The Concert honors the 125th anniversary of Sister Margaret Anna Cusack’s founding of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace in 1884.
Proceeds benefit a new Bergen County Historical Society museum building.

AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR ROUNDTABLE:

Battle of Princeton: Hard-Won Ground Being Lost?
September 22, 2009:  

In early 1777, after Trenton, Washington surprised British regulars at Princeton and drove them off.  Some of the sacred soil is protected, but some is threatened, notes Jerry Hurwitz, President of the Princeton Battlefield Society.  He’ll describe what he and others are doing about it.

Where are meetings held?  The Iron Horse. Westwood, N.J.  Open to the public?  Yes, definitely.  What time?  Come between 6:30 and 7:00 PM for conversation and fellowship.  Meals?  Optional dinners costing $20, including gratuity.  Advance reservations?  Not required.  Admission charges or dues?  Not required.  Questions? Contact Chairman David Whieldon at 201-967-7692.

http://www.millbrooknj.com/

From the collections of the BCHS.

Begin at the Steuben House. End at the Campbell-Christie Tavern.
$5.00 donation for pie and cider in Tavern.

Check here for weather schedule if looks like rain. Postponed due to rain. Reschedule for November 15.

On Saturday night, October 24 the Bergen County Historical Society will present a short dramatization from Frank Koehler's historical novel, Hilda: A Romance of the Revolution, which is the story of the events that led up to the murder of seventeen American Revolutionary soldiers whose spirits purportedly haunt Spook Bridge on Howland Avenue.
Francis C. Koehler was a Past President of BCHS (1931-1944) and a Bergen County historian. Director Rosann Pellegrino adapted her play from the novel, which will be staged inside the Steuben House, beginning at 7:00 p.m.

The actors are all local residents who portray some of the Bergen Dutch who actually lived in and about New Bridge. They are Ariel Woll (Hilda Van Blarcom), Barry Smith (Cornelius Brower), John Van Vliet (Major Robert Blauvelt), Roger Yaden (Henrik Van Saun), Howard Larsen (Samuel Meeker), Rich Schwenn (Captain Butler/Pastor). 

Donation is $7 adults, $5 children, BCHS members free. Pie and cider at the Black Horse tavern in the Campbell-Christie House (1201 Main St.) is $5.

EXHIBIT:
Road to Revolution: Paramus Valley in the 18th Century

This exhibit will open to the public on October 11, 2009 and remain on display through July 25, 2010.
Road to Revolution: Paramus Valley in the 18th Century explores a century of peace, war, and independence through the lives of the Lenape Indians, early Dutch settlers, and colonial soldiers in the area now known as Ridgewood.  Learn about the strategic role of the Old Paramus Reformed Church during the Revolutionary War and view rare artifacts including a letter penned by George Washington.  All of the artifacts on display will be from the Ridgewood Historical Society's collection.
For more information about the Schoolhouse Museum and our next exhibit, please email us, or call 201-447-3242.

The Schoolhouse Museum is open on Saturdays 1:00--3:00 p.m., Sundays 2:00--4:00 p.m., and Thursdays 1:00--3:00 p.m. The suggested donation is $5 for an adult, $3 for a child, and $10 for a family.

AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR ROUNDTABLE:

Macro-archeology of Monmouth Battlefield
October 27, 2009:  

Metal detectors, mathematics, software, and plain, old digging have revealed much about Monmouth’s infantry and artillery engagements—and about Molly Pitcher, too!  Daniel Sivilich, President of BRAVO, the society doing the work, will enlighten us with words, photos, and artifacts.

Where are meetings held?  The Iron Horse. Westwood, N.J.  Open to the public?  Yes, definitely.  What time?  Come between 6:30 and 7:00 PM for conversation and fellowship.  Meals?  Optional dinners costing $20, including gratuity.  Advance reservations?  Not required.  Admission charges or dues?  Not required.  Questions? Contact Chairman David Whieldon at 201-967-7692.

Help remove trash and invasive vegetation at Historic New Bridge Landing on UJA Federation’s 12th annual Mitzvah Day.

The goal of Mitzvah Day is to involve people in a variety of community service activities throughout northern New Jersey thus enabling them to understand and experience, first hand, the vast network of social service agencies and organizations.  Last year, over 1400 people participated in this wonderful event.

