Kearny Museum hosts author of novel on Black Tom Explosion and immigration

Kearny native and author Richard Sackerman explores a little-known chapter of American history in a historical fiction work centered on the 1916 explosion that destroyed Black Tom Island, a munitions depot in New York Harbor—an unprecedented act of terrorism on U.S. soil. The novel follows August Landesmann, a young German immigrant employed at Black Tom…

February 2, 20260Comments

ByJaimie Julia Winters

News People

St. Stephens honors legacy of the Four Chaplains — Interfaith in action

Eighty-three years ago, a Catholic priest, a rabbi, and two ministers taught the world about interfaith unity, civic duty, grace, and courage—sacrificing their lives in the process. Fulfilling the core mission of the Army Chaplain Corps, they served as lieutenants, providing spiritual guidance for soldiers during World War II. …

February 1, 20260Comments

ByKelly Nicholaides

News

Heroes Banner Program relaunched with new initiative to preserve history with stories

After a successful debut in 2025, Kearny’s Hometown Heroes banner program is returning, once again inviting families and community members to honor local veterans and active-duty service members. The program recognizes Kearny residents who have served in the military by displaying personalized banners along Kearny and Midland Avenues. Each banner features a photo of…

January 26, 20260Comments

ByJaimie Julia Winters

Lifestyle News

Little museum at the top of the stairs keeps Kearny’s past alive

In the mid-2000s, Sandra McAllister climbed the stairs to the second floor of the Kearny Library and stepped into the long-closed Kearny Museum. After years of being shut to the public, the space had become a catchall for donated “historical” items left behind by well-meaning residents. “There were piles everywhere of people’s…

January 21, 20260Comments

ByJaimie Julia Winters

News

Patricia Paute’s ballgowns supply sparkle and hope in Kearny

Ever felt the magnetic pull of starting your own business, only to have that spark dimmed by a daunting list of potential hurdles? From navigating uncertain financial waters to juggling endless to-do lists and overcoming self-doubt, the path to entrepreneurship is rarely smooth. Yet, the most inspiring success stories aren't built on ease, but on…

January 20, 20260Comments

ByLaurie Perrone

News People

One of NJ’s oldest Native American land deeds tells the story of Kearny

The deed describing the land that includes present-day Kearny, N.J., is among the oldest surviving New Jersey land-purchase deeds from Native Americans that still exists in its original form. It reflects one of many land transactions that occurred during the early period of European colonization in North America. The deed is preserved in the collections…

January 14, 20260Comments

ByJaimie Julia Winters

Lifestyle News

From sage smoke to Reiki: Inside a modern spiritual apothecary

Christina Platero's childhood was spent around Puerto Rican matriarchal medicine women who used herbs to ease ailments and developed intuition in the metaphysical to tap spirituality. Her heritage is steeped in ancestral indigenous healing and renewal. “When I was a little girl in Puerto Rico, my abuelita used to grow plants, teas, and herbs,”…

January 12, 20260Comments

ByKelly Nicholaides

News People

Excellence in science and English: Two Kearny educators recognized by state leaders

Two Franklin School educators have gained recognition for their impact in and out of the Classroom. An avid reader, Mariann Ruhno, 39, was drawn to becoming an English teacher since childhood. “I was the oldest of all my cousins, which blossomed into babysitting, teaching Girl Scouts, book clubs, and volunteering,” she says. “Teaching English…

January 9, 20260Comments

ByKelly Nicholaides

News

From Japanese to pottery: Kearny Adult School has a class for you

Looking to learn a new skill such as sign language, kickboxing, Japanese, or charcoal sketching? For over 40 years, Kearny Adult School has been offering lifelong learning through evening courses and community education programs rooted in the town’s rich industrial and immigrant history. While traditionally offering English as a Second Language classes, Kearny’s Adult School…

January 7, 20260Comments

ByJaimie Julia Winters

Lifestyle News

Order the haggis, ready the whiskey, Robbie Burns Day is upon us!

In Kearny, some say Robbie Burns Day—celebrated each year on Jan. 25—is even bigger than St. Patrick’s Day. Also known as Burns Night, the event honors the life and poetry of Scotland’s national bard, Robert Burns, who was born in 1759. The celebration holds special meaning in Kearny, where, at one time, more than half…

January 6, 20260Comments

ByJaimie Julia Winters