Tuesday March 25, 2025, 7:30-9:00 pm.

Contrary to the popular myth, Abner Doubleday did not invent baseball in Cooperstown, New York.  The story of the early game is more complicated, but also more interesting.  The program will discuss how organized baseball got started and the important role that New Jersey played in the game’s early days.  This will include a description of what an 1860s baseball game and the differences from the modern game.

About the speaker: John Zinn is an independent historian with a special interest in the history of baseball.  He is the chairman of the board of the New Jersey Historical Society and was the chair of New Jersey’s Committee on the Civil War Sesquicentennial.  John is the author of five books including three about the Brooklyn Dodgers.  He also writes a blog on baseball history entitled A Manly Pastime. John is the scorekeeper for the Flemington Neshanock vintage baseball team. He holds BA and MBA degrees from Rutgers University and is a Vietnam veteran.  

Registration is now open. Tickets can be purchased through the form below, or click here.

Any necessary information will be sent to the email you provide.

No physical ticket will be required or distributed.

Museum admission: Members: Free with discount code – Non-Members: $5
Not sure you’re a member? Contact us at mahwahmuseum@gmail.com to find out.