Pre-register online at www.ujannj.org/mitzvahday or walk-ins must sign up at Solomon Schechter Day School, New Milford. Questions? Contact Alice Blass at 201-820-3948 or aliceb@ujannj.org.

The “USO Victory Canteen” will be held again at Historic New Bridge Landing in River Edge New Jersey. The “Canteen” this year will focus on the two wars that changed the face of America, the Civil War and World War II. This year’s event will feature the Army Air Forces Historical Association and the 3rd New Jersey Civil War Volunteers.

The AAFHA will exhibit their displays of World War II Army Air Force Memorabilia and perform dramatic readings. They will be interviewing and recording the war experiences of the veterans who stop by.

President Lincoln is now scheduled to come.

Antique and military vehicles will be on display.  At the conclusion of the event there will be a singing of an original song commemorating 911. Followed by a ceremonial salute to the fallen and then taps.

The event runs from 1-4 pm on November 8th.  All the historic buildings and gift shop will be opened for your enjoyment.

The three historic homes and Jersey Dutch Out Kitchen will be open 1-4 PM. Refreshments and gift shop in the Campbell Christie House. Donation: $7 Adult, $5 Children, BCHS Members free.

The 3rd N.J. Volunteers --- The 3rd New Jersey Volunteer Infantry was an American Civil War Union Army regiment of infantry that served in the Army of the Potomac.
It was recruited and mustered into Federal service in May 1861, and was brigaded with the 1st, 2nd and 4th New Jersey Volunteer Infantries to make up what became famed as the "First New Jersey Brigade". The regiment and brigade served as the 1st Brigade of the 1st Division of the VI Corps, and participated in numerous battles from the June 27, 1862, Battle of Gaines Mill, Virginia, to the final Union assaults on Confederate positions at Petersburg, Virginia, in April 1865.
The remnents of the 3rd New Jersey Volunteer Infantry were mustered out in June 1865.

The Bergen County Historical Society, a non-profit, 501(c)(3) volunteer organization. Founded in 1902, we are the only historical association to focus on Bergen County as a whole, geographically and chronologically, from prehistory to the present day. Our public programs include well-known blue historical roadside markers, educational events, museum exhibits, monthly lectures, and a library/document collection. We are not a government agency and presently receive no regular or significant public funding, we rely on private donations and membership.

To join or to contribute to our New Bridge Landing Conservancy, visit our webpage: www.bergencountyhistory.org

Begin at the Steuben House. End at the Campbell-Christie Tavern.
$5.00 donation for pie and cider in Tavern.

Rain or shine, includes architectural tour of Steuben House. Try & email if you plan to attend, so we know how much pie to obtain.

AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR ROUNDTABLE:
Spycraft technology in the War of Independence
November 17, 2009:  

John A. Nagy, President of Philadelphia’s American Revolution Round Table, returns to tell what’s in his new book on spying.  Even better, he’ll conduct a hands-on workshop so we can practice writing in 18th-century secret code!  (Note well: This meeting is scheduled for November 17, not the usual fourth Tuesday of the month, to avoid a conflict with Thanksgiving.)

Where are meetings held?  The Iron Horse. Westwood, N.J.  Open to the public?  Yes, definitely.  What time?  Come between 6:30 and 7:00 PM for conversation and fellowship.  Meals?  Optional dinners costing $20, including gratuity.  Advance reservations?  Not required.  Admission charges or dues?  Not required.  Questions? Contact Chairman David Whieldon at 201-967-7692.

LECTURE PROGRAM LOCATION MAP: Unless otherwise noted, all lecture programs are held at the Second Reformed Church, corner of Anderson and Union Streets, Hackensack, NJ on the third Thursday of the month at 7:30 pm. The public is invited to attend. No fee. Second Reformed Church, 436 Union Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601.

A Q & A period will follow.

Free Admission - No reservations, Complimentary cake & coffee, Children welcome accompanied by an adult

PASCACK HISTORICAL SOCIETY, 19 RIDGE AVENUE, PARK RIDGE, NJ  07656

Takes place at the Campbell-Christie House, 1201 Main St, River Edge, NJ.
Suggested donation for events unless otherwise noted: $7 adult, $5 children, BCHS members free.

