TMF'S Cultural Arts Series: Joshua Colangelo-Bryan and John Torpey
About this Event
Welcome to The Cultural Arts Series at Van Vleck House & Gardens!
The 2026–27 Cultural Arts Series expands our programming with an exciting mix of thought-provoking talks, live performances, film, and music spanning a range of genres and perspectives. At the heart of the series is a continued commitment to celebrating extraordinary hometown talent, bringing accomplished Montclair artists, writers, performers, and cultural voices together with exceptional guests from beyond our community.
Through the Gates of Hell: American Injustice at Guantánamo Bay
Join author and human rights attorney Joshua Colangelo-Bryan for a compelling conversation about his acclaimed book, Through the Gates of Hell: American Injustice at Guantánamo Bay, and his experience representing a detainee at one of the world’s most controversial detention sites.
Through the Gates of Hell tells the story of Colangelo-Bryan’s representation of Jaber Muhammed, a man detained at Guantánamo Bay in the aftermath of September 11. Against the dehumanizing backdrop of indefinite detention, the American attorney and his client formed an unlikely and profound friendship through their shared pursuit of justice.
Drawing on his firsthand experiences, Colangelo-Bryan offers a deeply human perspective on Guantánamo and explores larger questions about justice, civil liberties, human rights, and the choices made by the United States in the post-9/11 era.
Colangelo-Bryan will be joined in conversation by John Torpey, Presidential Professor of Sociology and History and Director of the Ralph Bunche Institute for International Studies at the CUNY Graduate Center.
The evening will include a moderated conversation followed by an audience Q&A.
Through the Gates of Hell was named a Silver Finalist in the History category of the Independent Book Publishers Association's (IBPA) 2026 Book Awards.
*Admission to the event includes a signed copy of Colangelo-Bryant's book.
Parking Information
Parking is available in our Van Vleck Street Parking Lot. Please do not use our North Mountain Avenue lot.
- The Van Vleck lot is one-way only: follow signage for the entrance and exit.
- The entrance gate is located on Van Vleck Street, closer to North Mountain Avenue than the main entrance to the house.
- Slowly approach the gate to activate the sensor—no pass is required.
- Additional parking is permitted along North Mountain Avenue.
- Please note: Parking is not allowed on Van Vleck Street at any time.
Agenda
🕑: 06:30 PM - 07:00 PM
Doors Open
🕑: 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Panel Discussion and Q&A
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 20.00 to USD 22.63
