A walk in the past, an ice cream social and kites for kids all add up to a day of food, 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 Tour on Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022  from 1 to 4:30 p.m.  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 Tour, 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, the outkitchen and the barn will be open to visitors to explore.

Besides the hands-on history, children will be treated to a kite making demonstration and then encouraged to color the sky with their homemade kites.  Families are invited to bring their children to an old-fashioned Ice Cream Social in the Campbell-Christie House to top off a fun-filled day of history. Scavenger hunt and pick up your prize in the gift shop.

 

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 1752 Steuben House 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. Blacksmith and 

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 to the outdoor kitchen replica where interpreters in typical 18th century garb will be making seasonal dishes of the era.  They can then watch the blacksmith at work in his on-site forge.  

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.

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

Free parking at the corner HNBL parking lot, Main Street and Hackensack Avenue. Or take the train on the Pascack Valley line out of Secaucus to "New Bridge Landing" and walk one block north and east. 

Social distancing is still encouraged but face masks are optional.

Free parking in the HNBL parking lot at the corner of Main St & New Bridge Rd, River Edge, NJ (cross at the light) and Main Street or take the train on the Pascack Valley line out of Secaucus to "New Bridge Landing" and walk one block north and east.

Dogs are permitted on site on a leash but not in the houses.

Ticket reservations are encouraged: $12 adults, $7 students, BCHS members free. (We have kept our pricing the same, we know times are difficult!) Or buy at the gate. 100% goes to our mission.

  Email contact: info@bergencountyhistory.org, or call 201-343-9492 and leave a message.

HNBL, 1201 Main Street, River Edge, NJ. The event is subject to change.