Tavern Night and 26th Annual Colonial Christmas Concerts tickets will be available for purchase this day.

The Bergen County Historical Society's Winter Tavern Night features light tavern fare of soup, herb biscuits, finger foods, desserts and musical entertainment at two seatings, 7 to 8 PM and 8:30 to 9:30 PM on Friday, December 18th in the Campbell-Christie House at Historic New Bridge Landing, 1201 Main St., River Edge, NJ 07661. Directions to HNBL with Map

Each seating is limited to 30 persons, so advanced reservations are advised. The cost is $30 per person (BCHS member $25). An open-hearth Out Kitchen and Gift Shop will also be open.

For tickets, send SASE and remittance to BCHS Holiday Events, PO Box 55, River Edge, NJ 07661. Specifiy 1st & 2nd choice of time. For info, call 201-679-5182.

For Paypal ticket purchases, visit: http://www.bergencountyhistory.org.

No refunds or exchanges.
Suggest wearing walking shoes.

Sun. Dec 20 - 6 & 7:30 pm
AVAILABLE
This holiday season we return to the Steuben House for our Colonial Christmas Concerts, featuring Linda Russell & Companie, which will be held  on Saturday, December 19th at 7 and 8:30 PM and Sunday, December 20th at 6 and 7:30 PM. Limited to 40 guests per show. $25 per person (BCHS member $20). Tickets may be purchased at the door, only if available, so reservations are advised.

Instead of benches, this year we have for seating 42 new reproduction Hackensack Valley Chairs that the HNBLPC purchased.

To say goodbye to the Sabbath Ariel Woll will lead a ritual (Havdalah) that celebrates the Sabbath separation from the rest of the week. Even though Chanukkah is over she will also be talking about Chanukkah and demonstrating the lighting of the Menorah.

For tickets, send SASE and 1st and 2nd choice of show to BCHS Holiday Events, PO Box 55, River Edge, NJ 07661. For info, call 201-679-5182. For Paypal ticket purchases, visit: http://www.bergencountyhistory.org No refunds or exchanges. Availability limited. Suggest wearing walking shoes. 

Historic New Bridge Landing, located where River Edge, Hackensack, Teaneck and New Milford come together, features three historic sandstone houses and an out kitchen on a Revolutionary War battleground overlooking the Hackensack River. Holiday decorations based upon ancient sources, including Jan Steen's 1664 painting, The Visit of St. Nicholas, which depicts a favorite domestic theme of the American holiday, so familiar to modern eyes: Sinter Klaas has come down the chimney, bringing treats to good children. The decorations include an ancient Kissing Bough, supposedly of Druidic origin, celebrating the solstice and the birth of the new solar year. Here people may meet under the mistletoe for the blessing of harmony. The origins of other holiday customs are explained, as for example, how in an age before cheap glassware, a piece of toasted bread was dipped into the wassail bowl by one and all to make a festive "toast."

Bergen County Historical Society’s Colonial Christmas Concerts take place at the Steuben House, Historic New Bridge Landing, 1209 Main Street, River Edge, NJ. Directions to HNBL with Map

MEET BCHS board & officers and BCHS members! Please introduce yourself.

Check out BCHS Facebook page for photos from 2010 event.

LECTURE PROGRAM LOCATION MAP: Unless otherwise noted, all lecture programs are held at the Second Reformed Church, corner of Anderson and Union Streets, Hackensack, NJ on the third Thursday of the month at 7:30 pm. The public is invited to attend. No fee. Second Reformed Church, 436 Union Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601.

A Country Ball upon the Anniversary of Washington’s Birthday will be held at New Bridge Landing on Sunday. Under Denise Piccino’s direction, the Tricorne Ensemble will demonstrate 18th-century dances in the parlor of the Steuben House! Ridley & Anne Enslow provide musical accompaniment on fiddle and hammered dulcimer. Rodger Yaden portrays General Washington. Join us in the tavern for hot cider and crullers. Don’t miss Mary and Barbara cooking in the Bergen Dutch Out-Kitchen. Suggested donation: $7 adult, $5 children, BCHS members free.

