A Legacy Preserved: Ridgewood’s Isabella Altano was Honored
photo courtesy of the Village of Ridgewood
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
RIDGEWOOD, NJ — History isn’t just found in textbooks; it’s preserved by the passion of neighbors. The Village of Ridgewood officially recognized the late Isabella A. Altano, a powerhouse of the Ridgewood community, for her transformative work in local historic preservation.
The posthumous honor celebrates Altano’s pivotal role in saving the Zabriskie-Schedler House, a rare Jersey Dutch framed structure that stands today as a testament to the village’s colonial roots.
From a Dining Room to a Landmark
Isabella Altano’s advocacy didn’t begin in a courtroom or a government office—it began in her dining room. A visionary architect and community activist, Altano transformed her home into a headquarters for recruitment and strategy. Her “tireless work” laid the groundwork for a community-driven movement that eventually secured the future of the Zabriskie-Schedler property.
During the ceremony, Altano’s legacy was represented by her husband, sons, and grandson. They were joined by village leaders, including Councilmember Siobhan Winograd and Parks and Recreation Director Nancy Bigos, to reflect on a woman whose impact is etched into the very landscape of Ridgewood.
A Life of Design and Dedication
Isabella Cirilli Altano was much more than an activist. Her life was a masterclass in the American Dream and professional excellence:
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The Journey: Born in Molfetta, Italy, she immigrated to the U.S. at 15, eventually settling in Jersey City.
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The Intellectual: She held degrees from Bergen Community College, Columbia University, and a Master’s in Architecture from Pratt Institute.
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The Professional: A specialist in educational and hospital design, she also shared her knowledge as an adjunct professor at B.C.C. for 20 years.
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The Civic Leader: Beyond preservation, she served on the Ridgewood Planning Board, the town’s historic commission, and the League of Women Voters of Bergen County.
The Zabriskie-Schedler House: Her Crowning Achievement
The 2018 Preservation Leadership Award (The Dedicated Life) first recognized Altano’s work, but the 2026 NJ Historical Commission honor solidifies her status as a titan of New Jersey heritage. Because of her efforts, the Zabriskie-Schedler House wasn’t just saved from demolition; it was reimagined as a centerpiece for a new town park, ensuring future generations can walk the same grounds she fought so hard to protect.
“Isabella was an indefatigable force. She didn’t just see an old house; she saw a story worth saving for the children of Ridgewood.”
Preserving Ridgewood’s Future
As Ridgewood continues to grow, the legacy of leaders like Isabella Altano serves as a reminder that community progress and historic preservation go hand-in-hand. Today, the Zabriskie-Schedler House stands not just as a relic of the past, but as a monument to one woman’s refusal to let history be forgotten.
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Celebrate the woman, then poison the property, spend millions on clean up, etc., then destroy it by building a completely unnecessary sports complex. Literally, ridiculous.
Neither Winograd or Bigos were supporters of Isabella’s hard work and dedication
Isabella would be horrified at the destruction of the Historic Zanriskie-Schedler property
Shame on them and shame on this Village council