Photo (from left to right): BCHS President Beverly Hashimoto at Historic New Bridge Landing in River Edge, NJ with Paul Gross (center) and son, NIA National Realty President Roger Gross (right),
Donation Launches 250 Challenge to Inspire Additional Support
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
River Edge, NJ – August 2025 – The Bergen County Historical Society (BCHS) is proud to announce a generous $250,000 donation from longtime Bergen County residents and philanthropists Gayle and Paul Gross to support the construction of a new 3,750-square-foot history museum at Historic New Bridge Landing in River Edge, NJ.
This milestone gift—one of the largest in BCHS’s history—kickstarts the newly launched 250 Challenge, a call to action for individuals, foundations, and corporations to make leadership-level contributions that will help bring the new museum to life. While the Gross Family’s gift sets a high bar, the campaign welcomes donations of any size to help BCHS reach its fundraising goal. All such donors will be honored as Leadership Donors in recognition of their pivotal role in this transformative project.
“This extraordinary gift from the Gross Family is a powerful endorsement of our mission and vision,” said Beverly Hashimoto, President of BCHS. “It brings us significantly closer to building a museum that will serve as a permanent home for the rich and diverse history of Bergen County.”
The new museum will allow BCHS to display its renowned collection—much of which has never been on permanent view—including rare artifacts such as the 1802 Hopper Tavern sign, Native American tools and art, Colonel von Steuben’s Revolutionary War-era Blue Book, and an extensive archive of historical maps and artwork. The museum will also feature climate-controlled storage for preservation, modern gallery space, and expanded opportunities for student and public education.
“This is a rare opportunity to be part of something historic,” said Deborah Powell, Chair of the BCHS Building Committee. “We invite others to join this effort by making a meaningful gift and being recognized among our leadership donors—those who are helping us build a lasting legacy for generations to come.”
To make a tax-deductible donation or learn more about the 250 Challenge and museum project, visit: www.bergencountyhistory.org/donate or email mmorley@bergencountyhistory.org.
Founded in 1902, the Bergen County Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of Bergen County. BCHS is the steward of Historic New Bridge Landing, a nationally significant site in the American Revolution.
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