Bill Bayer grew up in Wood-Ridge, NJ. It wasn’t until after high school that Bill was first exposed to the field of photography. He gravitated to pictures in the 1970’s, which he considers a golden era of photojournalism. He would spend hours in the library pouring over Life Magazine and Time. Bill recalls how the work of Associated Press photographer Eddie Adams left a significant impression on him. Eddie’s work in documenting the turmoil of the era, especially about the Vietnam War, inspired Bill to develop his own point of view as a socially conscious photographer.

According to Bill, photographs speak without having a word in them. They stir the conscience by fostering a sense of empathy with the subject. Bill contends that when we see what’s going wrong in society, and people suffering, photographs can elevate these very causes. At its best, photography can affect change by spurring us all into action.

One of the most significant events Bill covered as a photojournalist for the Hudson Dispatch was the Hoboken Fires between 1978-1982. Working alongside reporter Chuck Sutton, Bill used his photography to document the terror of this tragic period in Hoboken history. Bill’s work was absolutely instrumental in the exhibit that Chris Lopez curated at the Hoboken Historical Museum in 2023 on this topic.

“Bill Bayer In Black & White” is a set of 18 black and white photographs that elevate characters from Hudson County. The photographs span from 1978 to the current day.

The Hoboken Historical Museum is elated to share Bill Bayer’s work with our community, and heeds his call to use photography as a tool for social justice.

Please join us virtually on Friday, April 26 at 7pm when Bill Bayer sits down for an Artist Talk to discuss his new photography exhibit, “Bill Bayer In Black & White,” which will be livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook. All are invited to the Opening Reception for Bill on Sunday, April 28 from 2pm-5pm at HHM.

A special thank you to the Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs/Tourism Development for supporting this exhibit.