John Cotton Dana

Biography

John Cotton Dana (1856-1929), librarian and museum director, permanently reshaped public institutions by making them more accessible, practical, and lively. As the force behind the Newark Museum and the Newark Public Library, he championed the idea that arts and knowledge should belong to everyone, regardless of background.

His innovations in museum display and library service set new standards for cultural engagement across the nation, blending creativity with civic responsibility. John Cotton Dana is laid to rest at River Street Cemetery, his expansive vision still evident in the institutions he nurtured.