A walk in the past, a dessert fest and kites for kids all add up to a day of food, family fun and flavor of local history at New Bridge Landing in River Edge.

Visitors will step back in time and spend an afternoon in the 18th century during the Bergen County Historical Society’s (BCHS) annual Summertime Social on Sunday, Aug. 29 from 1 to 4 p.m. (Rescheduled Date)  During this open house of the historic village, the public is invited to tour the home that was George Washington’s quarters in 1780, enjoy a drink at an 18th century local tavern and a walk on “The bridge that saved a nation” and inspired Thomas Paine to write “These are the times that try men’s souls…”.

Some 250 years ago, New Bridge was the business district of the upper Hackensack Valley, or the shopping center of its day.  In the Summertime Social, knowledgeable volunteer docents, many dressed in period costume, will explain the architecture, household items and practices of the time as well as the historic figures and events that played an integral part in our nation’s founding.  The three historic Dutch sandstone houses and the barn will be open for visitors to explore.

Besides the hands-on history, children will be treated to a kite decorating fair and then encouraged to color the sky with their homemade kites.  Families are invited to bring their children to enjoy an array of sweets in the 1774 Campbell-Christie House to top off a fun-filled day of history.

During the three hours, visitors can discover at their own pace the various buildings on the site.  Because of its strategic location astride New Bridge, the Steuben House, which has stood in its original position since 1752, is steeped in Revolutionary War legends and lore. Set in a no-man's land between two opposing armies, it served as a fort, military headquarters, intelligence-gathering station, rendezvous, and site of several skirmishes and major cantonments throughout the long war.

The Demarest house, also a family residence that dates from 1794, is now a museum exhibiting furnishings and personal belongings of the period.  After a stop in the 1889 barn for a lesson in broom making, guests can follow the path passing the outdoor kitchen replica where seasonal dishes of the era are often made.  They can then watch the blacksmith at work in his on-site forge.  Visitors should not miss the Black Horse Inn at the 18th century Campbell-Christie House tavern to enjoy light refreshments and desserts.

Spanning the Hackensack River, the “New Bridge” as it was known, was all that kept the British army from hemming the Continental army in the peninsula between it and the Hudson River.  By reaching the bridge first, the patriots were able to continue their retreat unimpeded by the enemy.  Visitors are invited to retrace the Americans’ steps as they ran across, toward the Steuben House.

Admission is $12 for adults, $7 for students and free entry for BCHS members.  Face masks are required while inside the historic buildings.  There is free parking on site, which is adjacent to the New Bridge Landing train station on the Pascack Valley line.  Leashed dogs are permitted on the site but not inside the historic houses.

The event is part of BCHS’s ongoing mission of sharing Bergen County’s crucial role in the American revolution as well as demonstrating local everyday life in 18th century New Jersey.  BCHS is an independent, volunteer, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to collect and preserve data and objects of significance to the history of the United States and to Bergen County in particular, while promoting awareness through programming and publications.  To make a donation, visit www.bergencountyhistory.org/donations

To secure tickets in advance or for a complete listing of events and a detailed history of the entire site, visit www.bergencountyhistory.org  Contact BCHS at info@bergencountyhistory.org

This event will take place as scheduled regardless of weather conditions.

HNBL, 1201-1209 Main St., River Edge, NJ.