Commemorating a Pivotal Moment in the American Revolution
photos courtesy of the Bergen County Historical Society
the staff of thye Ridgewood blog
RIVER EDGE, NJ – The spirit of 1776 was palpable as the Bergen County Historical Society (BCHS) hosted its annual “Retreat to Victory” event on Sunday, November 23, 2025, drawing a record-breaking crowd to Historic New Bridge Landing.
The event commemorates General George Washington’s daring and strategic crossing of the Hackensack River in 1776—a critical maneuver that prevented the Continental Army from being encircled and captured by the invading force of 5,000 British troops under General Cornwallis. This pivotal moment is a cornerstone of New Jersey’s role in the American Revolution.
Immersive History and Family Fun
From 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the historic grounds were transformed into a vibrant snapshot of the 18th century. Visitors of all ages enjoyed a diverse array of activities:
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Military Demonstrations: Live performances featuring Fife and Drum corps and demonstrations of military drills and fortifying the Steuben House.
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Historic Tours: Open tours of the site’s preserved buildings, including the Demarest House, Outkitchen, and Westervelt-Thomas Barn.
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Hands-On Activities: Families participated in colonial crafts and interacted directly with costumed interpreters, gaining a deeper understanding of daily life during the Revolutionary War era.
The “250th Effect”: National Spotlight Drives Interest
BCHS President Beverly Hashimoto confirmed that the phenomenal turnout was due, in part, to growing national attention ahead of the country’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
A significant factor boosting visibility was the site’s recent feature in filmmaker Ken Burns’ new documentary, “The American Revolution.”
“That recognition clearly contributed to the strong turnout for this year’s Retreat to Victory,” noted Hashimoto, emphasizing how national media coverage is bringing more visitors to this crucial Bergen County landmark.
Building the Future of History: Museum Construction Underway
Visitors at this year’s event were also given a glimpse into the future of Historic New Bridge Landing. Construction is officially underway on a transformative new 3,750-square-foot museum and visitor center, located adjacent to the Campbell-Christie House.
This new facility, which broke ground in October 2025, will dramatically expand:
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Exhibition Spaces
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Educational Programs
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Visitor Amenities
The BCHS capital campaign remains active, with current fundraising focused on completing the final phases of the project: the accessible wrap-around deck, orientation pavilion, and state-of-the-art interior exhibition spaces.
You Can Help: Supporters are encouraged to donate and help complete the museum ahead of the nation’s Semiquincentennial celebration in 2026.
To learn more about the Bergen County Historical Society or to support the museum project, visit their official website: www.bergencountyhistory.org
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