Three hundred years ago, before the days of pistols and hi-tech riot gear, officers of the peace in Newark used wooden noise makers carved out of oak or hickory to disperse crowds.
The constable would take the handle of the rectangular-shaped noise maker and spin the top, making a loud, rattling sound of wood rapidly clacking on wood.
One such rattle rests in a glass case at the Newark Police Museum, where other objects from the police department’s 344-year-long history are on display for all to see.
“If you don't understand what the past is all about, you have very little chance to understand the future,” said Daniel Santos, a former Newark police sargent who serves as curator and historian of the museum, which is housed in the same building as the local Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) head quarters on Rector Street.
In a basement floor, artifacts from night sticks to neatly pressed uniforms from years past are on permanent exhibit. In one corner is an old, hulking case containing tools for fingerprinting.
Next to it is a heavy oak front desk from a defunct precinct building. Dressed in button down shirts, suspenders, jackets, and a Derby hat or Homburg, criminals from the early twentieth century gaze from faded mugshots.
And in another part of the building, a room details the exploits and heroism of Newark police officers who served in the military from the Civil War to now.
The museum is a labor of love for Santos, 57, who has been in charge of it for four years.
Santos knows every object in the museum intimately and is chock full of random facts, which he uses to regale the many Newark residents who visit.
“I love it. To me, history is everything,” he said.
Besides serving as a trove of artifacts from the past, the museum is also a way "to perpetuate the memory of all Newark police officers whose courage and devotion to duty is constantly contributing to the police profession," according to a web page dedicated to the museum on the FOP's site.
The city's police department traces its beginnings to 1668, when Thomas Johnson was named the new constable for the fledging community that was only settled two years before, according to the FOP webpage.
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The museum itself was established in February 1975, according to the same web page.
The now deceased Lt John Manghisi, who had a real passion for the history of the Newark Police Department, was the first curator and historian, Santos said. Manghisi would collect things around the city and have people bring in items from their attics or basements.
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Santos himself took over the reins of the museum from the previous curator, Ed Dalley, a retired detective, who moved away. Santos, a Newark native and a 19-year veteran of the police department, was handpicked by Dalley because of Santos’ interest in the past.
As historian and curator, Santos takes care of the items and does community outreach through a twice-weekly presentation to fifth grade students during the school year.
“We make it interesting for them too,” said Santos. “We make them detectives and hold a scavenger hunt activity. Pair them up and find answers to questions. They have fun doing it.”
One of the new exhibits Santos introduced to the museum is the second floor police/military display, which he opened about two years ago. Many of the items are from living police officers.
“My intention was to honor these individuals while they are still with us,” Santos said. “They have come up here. A few have cried. There are good memories and bad memories. At least they do know what they have done is not forgotten.”
Highlights from the police/military exhibit are the various uniforms, old rifles, and photos from long ago overseas wars and ones from the present day such as Afghanistan.
An old military radio even still works and can pick up local radio stations.
Downstairs, highlights from the museum include a charcoal portrait of Henry Whitney, Newark’s first chief of police. Santos said he is a cousin of Eli Whitney, the inventor of the cotton gin.
The museum also has photos of two notable women from the police department’s history. One is of Barbara George, the department's first female police captain, who earned that rank in 1998. Another is of Margaret Dugan, the first woman made police officer back in 1918, Santos said. She attained the rank of sargent.
Derrick Hatcher, president of the FOP, applauded the museum and Santos’ work.
“It’s a great asset we have so we can share with officers and students alike,” Hatcher said. “It’s an excellent way to bridge the gap.”
The museum is open during regular business hours and is free to all. For more information, contact Daniel Santos at (973) 642-0390.
