Key to the Past

Boardwalk Hall

One of the most recognized landmarks on Atlantic City’s skyline is historic Boardwalk Hall. Opened in 1929, it was considered an architectural marvel in its prime. The barrel vaulted ceiling at a height of 137 feet was the largest clear span space of that era.

The Hall became home to the Miss America Pageant in 1940. Designed to extend the tourist season at the shore, the tradition dates back to 1921. Later In 1932, Boardwalk Hall unveiled what is considered to be a masterpiece in musical instrumentation. The World’s Largest Pipe Organ took in excess of two years to complete, recognized as the loudest instrument ever constructed as recorded by Guinness Book of World Records. This massive organ, built by the Midmer-Losh company of Merrick, NY, is estimated to have 33,000 pipes.

In May 1937, two years prior to America’s involvement in World War II, the Hindenburg left Frankfurt Germany for the Lakehurst Naval Air Station. As it made its descent at the conclusion of its three day voyage, the hydrogen-filled airship could be seen soaring above Atlantic City, sixty miles south of its destination. Making it’s approach as it reached the airfield the zeppelin burst into flames, killing 35 civilians and crew members.

Once the country entered World War II, Boardwalk Hall would be recommissioned as a military headquarters and training facility. The base would come to be known as “Camp Boardwalk” during the period from 1941-1945. During this critical period in U.S. History, dozens of American ships had been sunk by German submarines just off the Jersey coastline. As a result, nightly curfews were instituted to protect northeast cities from a potential attack. In August 1964 with the nomination of presidential hopeful, Lyndon B. Johnson, Atlantic City stepped into the arena of national politics. The Hall hosted in excess of 20,000 delegates for the August Democratic National Convention. Following at the weeks’ end, The Beatles performed one of their scheduled concerts before 18,000 devoted fans at Convention Hall. The fee to the venue on this second U.S. concert Tour was $25,000. During their stay in Atlantic City,

John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote the song Every Little Thing, which appeared on the Beatles For Sale album at the end of that year.

A black mark was left on the city after these events when the press reported a lack of updated facilities, including air conditioning at (then) Convention Hall. The opportunity to reclaim it’s good standing as a viable resort would come with the opening of Resorts Casino in 1978. Two decades later, a new Convention Center was introduced as part of the city’s gateway redevelopment project. The former Convention Hall would then emerge rebranded as “Boardwalk Hall” in December 1998.

The $90 million restoration of Boardwalk Hall, transformed the property into a special events facility with a seating capacity for nearly 15,000. The innovative renovation received nine architectural and engineering awards, including the 2003 National Preservation Award and Design and Construction magazine’s 2002 Renovation Project of the Year.

In 2017, with the loss of New Jersey lawmaker Jim Whelan, a bill was passed to rename the then 91-year old Boardwalk Hall. By unanimous vote, the event center was renamed Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in honor of the late Atlantic City mayor, state assemblyman and state senator.

In 2019, through funding with the Casino Reinvestment and Development Authority (CRDA) and the Foundation of the Atlantic City Free Public Library, the Hall became home to the Atlantic City Experience. The exhibit, located in the Hall’s lobby, is a self guided tour through Atlantic City’s history, presented in a modern, creative design. Business hours are weekdays from 9AM5PM.

Weekly guided tours of the complex are offered at 10AM Wednesdays, followed by a recital at noon on the world famous pipe organ. Admission is free, donations are appreciated. Boardwalk Hall is also listed on the United States Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark.

For more information, www.boardwalkorgans.org