Routes to Roots Heritage Trail

American Labor Museum/Botto House

 The American Labor Museum is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to perpetuating the history of the labor movement, as well as the culture and ethnicity of working people in the United States.  The museum operates the historic Botto House, a property listed on the state and national registers of historic places. The restored residence contains period rooms and contemporary gallery space for changing exhibits. Once the home of Maria and Pietro Botto, immigrant silk workers from northern Italy, the landmark played a major role in the reform of the American workplace. During the Paterson Silk Strike of 1913, it served as a rallying point for thousands of striking workers and their families who advocated the eight-hour day and an end to child labor.  Programs and exhibits examining issues related to African Americans in the workplace in addition to social activism include:

- A. Philip Randolph, the Pullman Porters & the Civil Rights Movement.  The distance learning class explores the founding of the African-American Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and the impact of its dynamic leader on the Civil Rights Movement.  It is examined through photos and audio recordings.  Students learn about the experience of African-American workers and their struggles for a union and civil rights.

- Paul Robeson (1898 - 1976):  American Hero.  Through photos and audio recordings, this distance learning class explores the life and accomplishment sof this athlete, actor, singer, lawyer, and civil rights leader.  Students develop an understanding of social activism and an appreciation for an important social activist.

American Labor Museum/Botto House
83 Norwood Street
Haledon, New Jersey 07508
(973) 595-7953;   Fax (973)   595-7291
http://www.geocities.com/labormuseum
_______________________________________________________________________________

County History and Resource Organizations

Passaic County Cultural & Heritage Council
at Passaic County Community College
One College Boulevard
Paterson, New Jersey 07505-1179.
(973) 684 - 6555
(973) 523 - 6085 FAX
apapazian@pccc.edu

Passaic County Historical Society
c/o Lambert Castle

_______________________________________________________________________________

got Info?  


Send us your questions, comments and listings