the staff of the Ridgewood blog
RIVER EDGE, NJ — History comes alive this August as the Bergen County Historical Society hosts The Nation’s Guest: General Lafayette’s Return Visit, 1824-25, honoring the French hero’s legendary farewell tour of the United States. The celebration takes place Sunday, August 24 at Historic New Bridge Landing, with immersive performances, historical exhibits, and period-style refreshments.
Lafayette’s Historic Farewell Tour
In 1824, at the invitation of President James Monroe, the Marquis de Lafayette — the last surviving general of the American Revolution — embarked on a 13-month journey visiting all 24 U.S. states. Dubbed The Nation’s Guest, Lafayette was welcomed with parades, dinners, and grand receptions. His stop in Hackensack included a visit to the gravesite of Revolutionary War hero General Enoch Poor.
The River Edge event will feature a Story & Song presentation by Ridley and Anne Enslow, weaving historical narrative with live music on violin and hammered dulcimer. The program includes songs from both the American and French Revolutions, compositions written for Lafayette’s 1824-25 visit, and even a World War I anthem, We’ll Pay Our Debt to Lafayette.
Special Exhibits & Authentic Fare
Visitors will have the rare chance to see an elegant chair, still upholstered in its original blue velvet, that Lafayette sat in during his Hackensack visit on July 12, 1825.
Historic New Bridge Landing’s Outkitchen will serve a menu inspired by 1825, including:
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Chicken with Rice
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Lobster Bisque
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Gingerbread
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A glass of Madeira wine
The Campbell-Christie House will be open for refreshments, and the museum site will be available for tours.
Event Details
📅 Date: Sunday, August 24, 2025 — 1:30 PM
📍 Location: Bergen County Historical Society HQ, Historic New Bridge Landing, 1201 Main Street, River Edge, NJ
🎟 Admission: Free for BCHS members; proceeds benefit museum construction at HNBL. RSVP or pay at the gate.
🚗 Parking: Free at Hackensack Ave & Main Street (HNBL Lot)
🚆 Transit: Pascack Valley Line train to New Bridge Landing or NJ Transit Bus #165
Dogs are welcome on site but not inside historic houses.
RSVP: Bergen County Historical Society Event Page
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