PATERSON, NJ – Lambert Castle, a historical landmark in Paterson, New Jersey, offers a unique exhibit that transcends the ordinary: The Spoon Museum. This collection, boasting over 5,400 spoons from around the globe, showcases a range of designs and histories, appealing to both spoon enthusiasts and historians alike.
The museum owes its existence to Bertha Schaefer Koempel’s passion, whose early 20th-century hobby of spoon collecting evolved into one of the most comprehensive assortments in the United States. The collection, later donated to the Passaic County Historical Society, found its fitting place within Lambert Castle.
Each spoon in the museum tells a story, from those crafted by distinguished silversmiths to those used in everyday life. The collection also includes spoons from significant events and ceremonies like weddings and world fairs, underscoring their cultural and historical value.
The Spoon Museum is a testament to the long history of spoons, an essential element in various cultures, serving not just as utensils but as markers of historical and cultural significance. The museum’s global collection, encompassing spoons from Asia, Europe, and the Americas, highlights this diversity.
Open to the public, Lambert Castle offers visitors a chance to explore the Spoon Museum with general admission. In addition, the castle provides guided tours for a deeper understanding of its history and the spoon collection.
