A Look Back in Time.....

with The Passaic County
Historical Society
&
Lambert Castle Museum

The Passaic County Historical Society...

From the green hills of West Milford to the smoke stacks of Paterson...

Like an heirloom quilt, the history of Passaic County is pieced together from many sources--the rough wool vest of an iron miner, the cotton dress of a silk weaver, the serge of a Civil War uniform, the silk top hat of a mill owner, the denim of a striking dyer--rich and poor, plain and fancy, an elaborate patchwork, stitched together in the fabric of time.

Come and explore this rich heritage with us. Located in historic Lambert Castle, the Passaic County Historical Society is dedicated to weaving together the colorful fragments of the story of Passaic County and its people, so we can have them with you, our friends and neighbors, and preserve them for future generations.

Lambert and his Castle....

Catholina Lambert was born in Goose Eye, England in 1834. The son of working-class parents, he came to America at the age of 17 to seek his fortune. He found it "in silk," and by 1890 was one of the largest mill owners in Paterson, the Silk City of the New World.

In 1892, Lambert built his castle on Garret Mountain, "Belle Vista," to serve as an elegant setting for his find collection of European and American paintings and sculpture. Debts incurred during the great 1913 silk strike forced him to sell much of his art collection in 1916. Despite this, he lived comfortable in the castle until his death in 1923.

After Lambert’s death, his son Walter sold the castle to the city of Paterson, and it was used as a day camp for disadvantaged children. In 1928, it passed to the Passaic County Park Commission. Today, the Castle serves as the museum and headquarters of the Passaic County Historical Society.

The Passaic County Historical Society has so much to offer...

Lambert Castle Museum features late 19th-century period rooms and changing exhibits on Passaic County history drawn from PCHS’s extensive collections.

Local History & Genealogy Library is open to all researchers by appointment.

Special Events and programs for children and adults. Also special tours and off-site programming for school and community groups.

The Historic County, a quarterly newsletter of Passaic County history, genealogy, preservation, and Society events is sent to all PCHS members.

Genealogy Club sponsors lectures, how-to sessions, and outings. It also publishes a quarterly genealogical journal, The Castle Genie. Meetings are held on the second Saturday of the month, usually September through May. Open to all PCHS members.

Volunteers assist with the collections, museum, tours, and library. They enjoy special outings and get-togethers, plus a 25% discount in the Museum Shop. Call the Society if you would like to be a volunteer.

The Passaic County Historical Society
Lambert Castle Museum
Valley Road, Paterson, New Jersey 07503

Phone: 973-247-0085
Fax: 973-357-1070