who led the way in film technology, and accounts from Fort Lee, New Jersey, explore the development of the studio industry. Portions of movies filmed in New Jersey, such as He Did and He Didn’t will be on view, and both cinema celebrities and everyday New Jerseyans who embraced the movies will tell the story of the birth of film in New Jersey.

For 150 years, Seton Hall University has been a catalyst for leadership, developing the whole student mind, heart, and spirit. Seton Hall combines the resources of a large university with the personal attention of a small liberal arts college. Its attractive suburban campus is only 14 miles by train, bus, or car to New York City, with the wealth of employment, internship, cultural, and entertainment opportunities the city offers. Seton Hall is a Catholic university that embraces students of all races and religions, challenging each other to better the world with integrity, compassion, and a commitment to serving others. For more information, see www.shu.edu/walshgallery Seton Hall University is located at 400 S. Orange Avenue, South Orange, New Jersey, 07079. The Walsh Gallery is open 10:30am to 4:30pm Monday – Friday.