the staff of the Ridgewood blog
New Bridge Landing NJ, Join the Bergen County Historical Society as we remember African American History on Sunday, February 9th, 1 pm- 5 pm, at Historic New Bridge Landing. 1201 Main Street, River Edge NJ. There will be two talks taking place in Steuben House:
At 1:15 pm Gary McGowan co-author of Breaking Ground, Breaking Silence will be giving a talk on Exploring Ethnicity through Archaeological Investigation, a study of the African burial ground in New York City and other archaeological sites.
At 3:00 pm Dr. Evelyn McDowell president of Sons and Daughters of the United States Middle Passage will be giving a presentation on This talk focuses on the aftermath of the passage of New Jersey’s Gradual Abolition Act of 1804 with particular attention to the “abandonment” clause, which threatened to bankrupt the state. The presentation features a display of actual documents related to this act and an analysis using colonial ideas of wealth distribution.
A new exhibit featuring BCHS’s collections of New Netherland and Jersey Dutch artifacts will also be on display in the Steuben House.
At 3:30 pm author and artist Janelle McDowell will be leading an art project for children in the Campbell-Christie house. Other activities for children throughout the day will include a takeaway and a scavenger hunt.
All three 18th century Jersey Dutch sandstone houses are open for tours throughout the day. The Blackhorse Inn will also be open where visitors may purchase refreshments and visit the gift shop.
The society’s authentic Jersey Dutch out-kitchen will be open with interpreters cooking seasonal 18th century recipes on the open hearth.
Admission: $12 adults, $7 students, BCHS members free.
Free parking available on site or take the train to the New Bridge Landing train stop on the Pascack Valley line & walk one block north and south. Dogs are permitted on the grounds (not in the houses).
For additional information visit the society’s website www.bergencountyhistory.org, email us at contactBCHS@bergencountyhistory.org, or call 201-343-9492 and leave a message.
ENOUGH ALREADY