Posted on

Bergen County Historical Society (BCHS) School of Interpretation & Volunteer Meeting : The Steenrapie (River Edge) Encampment of 1780

46804348 10156387722708300 6943452449512357888 n1

photo courtesy of BCHS
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

New Bridge landing NJ, As one of the major events of Bergen’s Revolutionary War history, the Steenrapie Encampment brought the American army to present day River Edge and Oradell, and forever tied Washington himself to New Bridge Landing. Join author, military historian, and BCHS Past President Todd Braisted for his presentation on the history, legends, and luminaries that became part of Bergen County in September 1780.

For anyone interested in volunteering at Historic New Bridge Landing events as a docent, greeter, operations personnel, or living-history interpreter in period dress, the Bergen County Historical Society sponsors the School of Interpretation to hone communication skills, familiarize volunteers with Bergen’s unique history, give insight into the material culture of the past, and train volunteers in historical presentation. It also provides an opportunity for prospective participants to ask questions and learn about volunteering with BCHS. Please meet in the Steuben House (the house nearest the bridge), 1209 Main St, River Edge, NJ. No charge.

Bergen County Historical Society (BCHS) School of Interpretation & Volunteer Meeting
Wednesday, January 16, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
Topic: The Steenrapie (River Edge) Encampment of 1780

Posted on

Christmas traditions are truly American, taken from different cultures and blended together

48944705 10156462539008300 472121866241179648 n1

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

New Bridge Landing NJ, according to the Bergen County Historical Society , “When we look at Christmas traditions we know today, they are truly American, taken from different cultures and blended together for the celebration that we know of today. Sinterklaas comes to us from the Netherlands, leaving gifts in the shoes of good children on Saint Nicholas Day. We can see how this became Santa Claus and the tradition of gift giving. It was Washington Irving who would take the different stories of how people celebrated this time of year and set the foundation we know today. You also can’t have a cookie exchange if it wasn’t for the Dutch. The word is Dutch in origin was originally spelled koekje. Many other regions and groups have contributed to the celebration and you may celebrate your own way with traditions or not at all. Either way, the NY/NJ contributed greatly to the traditions we know today.”

The Bergen County Historical Society (BCHS), a 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer organization founded in 1902, promotes preservation, study and appreciation of local history.

The Bergen County Historical Society was instrumental in saving the historic Steuben House in River Edge in 1928. The Society established its museum headquarters there in September 1939 and promoted the establishment of the Historic New Bridge Landing Park Commission by legislation in 1995. The purpose of the Commission is to unify and coordinate governmental and private efforts not only to preserve the three Bergen Dutch sandstone houses and their unique cultural contents, presently standing on the Revolutionary War battleground at New Bridge, but also to develop the necessary visitor facilities and amenities commensurate with the significance of the site, its importance to Bergen County and the promotion of public enjoyment and appreciation for the lessons of history.

https://www.bergencountyhistory.org

Posted on

Bergen County Historical Society : While it has been nearly a month since Washington and his army left Bergen County, with Crown forces in hot pursuit

46804348 10156387722708300 6943452449512357888 n1

photo and post from the Bergen County Historical Society

River Edge NJ, from the Bergen County Historical Society ,While it has been nearly a month since Washington and his army left Bergen County, with Crown forces in hot pursuit, war continues to be brought to Bergen County and New Bridge..

To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 15 December 1776
From Major General William Heath