Campbell-Christie House, 1201 Main Street, River Edge, 07661

AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR ROUNDTABLE:

Privateers in Whaleboats in New Jersey!
February 23, 2010:  

Historians and re-enactors Raoul Mallalieu and Ken Miller, of Heard’s Brigade, will describe the boats, weapons, and tactics used successfully to attack British vessels along the New Jersey coast.  Now they’re building an authentic whaleboat to raise public awareness of the privateers’ role in winning the war.

Where are meetings held?  The Iron Horse. Westwood, N.J.  Open to the public?  Yes, definitely.  What time?  Come between 6:30 and 7:00 PM for conversation and fellowship.  Meals?  Optional dinners costing $20, including gratuity.  Advance reservations?  Not required.  Admission charges or dues?  Not required.  Questions? Contact Chairman David Whieldon at 201-967-7692.

The program, Classroom Closeup on NJN, will feature the children at Roosevelt School, River Edge and Forward to the Past, a video about why it's important to preserve history, from the child's perspective.

Check local listings for channels.

Selections from Bergen Button Club members will be on exhibit at the Steuben House, too. BBC member Pam Muzio will give a talk "Introduction to Buttons."

Buttons honoring George Washington, made at the time of his First Inauguration in 1789, will be shown, and their history will be described in a short talk. From a private collection.

Kevin Wright will give an illustrated talk on The History of Women in Bergen County in the Steuben House at 2 pm.

Button strings will be on show, please touch!

Button sewing exercise for children. Create a button project that may be taken home. Buttons donated by Simply the Best Clothing, 472 Cedar Lane, Teaneck.
Takes place in the Campbell-Christie House, led by Denise Piccino.

Refreshments in Black Horse Tavern, Campbell-Christie House, with Tavernkeeper John Oddie.

Demarest House Museum will also be open for tours.

Suggested donation for events unless otherwise noted: $7 adult, $5 children, BCHS members free. 

Takes place at Historic New Bridge Landing, 1201-1209 Main St, River Edge, NJ.
New Bridge was a prosperous mill hamlet, centered upon a bridge strategically placed at the narrows of the Hackensack River, Bergen County, New Jersey.
The Steuben House, Campbell-Christie House and Demarest House are all located in the park. They are landmarks of Bergen Dutch sandstone architecture, popularly called "Dutch Colonial" and frequently seen and admired throughout northern NJ. The Steuben House still stands on its original site.

Suggested donation for events unless otherwise noted: $7 adult, $5 children, BCHS members free. Takes place at the Steuben House, 1209 Main St, River Edge, NJ.

Kevin's book is now available on amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com and www.americanhistoryimprints.com: 1609: A Country that was Never Lost The 400th Anniversary of Henry Hudson’s Visit with North Americans of the Middle Atlantic Coast.
Mining contemporary sources, historian Kevin W. Wright has carefully reconstructed the native world that Henry Hudson encountered during his fateful voyage of 1609. In so doing, he dispels the fog of nineteenth and twentieth century myths to rediscover the North Americans of the Middle Atlantic Coast. Describing their original homelands and culture in great detail, he brings the panorama of culturally diverse native societies to life.

LECTURE PROGRAM LOCATION MAP: Unless otherwise noted, all lecture programs are held at the Second Reformed Church, corner of Anderson and Union Streets, Hackensack, NJ on the third Thursday of the month at 7:30 pm. The public is invited to attend. No fee. Second Reformed Church, 436 Union Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601.

AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR ROUNDTABLE:

“The War Man,” a Corporal Fighting for the Duration*
March  23:  

Combing public records, Robert A. Mayers, a Marine Corps veteran active in many historical societies, has reconstituted the long-term enlistment of Cpl. John Allison, from Haverstraw, N.Y.  Allison marched to Montreal, Fort Montgomery, upstate New York on the Sullivan-Clinton expedition, Morristown, and Yorktown.

*The author-speaker will sell and sign copies of his book.

Where are meetings held?  The Iron Horse. Westwood, N.J.  Open to the public?  Yes, definitely.  What time?  Come between 6:30 and 7:00 PM for conversation and fellowship.  Meals?  Optional dinners costing $20, including gratuity.  Advance reservations?  Not required.  Admission charges or dues?  Not required.  Questions? Contact Chairman David Whieldon at 201-967-7692.

LECTURE PROGRAM LOCATION MAP: Unless otherwise noted, all lecture programs are held at the Second Reformed Church, corner of Anderson and Union Streets, Hackensack, NJ on the third Thursday of the month at 7:30 pm. The public is invited to attend. No fee. Second Reformed Church, 436 Union Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601.

