Academy of Music
Courtesy, Jersey City Free Public Library

The Academy of Music is considered the "first regular" theater in Jersey City; it originated on the second floor, over Kepler's Market. The space was renovated as a theater with a square balcony and gallery in 1877 by the Emma Abbott Opera Company.

Frank Henderson, a New York theater manager, became interested in the local theater project when he came to Jersey City to produce the remaking of La Maitre De Forge by George Onet, which was renamed Claire and the Forge Master, dramatized by Mrs. Ettie Henderson.

Frank Henderson purchased the theater, completely renovated the interior, and reopened the playhouse on September 15, 1887. The first production was the play Featherbrain, featuring Minnie Maddern Fisk. After his death in 1889, the theater continued with his widow, Ettie Henderson, as owner and her son, Frank E. Henderson, as manager. Henderson also owned the Majestic Theater on Grove Street, opened in 1907.

The site of the Academy of Music was one of the buildings raised for the construction of the present Gregory Apartments.