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Fire and Ice: Winter Festivals at New Bridge , Wednesday, November 14, 2018, 7:30 pm

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

New Bridge landing NJ, the Bergen County Historical Society wants to know if you are interested in volunteering? Join us for our next School of Interpretation – — Fire and Ice: Winter Festivals at New Bridge . Wednesday, November 14, 2018, 7:30 pm

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Ridgewood Veterans Day Service 2 pm Today Van Neste Square

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photo courtesy of Bergen County Historical Society

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Veterans Day Wreath Laying – November 11, 2018, Sunday. Meet at Van Neste Square, Ridgewood at 2 pm.

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.

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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.

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

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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 .

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

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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

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

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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 .

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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.

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

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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.

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Bergen County Historical Society : School of Interpretation & Volunteer Meeting

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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.

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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

 

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Vintage Baseball at Historic New Bridge Landing

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photo courtesy of Bergen County Historical Society

July 4,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

River Edge NJ, Bergen County Historical Society invites you to  cap off your celebrating with us and step back into yesteryear when the Bergen County Historical Society hosts an vintage base ball game in the meadow at Historic New Bridge Landing in River Edge. This year featuring the Flemington Neshanocks versus the NY Mutuals on July 7th from 11 am to 1 pm!

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

Saturday at 11 AM – 1 PM

Bergen County Historical Society
1201-5 Main St, River Edge, New Jersey 07661

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BERGEN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY TO PARTICIPATE IN BLUE STAR MUSEUMS

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July 2,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

River Edge NJ, Today, The Bergen County Historical Society announced its participation in the ninth annual Blue Star Museums, a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 2,000 museums across America to offer free admission to the nation’s active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day. A list of participating museums nationwide is available at arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.

The Bergen County Historical Society is thrilled to partner with Blue Start Museums and welcome them to Historic New Bridge Landing – President, Jim Smith, Bergen County Historical Society.

“Visiting a museum is a great way to get to know a community—whether it’s in your hometown or a stop on a road trip,” said NEA Chairman Jane Chu. “We appreciate the enthusiasm of museums all across the country who open their doors for military and their families to spend time together and have new arts experiences.”

This year’s participating Blue Star Museums represent not just fine arts museums, but also science museums, history museums, zoos, nature centers, and children’s museums. Museums are welcome to sign up for Blue Star Museums throughout the summer by emailing [email protected].

“As many military families spend the summer months moving from one duty station to another, or reconnecting with a parent who has returned from deployment, Blue Star Museums helps service members and their families create memories,” said Blue Star Families Chief Executive Officer Kathy Roth-Douquet. “Blue Star Families has great appreciation for the generosity of the museums across the country who roll out the red carpet for the families who serve alongside their service members. We are thrilled with the continued growth of the program and the unparalleled opportunities it offers.”

About Blue Star Museums

Blue Star Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 2,000 museums across America. The program runs from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, May 26, 2018 through Labor Day, September 3, 2018.

The free admission program is available for those currently serving in the United States Military – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard as well as Active Duty and Reservists, National Guardsman (regardless of status), U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and up to five family members. Qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card for entrance into a participating Blue Star Museum.

Follow Blue Star Museums on Twitter @NEAarts and @BlueStarFamily, #bluestarmuseums.

About the Bergen County Historical Society

The Bergen County Historical Society, a non-profit, volunteer, 501 (c)(3) organization, promotes preservation, study and appreciation of local history. There are over 4,000 objects in our museum collections, a collection begun in 1902. Public programs include educational events, museum exhibits, monthly lectures, placement of informative historical markers, and an extensive library and rare document collection. BCHS owns and maintains approximately 7 acres of land at #HistoricNewBridgeLanding, River Edge, NJ.

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Vintage Baseball at Historic New Bridge Landing, July 7th

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June 11,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Edgewater NJ, Love baseball? Love history? Step back into yesteryear when the Bergen County Historical Society hosts an old-time game in the meadow at Historic New Bridge Landing in River Edge. Featuring the Flemington Neshanocks verses the Brooklyn Eckfords.

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.

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 on the Meadow at 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 7 at 11 AM – 1 PM
Bergen County Historical Society
1201-5 Main St, River Edge, New Jersey 07661

 

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BERGEN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY ANNUAL DINNER, Elections, Awards

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June 10,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ramsey NJ, Thursday, June 14, 2018, 6:30 pm, Ramsey Golf & Country Club, NJ. More info on our website. Reservation deadline June 7. Mail check to BCHS, PO Box 55, River Edge, NJ 07661. $55.
We will meet this year’s award winners and elect officers and trustees.

Then Jennifer Rothschild will share highlights of Rudy Van Gelder’s work at “the cathedral of jazz,” the Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired Van Gelder Studio in Englewood Cliffs where jazz greats John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk and Herbie Hancock and countless others created legendary recordings. The Rudy Van Gelder Home & Studio just received a Certificate of Eligibility for the NJ and National Registers of Historic Places in April 2018.