Hackensack [N.J.] Decr 15th 1776

Dear General

On the 12th Instant I reached Tapan, and Yesterday made a Forced march to this Place, with so much Secrecy and Dispatch that the Inhabitants had no Knowledge of my Coming, The Enemy had left the Town Some Days Since Except five whom we took, Two of them sick, we have taken about 50 of the Disaffected, and about 50 or 60 Muskets the greater part of which had been taken from the Whigs as is Supposed and Stored—at the Dock we found One Sloop Loaded with Hay, House Furniture, Some Spirits &c. which we have this Day unloaded, A Brig Loaded Run Down the River about 7 miles and got a Ground, I am afraid that we shall not be able to Secure the Effects[.] a Schooner loaded with Hay, Furniture &c. which had Sailed from the Dock ran on the Bank of the River the wind being very Fresh, and in the night over Set by which the Goods were Damaged if not lost—Two or three Companies have been raising Here and in the vicinity, and Field officers appointed, one Buskark Colo., at his House we found 50 bbls of Flour a number of Hogsheds of Rum &c. and at one Browns who is Lieut. Colo. about 1000 lb. of Cheese &c., one Ten Penny is Major, they are all gone Down to York to have matters Properly Settled, get ammunition arms &c. and were to have returnd on yesterday, I Beleive we have Luckily Disconcerted them,1 Such of the Inhabitants as are Friendly receive us with Joy, but are almost afraid to Speak their Sentiments, and Indeed Little or no Intelligence can be got from the Inhabitants—The Disaffected have Sent Down a Petition for Troops to protect them, and Expect them every moment (as they say) and by Some reports from New york Several regiments are in motion, and there Destination Said to be up by the north River—This report is So much Credited that I think it will be rather Hazardous to move the Troops which I have in this neighbourhood much more to the westward, as I shall thereby leave the Passage on the Back of Fort montgomery too much Exposed[.] I think therefore after having Secured every thing Here to move to Paramus, at least for a few Days as I can from that place Protect this Part of the Country, and Should they attempt the Pass in the mountains be beforehand of them.

Colo. Vose, with the Three Regiments from Ticonderoga have marched to the Neighbourhood of Chatham, where they will arrive I suppose this night or to morrow, I shall move in Such manner as best to Protect the Country and Harrass the Enemy—your Excellency is Sensible That General Wadsworth Brigade goes Home in a few Days, and I cannot learn that any militia are Coming from Connecticut—I should be glad to Know if your Excellency has wrote to the State of Massachusetts Bay for any number of their militia and whether they are Expected, I regret the loss of the Brave General Lee; and much more the manner in which He was Taken.

If the Enemy Should not be able to pass the Delaware, I think they will take a Turn this way—Several Thousands Landed at Elizabeth Town on Yesterday or the Day before, and General How has lately Gone after the army to your Quarter. I have the Honor to be with great respect your Excellencys most Humble Servt

W. Heath

Posted on

Bergen County Historical Society Presents Sinterklaas Day!

46801015 10156394970283300 2959842189091274752 o1

photo The Feast of St. Nicholas by Jan Steen 1665

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

River Edge NJ, Enjoy Jersey Dutch holiday treats, refreshments and a visit with Sinter Klaas in the restored tavern in Campbell-Christie House, 1201 Main Street, River Edge, NJ 07661 from 1 to 4:00 P.M. on Sunday, December 2, 2018. See open-hearth cooking in authentic Jersey Dutch Out Kitchen.

Continue reading Bergen County Historical Society Presents Sinterklaas Day!

Posted on

UPDATE: Bergen County Historical Society Retreat Weekend, today, from 12 pm to 4

20181116 160728

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

New Bridge Landing NJ, from the Bergen County Historical Society , Good morning Bergen County! The snow is gone and Historic New Bridge Landing will be open today November 18, Sunday, from 12-4 pm as we bring to life one of the important stories that occurred on this hallowed ground.

On November 20th, 1776, five thousand British, Hessian and Loyalist troops, under command of Lt. Gen. Lord Cornwallis, scaled the Palisades at Lower Closter Dock and marched against Fort Lee. Warned by an alert officer, the American garrison escaped entrapment by safely crossing the Hackensack River at New Bridge, now known as the Bridge That Saved a Nation, and lived to fight another day.

Continue reading UPDATE: Bergen County Historical Society Retreat Weekend, today, from 12 pm to 4

Posted on

Veterans Day Service and Wreath Laying on Sunday, November 11th at 2:00 p.m

Ridgewood Veterans Day Service, 2015

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, American Legion Post #53 will hold a Veterans Day Service and Wreath Laying on Sunday, November 11th at 2:00 p.m. in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square.

