The Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) in Rahway has announced a heartfelt tribute to one of its most dedicated leaders and advocates for cinema history. The organization’s beloved 35mm and 16mm classic film series will now officially be known as the I. Joseph Hyatt Classic Film Series, honoring the late I. Joseph “Irv” Hyatt for his lifelong devotion to preserving the magic of film and his decades of service to the arts.
Hyatt, a lifelong Woodbridge resident, served on UCPAC’s Board of Trustees for over twenty years, where his passion for cinema and history left a lasting mark on the organization. To commemorate his contributions, UCPAC will host a special naming ceremony and plaque dedication at 2 p.m., followed by a 35mm screening of Laurel and Hardy’s 1933 comedy “Sons of the Desert,” one of Hyatt’s personal favorites. The event not only celebrates Hyatt’s enduring influence but also reflects UCPAC’s mission to keep the tradition of classic film alive for new generations of audiences.
Hyatt’s work as an author, historian, and film enthusiast positioned him as a central figure in the preservation of Hollywood’s golden era. Known as an “entertainment archaeologist,” he authored more than 30 books about the film industry and its stars, exploring untold stories and offering fresh perspectives on timeless works. His expertise and enthusiasm extended to film documentaries as well, including his notable contributions to the 2011 project “Laurel & Hardy: Their Lives and Magic” and his 2018 documentary “Hollywood Victory Caravan – A Star Spangled Story,” which highlighted the role of cinema in supporting the World War II effort.
In addition to his work as a writer and documentarian, Hyatt was a longtime member of the Sons of the Desert—the International Laurel and Hardy Society—where he joined other film enthusiasts in celebrating the iconic comedy duo. Locally, he was involved with the Rahway Retired Men’s Club and served not only on UCPAC’s board but also with the Historical Association of Woodbridge Township, where he worked to protect and promote the area’s history.
Renaming UCPAC’s film series in his honor ensures that Hyatt’s dedication to cinema will continue to inspire audiences and volunteers alike. The series has long been a centerpiece of the arts center’s programming, offering audiences the rare chance to experience classic films in their original formats, complete with the flicker, sound, and detail that only celluloid film provides. With Hyatt’s name now attached, the series also becomes a testament to his passion for film history and his determination to keep the legacy of cinema alive in New Jersey.
Events like this showcase how deeply the Garden State values its cultural and artistic figures. New Jersey has long been a hub for film and television, both historically and in the present day, and honoring Hyatt reinforces the role that individuals can play in carrying that tradition forward. For those who love classic cinema, Hyatt’s work continues to serve as both an inspiration and a reminder of the joy these films bring to audiences.
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