The Bergen County Historical Society (BCHS), a non-profit, 501(c)(3) volunteer organization, was founded in 1902 to develop public appreciation for Bergen County's remarkable history, especially through the preservation and study of its material culture. We are the only historical association to focus on the Bergen County as a whole, from its prehistory to the present day. Our museum collections (4,000+ objects in addition to the library and document collection) are presently on display in a limited basis at Historic New Bridge Landing (HNBL). Public programs include placement of informative roadside historic markers, educational events, museum exhibits, monthly lectures, and a library collection. We are not a government agency and receive no regular or significant public funding, we rely on private donations and membership.
Are you a member? Here's how to join.
http://www.bergencountyhistory.org/Pages/membership.htmlOr scroll down to learn more. Now able to accept PayPal or credit card!
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.
BCHS stewardship includes the 1944 purchase of 8 acres to protect the Steuben House from the autoparts yard, land donated to locate the 1954 bridge north of site and land for Steuben House parking lot. BCHS remains the largest landowner at HNBL and is determined to build a museum building to properly care for its collection.
The museum and library collections comprise the greatest survival of significant Bergen Dutch artifacts and documents in the public domain. The museum collection includes many objects from a time when possessions were handmade or locally made. Furniture, quilts, coverlets, paintings, pottery, tools and prehistoric objects are all represented. More recent donations include the pick axe that broke ground for the George Washington Bridge. The library-collections encompass family genealogy, diaries, and manuscripts; church, cemetery, and bible records; books, clippings, and on local and county history, the Revolutionary War, and historic architecture; postcards, photos, videos, atlases, and maps. The photograph collection is founded upon late nineteenth century glass plate negatives, which record the earliest views and studies of Bergen Dutch architecture, and has grown to encompass an important visual record of the county's growth as a metropolitan suburb. The Bergen County Historical Society Library and Manuscript Collection are available to the public and to researchers on a restricted basis at the College Library, Building 5, Felician College, 262 Main Street Lodi, NJ 07644. The library is opened by volunteers Wednesdays, 12-5 pm, closed month of August.
Please visit our website for more information:
http://www.bergencountyhistory.org/We have a wide-range of local history. It is the best location to check on BCHS events.
Bergen County Historical Society
Email address:
contactBCHS@bergencountyhistory.orgStreet address: 1201-1209 Main St, River Edge, NJ 07661
Mailing address:
PO Box 55
River Edge, NJ 07661-9998
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