Each year the Bergen County Historical Society raises awareness of different monuments throughout the County to raise awareness of these important sites and to remember the men and women who have served. This year join us in Ridgewood, NJ as we participate in American Legion Post #53’s Veterans Day Service on Sunday, November 11th at 2:00 p.m. in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square. Photo below is last year in River Edge.

Posted on

Bergen County Historical Society : 242nd Anniversary of the British Invasion/American Retreat Across New Jersey

45101425 10156340556953300 1445306625962278912 n1

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

River Edge NJ, Save the date and join us for the 242nd Anniversary of the British Invasion/American Retreat Across New Jersey , Sunday, November 18, 2018, 12 pm – 4 pm at the Bergen County Historical Society .

Continue reading Bergen County Historical Society : 242nd Anniversary of the British Invasion/American Retreat Across New Jersey

Posted on

The Ladies of Trenton: Women’s Political and Public Activism in Revolutionary New Jersey Featuring educator Catherine Hudak

43289077 10156283457453300 7305531923575603200 n1

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

River Edge NJ, Bergen County Historical Society Lecture Series: The Ladies of Trenton: Women’s Political and Public Activism in Revolutionary New Jersey Featuring educator Catherine Hudak
Thursday, October 18, 2018 at 7:30 pm at Steuben House, River Edge, NJ

Continue reading The Ladies of Trenton: Women’s Political and Public Activism in Revolutionary New Jersey Featuring educator Catherine Hudak

Posted on

Bergen County Historical Society: The Real Music of Alexander Hamilton A Fundraiser for Our New Museum

hith alexander hamilton E1

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

River Edge NJ, A Concert of Period Music by Anne and Ridley Enslow in a Historic Landmark. Followed by a Reception of Wine and Chocolate Delicacies
Sunday Afternoon, October 28, 2018 at the Historic New Bridge Landing, River Edge .

Continue reading Bergen County Historical Society: The Real Music of Alexander Hamilton A Fundraiser for Our New Museum

Posted on

New Jersey Democrats Continue Racist Binge

42189772 2167545123567229 4361549184692649984 n1 e1537469862648

the staff the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ, ever since the Democrat sheriff of Bergen County, N.J., and four of his senior officers resigned , one day after a recording surfaced of the sheriff making virulently racist comments to his staff. Sheriff Michael Saudino could be heard bad-mouthing African Americans, the state’s Sikh attorney general, and Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver in comments recorded in January. The recording, which documented Saudino grousing about Gov. Murphy’s inauguration speech, was released Thursday by WNYC.

Its seems the Democrat party in New Jersey has been on a Racist binge :

Continue reading New Jersey Democrats Continue Racist Binge

Posted on

The Nazi Spy from Glen Rock by James Calaski

photo Detective Sergeant with the Glen Rock Police Dept

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

River Edge NJ, on Thursday, September 27, 2018 at 7:30 pm at Steuben House, River Edge, NJ ,Bergen County Historical Society presents James Calaski who will speak about Carl Schiphorst, who was the Bergen County unit of the German American Bund. Carl was investigated by the FBI suspected of being a Nazi spy. His presentation covers the German American Bund in general and then the investigation here in Bergen County and Glen Rock specifically. He is a Detective Sergeant with the Glen Rock Police Dept so has a unique viewpoint into the criminal investigation and the Glen Rock angle.

Continue reading The Nazi Spy from Glen Rock by James Calaski

Posted on

The Real Music of Alexander Hamilton: Wine & Chocolate with Anne and Ridley Enslow

41552551 10156226454738300 1520359534487404544 n1

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

River Edge NJ , Join Bergen County Historical Society for this October 28th event, “The Real Music of Alexander Hamilton. Wine & Chocolate with Anne and Ridley Enslow. By reservation, more info & PayPal on our website.

Continue reading The Real Music of Alexander Hamilton: Wine & Chocolate with Anne and Ridley Enslow

Posted on

Bergen County Historical Society : School of Interpretation & Volunteer Meeting

35847095 10156028851668300 4222520904342568960 n1

photo courtesy of the Bergen County Historical Society

August 8,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

River Edge NJ, the Bergen County Historical Society :School of Interpretation & Volunteer Meeting will be Wednesday, August 15, 2018 at The Demarest House Museum.