Bergen County Historical Society 2018 Awardees:
Maureen and Don Sickler, the Oratam Award for preservation of a landmark building, the Van Gelder House and Studio
Senator Loretta Weinberg, the Koehler Award for continuing enthusiasm and support for Historic New Bridge Landing
Matthew Wrightington, Life Scout with Troop 379 in Palisades Park, the Oratam Award for initiative, research and installation of 50 Retreat Markers in Bergen County
John Cookson, Eagle scout, Troop 2295, River Edge, the Oratam Award for initiative of BCHS Blue Marker restoration along Paramus Road
Kate Reilly, the Westervelt Award for her dedication as volunteer and trustee and for her leadership in advancing the professionalism of our corps of volunteers
Dave Clark accepting for the Ridgewood Country Club, the Oratam Award for preservation of the Ridgewood Country Club and open space through the National Register of Historic Places designation
Please join us for the BCHS Annual Dinner, Awards, Election & a Presentation by Jennifer Rothschild at the beautiful and historic Ramsey Golf & Country Club on June 14th.

How timely is this? We’re celebrating the Van Gelder Studios, the stewards of the property and artists that recorded there at our annual dinner June 14 with a talk and presentation of the BCHS Oratam award.
Search Bergen County History .org for info.

“Lost” John Coltrane Album to Be Released – Smithsonian
https://apple.news/A6Ymut5auQWmyrGjE5iao3g

 

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Bergen County Historical Society : Celebrate Prinkster

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May 19,2018

the staff of the ridgewood blog

Riveredge  NJ, Experience history in one of the storied places where it was made! Pinkster is celebrated with a Maypole Dance at 1:30 & 3:00 pm with a participation session during the country dances. Ridley and Anne Enslow are featured on fiddle and hammered dulcimer.

This event features fun children’s activities including flower seed planting in clay pots to take home and lawn games in front of the Demarest House.
The 3 houses including the Steuben House a state-historic site and the barn are open for tours.
A new exhibit of 4 large historical paintings by B. Spencer Newman will be in the Steuben House. The Chariot Painting, 1830, by Marageta Van Wagoner of Oradell will be on exhibit. Broom making in the barn. Pinkster cake and raspberry punch are available in the Campbell-Christie House Tavern along with other refreshments.
Illustrated Talk at 2:30 pm: Treasures Through Time – The BCHS Collections

For well over one hundred years, the Bergen County Historical Society has been collecting artifacts of the famous and infamous, the exceptional and the everyday. Past President and Museum Collections Chairperson, Deborah Powell, takes us on a visual tour through centuries of Bergen life via its artifacts.

The Outkitchen cooks are demonstrating natural egg dyeing using vegetables and spices, and dyeing fabric and yarn with onion skins. If our weather is fair, we will make authentic old style onion rings, oliebollen (Dutch fried dough) and fried chicken legs using recipes from the outkitchen collection of 18th century recipes.
Event with something for everyone!

All 3 sandstone houses, including the Steuben House, a state historic site, are connected by an ADA compliant gravel walking path. Weather permitting the Westervelt-Thomas Barn will be open. Free parking is available or take a train on the Pascack Valley Line from Secaucus via NJ Transit to the “New Bridge Landing” train stop. Walk one block north & east. By car, HNBL is only 7 miles from the GWB.
Refreshments in the 18th century tavern (additional cost). Some folks come just for the cider and cider donuts!

Historic New Bridge Landing: American Revolutionary War Battleground including 3 Jersey-Dutch Sandstone Houses, exhibits of BCHS collections, tavern, gift shop, outkitchen & barn. $12 adults, $7 students, BCHS members free. (Become a member and support our efforts!, $20 individual / $30 household).
HNBL, 1201 Main St., River Edge, NJ.

Traveling by carriage from Newark to view the Passaic Falls in Paterson on June 6, 1797, William Dunlap noted in his diary, “The borders of the Pasaick [River] are colour’d by the Iris now in bloom. On the rocks near the [Great] Falls was the Kalmia [or mountain laurel], the wild Columbine & wood pink. The settlements along the river are Dutch, it is the holiday they call pinkster & every public house is crowded with merry makers & waggon’s full of rustic beaus & belles met us at every mile.”

The name of the holiday derives from the Greek word, Pentecost, meaning “fiftieth day,” which originally signified the ancient Jewish celebration of the first fruits of the harvest, arriving seven weeks after Passover. On the seventh Sunday after Easter, Christians commemorate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles. The English identified this holiday with the white garments of baptismal candidates, calling it Whitsunday or “White Sunday.” Among the Jersey Dutch, a rose-colored Azalea blossom, known as the “Pinxter blomachee,” was the May bush.

Bergen County Historical Society
May 17 at 6:50am ·
Join us this Sunday for our next event!
Pinkster Fest
A Jersey Dutch Celebration of Spring
May 20, 2018, Sunday, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm