Lecture: ‘Havens for Deviates’ – The Regulation of Queer Bars in Mid-Century Paterson

Between the 1930s and the 1960s, the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) suspended the liquor licenses of any bar or tavern in the state that was found to serve patrons belonging to the LGBTQ community. In the city of Paterson, a total of 12 establishments were targeted by the ABC under this justification.

Museum Attendant Angelo Schimmenti will tell the stories of several of these bars and taverns, providing insight into the state-sponsored repression of public expression of queer identity and offering a glimpse into the queer community of mid-century Paterson.

This program is free to the public.

Reserve your seat here!