First Native American to contact the Pilgrims, Samoset, asked for beer on March 16, 1621
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Plymouth Rock Ma, the first Native American to contact the Pilgrims, Samoset, asked for beer on March 16, 1621 He had learned English from fishermen and traders who had visited the area before the Pilgrims arrived. The Pilgrims, however, did not have beer to give him and instead offered him other food and “strong water”.
Each year at this time school children all over America are taught the official Thanksgiving story, and newspapers, radio, TV, and magazines devote vast amounts of time and space to it. It is all very colorful and fascinating.
It is also very deceiving. This official story is nothing like what really happened. It is a fairy tale, a whitewashed and sanitized collection of half-truths which divert attention away from Thanksgiving’s real meaning.
On the morning of November 30th, divers will return to the Hackensack River in River Edge near the historic New Bridge Landing for a renewed attempt to find the cannon, which vanished from the grounds of the Steuben House on May 9, 1980.
Retreat to Victory: Experience George Washington’s Desperate Dash Across the Jerseys
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
River Edge NJ, join the Bergen County Historical Society for a stunning, immersive living history event: “Retreat to Victory.” On the 249th anniversary of one of the darkest yet most pivotal moments of the American Revolution, step back in time to the crucial moments of the Retreat Across the Jerseys at Historic New Bridge Landing in River Edge, New Jersey.
See History Unfold: Which Iconic Bergen County Landmark Will Appear in the Massive New Ken Burns Revolution Series?
photos courtesy of Bergen County Historical Society
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
River Edge NJ, Get ready, history buffs! The epic story of America’s founding—the eight-year war for independence that forever changed the world—is about to hit screens in a landmark documentary event. Ken Burns’ six-part series, The American Revolution, premieres tomorrow, Sunday, November 16, 2025, at 8/7c on PBS.
A Revolutionary Night Out: Experience an Exclusive Dinner with George Washington and His Generals
the staff of the idgewood blog
New Milford NJ, step back to the pivotal year of 1776! The Bergen County Historical Society is offering a truly unique opportunity to experience history firsthand with “An Evening with General George Washington” at Sanzari’s New Bridge Inn in New Milford.
11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations
US Department of Veterans Affairs
Washington DC, World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”
This so-called Top 5 atrocities committed by Christopher Columbusis being used by some people on the internet. Apparently the article is affiliated with the Associated Press somehow. The first thing to notice is that the source for the article is Howard Zinn, who was not a primary historical source, but a history revisionist of the 20th century. Zinn’s arguments have gained popularity lately due to his connections with Hollywood celebrities and many mainstream media outlets before he died.
When it comes to Columbus, Zinn had the bad habit of putting two or more sentences together that have nothing to do with each other, to make it say whatever he wanted you to think it says. That’s what he did for ALL the claims below. So let’s take a closer look at his arguments and then debunk them.
Ridgewood NJ, Once upon a time, Columbus was a hero…Sadly, that’s not the case today: Some people don’t even know who he was, or what he did; while others claim he was a villain, and are advocating for the abolition of Columbus Day and everything he represented. Accusations vary from Columbus being a racist, a rapist, a genocidal maniac, and even that he ran a child sex slave ring. The question is, are these allegations true? And, where are the scholars correcting Columbus’ record? Unfortunately, some of the misinformation out there comes from “scholars;” and even those who defend Columbus, won’t address the actual story either. In this book, the reader will learn who modern history revisionists claim Columbus was, and what he did, vs. the actual historical accounts, coming from the mouths of those who knew him well, and wrote about them for us. The conclusion will be inevitable, that is, Columbus was a Hero, and his story and legacy need to be rediscovered again today. Note: This version is the Revised and Updated 2020 Edition from the 2017 Original.
Ridgewood NJ, Christopher Columbus the famed Italian explorer who “discovered” the “New World” of the Americas on an expedition sponsored by King Ferdinand of Spain in 1492. Columbus was an explorer and adventurer , who leaves us with a mixed legacy. His life is that of a consummate promoter and a figure at the center of the unforeseen and wholly “unintended consequence” of discovery.
Columbus is of course credited for opening up the Americas to European colonization as well as often blamed for the destruction of the native peoples of the islands he explored. Ultimately, he failed to find that what he set out for which was a new route to Asia and the riches it promised. He was as controversial then , as he is today.
River Edge, NJ — Leaders, donors, and elected officials gathered Wednesday at Historic New Bridge Landing in River Edge to celebrate the groundbreaking for a new 3,750-square-foot history museum that will expand education and access to Bergen County’s remarkable past. The ceremony marked the start of Phase I of a multi-phase project led by the Bergen County Historical Society (BCHS) to create a modern, accessible facility for exhibitions, education, and preservation.
Jersey City Brewery Releases Red Bandana Beer to Support 9/11 Families and Remember a True Hero
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, on the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Departed Soles Brewing Company in Jersey City has launched its annual Red Bandana American-style pilsner to honor Welles Crowther, the “Man in the Red Bandana,” who heroically saved at least 10 lives during the World Trade Center tragedy. This marks the fifth year the brewery has released this special beer, brewed in collaboration with Crowther’s family, with proceeds benefiting the Welles Remy Crowther Charitable Trust and other 9/11 victim support initiatives. Discover how this heartfelt tribute keeps Crowther’s legacy alive and supports those affected by 9/11 here.
Honoring the Lives Lost and the Heroes of September 11, 2001
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
New York NY, on September 11, 2025, New York City and the nation pause to commemorate the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks, a day that reshaped history. The annual ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in Lower Manhattan will feature the solemn reading of victims’ names and moments of silence, uniting Americans in a vow to “never forget.” This day honors the 2,977 lives lost, the bravery of first responders, and the resilience of a nation. Here’s a look back at the events of 9/11, the timeline of that tragic day, and its lasting impact. Stay updated with live coverage here.
RIDGEWOOD, NJ — August 26, 2025 — History buffs, students, and day-trippers now have a new way to explore the Garden State. NJ TRANSIT has officially launched its “Jersey Journeys: Every Stop Tells a Story” campaign — an interactive map that highlights more than 150 historic sites and landmarks across New Jersey, all easily accessible by bus, rail, or light rail.
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.