A typical house of Bergen County in the early days of the Republic, the Demarest House provided a snug home to several families and even an artists’ club before being moved to New Bridge Landing in the 1950s. Historian and educator Peter Prato explores the history, architecture, and unique artifacts of the house in August’s School of Interpretation, a valuable and informative session for our new and veteran event volunteers.

For anyone interested in becoming a member and volunteering at Historic New Bridge Landing events as a docent, greeter, operations personnel, or living-history interpreter in period dress, the Bergen County Historical Society sponsors the School of Historical Interpretation to hone communication skills, familiarize volunteers with Bergen’s unique history, provide insight into the material culture of the past, and train volunteers in historical presentation.

Posted on

Baronfest, a day of music, beer, and food at Historic New Bridge Landing

Baron Steuben by Peale 17801

August 2,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

River Edge NJ, Bergen County Historical Society will Celebrate Revolutionary War hero Major-General Baron von Steuben’s birthday and greet the Baron in person! Enjoy the finest that regional craft breweries Brix City and Alementary have to offer together with delicious food in a historic village. Relax to music by Long Hill String Band and thrill to Mott’s Artillery demonstrations in The Meadow. Tour three 18th century houses, barn and outkitchen, and stroll the grounds of Historic New Bridge Landing in River Edge where Washington, Lafayette, and, of course, the Baron once walked.

As one past festival visitor remarked, “I feel like I’m on a farm in upstate New York!” but we’re only 7 miles from the George Washington Bridge!

Friedrich Wilhelm August Heinrich Ferdinand Steuben, also referred to as Baron von Steuben, was a Prussian and later an American military officer. He served as Inspector General and a Major General of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He is credited with being one of the fathers of the Continental Army in teaching them the essentials of military drills, tactics, and disciplines. He wrote Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States, the book that served as the standard United States drill manual until the War of 1812. He served as General George Washington’s chief of staff in the final years of the war.

Help us raise funds for a Hall of History Museum celebrating Bergen County’s storied past. Family-friendly event, games for kids. Book sale. No rain date. Free parking.

Baronfest, a day of music, beer, and food at Historic New Bridge Landing
Sept 29, 2018, Saturday, 1-5 pm

 

Posted on

Bergen County Historical Society : Casey at the Bat

36690348 10156062998158300 8361213337081479168 n

photo courtesy of Bergen County Historical Society

July 6,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

River Edge NJ, All right all you cranks (19th century fans), the meadow has been mowed the base balls have been ordered, and the temperature will be lowered. Come out and experience vintage baseball in the meadow at Historic New Bridge Landing in River Edge. Featuring the Flemington Neshanocks versus the NY Mutuals.

Experience the crack of wood against leather, the cheers and jeers of the crowd, and baseball the way great-grandpa saw it, when these reenactor teams play with 19th century rules, equipment, and uniforms in an open field. A great way for the family to enjoy America’s game!

Watch for Casey at the Bat at this first big event in The Meadow, make sure to bring a hat, blanket or chair, and sunscreen. Historic New Bridge Landing, 1201 Main Street, River Edge. Admission: $10 adults, $5 students, BCHS members free. Additional food cost.

Between games, watch for Casey at the Bat or take a walk through time on a short tour of Historic New Bridge Landing’s grounds led by one of our interpreters. Be sure to bring a hat, blanket or chair, and sunscreen. Dogs on a leash are welcome outside (please be considerate of other visitors). Enjoy games, ice cream, and hot dogs.

Enter at the corner of Hackensack Avenue & Main Street. Short walking tours by BCHS interpreters available. New Bridge baseball scorecard available with each ticket, limited quantities.

Consider taking the train to HNBL. Trains traveling south & north arrive at the New Bridge Landing Station. Check NJ Transit schedule for updates on the Pascack Valley line.
Event takes place in Historic New Bridge Landing, 1201 Main St, River Edge, NJ 07661.
100% of your donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Saturday, July 7th 11 am to 2 PM.