Button sewing exercise for children. Create a button project that may be taken home. Buttons donated by Simply the Best Clothing, 472 Cedar Lane, Teaneck.
Takes place in the Campbell-Christie House, led by Denise Piccino.

Refreshments in Black Horse Tavern, Campbell-Christie House, with Tavernkeeper John Oddie.

Demarest House Museum will also be open for tours
Suggested donation for events unless otherwise noted: $7 adult, $5 children, BCHS members free. 

Takes place at Historic New Bridge Landing, 1201-1209 Main St, River Edge, NJ.

AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR ROUNDTABLE:

Gen. Hugh Mercer, Martyred at Princeton*
April 27:  

After Washington’s coup at Trenton, Mercer’s brigade moved north and stood up to superior British units.  Mercer paid for his audacity when he was fatally bayoneted, but his actions contributed to the Princeton victory.  Jay Jorgensen, historian, author, lawyer, and judge, will unfold Mercer’s varied and eventful life.

*The author-speaker will sell and sign copies of his book.

Where are meetings held?  The Iron Horse. Westwood, N.J.  Open to the public?  Yes, definitely.  What time?  Come between 6:30 and 7:00 PM for conversation and fellowship.  Meals?  Optional dinners costing $20, including gratuity.  Advance reservations?  Not required.  Admission charges or dues?  Not required.  Questions? Contact Chairman David Whieldon at 201-967-7692.

LECTURE PROGRAM LOCATION MAP: Unless otherwise noted, all lecture programs are held at the Second Reformed Church, corner of Anderson and Union Streets, Hackensack, NJ on the third Thursday of the month at 7:30 pm. The public is invited to attend. No fee. Second Reformed Church, 436 Union Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601.

1:15 pm Ode to Pinkster (Porch of Demarest House)

1:30 pm Maypole Dance (Front of Demarest House)

2:00 pm Historic New Bridge Landing Illustrated talk (in Steuben House)

2:45 pm Dance in Steuben House

3:45 pm Maypole Dance (Front of Demarest House)

4:00 pm Pinkster Ode & Closing (Porch of Demarest House)

4:45 pm Tavern & Gift Shop (Campbell-Christie House)

AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR ROUNDTABLE:

Thaddeus Kosciuszko: American Patriot, Polish Patriot*
May 25:  

This military engineer designed the defenses at Saratoga, built fortifications at West Point, and supported Gen. Greene in the South--and devoted years to the struggle of Poland for its independence.  That’s the story from Alex Storozynski, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Kosciuszko biographer, and president of the Kosciuszko Foundation.

*The author-speaker will sell and sign copies of his book.

Where are meetings held?  The Iron Horse. Westwood, N.J.  Open to the public?  Yes, definitely.  What time?  Come between 6:30 and 7:00 PM for conversation and fellowship.  Meals?  Optional dinners costing $20, including gratuity.  Advance reservations?  Not required.  Admission charges or dues?  Not required.  Questions? Contact Chairman David Whieldon at 201-967-7692.

Saturday, June 26, 2010
12-4:00 pm
TBA.

EVENTS:
Our events generally take place at Historic New Bridge Landing. The Steuben House and Campbell-Christie House are open for special events. 1201 & 1209 Main St, River Edge, NJ.

LECTURE PROGRAM:
LECTURE PROGRAM LOCATION Unless otherwise noted, all lecture programs are held at the Second Reformed Church, corner of Anderson and Union Streets, Hackensack, NJ on the third Thursday of the month at 7:30 pm. The public is invited to attend. No fee. Second Reformed Church, 436 Union Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601

ROUNDTABLE MEETING:
Where are meetings held?  The Iron Horse Restaurant, Westwood, N.J.  Open to the public?  Yes, definitely.  What time?  Come between 6:30 and 7:00 PM for conversation and fellowship.  Meals?  Optional dinner starting at 7:00 PM and costing $20, including gratuity.  Advance reservations?  Not required.  Admission charges or dues?  None.  Questions?  Contact Chairman David Whieldon at 201-967-7692.
20 Washington Avenue, Westwood. Westbound Washington Avenue just west of Broadway and the railroad tracks.