Modern Silk Road Exhibit

Public Comment Questions

Abstract

By the 1880s, Paterson, New Jersey, was the center of the global silk trade. Known as “The Silk City,” Paterson became the final stop for a trade route that had transported goods and ideas across three continents. The Modern Silk Road Virtual Exhibit, funded by the National Endowments for the Arts and the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, explores the 2,200-year journey that brought the silk trade to Paterson and how the fabric shaped Paterson’s economy, culture, and population.

1) What imagery does the phase “Modern Silk Road” evoke?*
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2) What imagery does the name “Silk City” evoke?*
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3) What theme should be emphasized in the “Modern Silk Road” exhibit
- Movement of goods (raw and finished products)
- Movement of ideas (religion, artesian trades, farming methods)
- Movement of animals (horses, camels, domestic livestock)
- Movement of people (traders and merchandises, slaves, refugees, armies)
Please rank options
2) Please select which additional concepts related to movement ideas and people that should be included*
- Commercial Espionage/Theft (stealing silkworm, patients, and trade secrets)
- Chain migration
- Early uses of coinage and silk bolts as currency
- Trade Unionism
Select all that apply
*If you have ideas other related concepts, please add below
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5) Importance to local figures in building Paterson Silk Industries (i.e., William Ryle, John Ryle, Big Bill Haywood, Samual Colt)*
Not important at all Somewhere not important Somewhere important Very important
Select one
3) What local figures should be included in the exhibit (i.e., William Ryle, John Ryle, Big Bill Haywood, Samuel Colt)*
4) Recommended Conclusion of Exhibition
- a. Peak of the Silk Industry in Paterson (1840 – the 1860s)
- b. 1913 Paterson Silk Strike
- c. The arrival of Middle Eastern Immigrants to Paterson
Select one
5) Select Best Images of Macclesfield Silk Workers
6) Select Best Image of Macclesfield Silk Mills*
Select an image.
7) Select the best images of Paterson Silk Workers
8) Silk Road Map - Feedback
9) Italy and Mediterranean Map - Feedback
10) Italy to France Map - Feedback
11) Huguenots Refuges Migration Map - Feedback
12) Macclesfield to Paterson Migration Map - Feedback
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