Library presents Atlantic City Experience at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall

Atlantic City’s rich history is now on display in one of the city’s most iconic buildings.

The newly renovated lobby at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall is home to The Atlantic City Experience™ (ACX), presented by the Atlantic City Free Public Library. The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) and library officially unveiled ACX at a special ribbon-cutting ceremony held July 23.

ACX showcases the culturally diverse heritage and exciting history of Atlantic City through a series of topical exhibits and nostalgic timeline.

The exhibits highlight many of the important events, places and people for which Atlantic City is known. Iconic images from the city’s past are paired with digital displays and a video presentation with Atlantic City-themed music. From “Boardwalk Empire” props to a Mr. Peanut costume to the construction of Boardwalk Hall to a sand sculpture and much more, ACX has something for everyone. ACX is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Presented in a modern, creative design, the exhibit is self-guided and can be browsed in as little as 15 minutes or provide hours of entertainment.

Author and Atlantic City native Vicki Gold Levi and former Atlantic City Library archivist Heather Halpin Perez are the ACX curators. Atlantic City Library Board of Trustees President William Cheatham, director Robert Rynkiewicz, archivist Jacqueline Silver Morillo and former library director Maureen Sherr Frank were also instrumental in this project.

Many of the items on display are part of the library’s extensive Atlantic City Heritage Collections and from the former Atlantic City Historical Museum, which the library operated from 2012-16. Gold Levi and others also lent items to the library for display at Boardwalk Hall.

Boardwalk Hall was known as Atlantic City Convention Hall when it opened in 1929. The building has hosted many noteworthy events, including the first indoor college football game, Miss America Pageant and the 1964 Democratic National Convention – and concerts featuring legends such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Elton John. Boardwalk Hall is also home to the world’s largest pipe organ.

To learn more about The Atlantic City Experience, please visit:
www.atlanticcityexperience.org

LIBRARY FOUNDATION RAISES $20,000 FOR CREATION OF ACX
The ACX project was funded by the CRDA and money raised by The Foundation of the Board of Trustees of the Atlantic City Free Public Library

Gold Levi, an Atlantic City native and author, spearheaded the foundation efforts, which raised $20,000 toward the project.

“The project wouldn’t have been possible without the financial support of the CRDA and our library foundation,” Rynkiewicz said. “The Atlantic City Experience is a project that meant a lot to Vicki, and she put an enormous amount of effort into it as the ACX curator and as a fundraiser.”

Those who wish to donate to the library foundation can do so by visiting:
foundation.acfpl.org

DOCENTS NEEDED AT ACX
The Atlantic City Library is looking for people interested in serving as docents at the new Atlantic City Experience.

Docents are needed to answer questions about the exhibits and Atlantic City history, and possibly provide short guided tours of ACX. Knowledge of Atlantic City history is helpful but not required. The library will provide training about the exhibits that are on display.

Those interested in volunteering are asked to call (609) 345-2269.