Step into one of the most pivotal moments in American history as the Bergen County Historical Society (BCHS) presents the 250th Anniversary of the Retreat to Victory on Sunday, Nov. 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Historic New Bridge Landing, 1201 Main St., River Edge, New Jersey.
As America commemorates its 250th anniversary, visitors will experience the dramatic events of November 1776, when General George Washington’s daring retreat across the Hackensack River helped preserve the Continental Army and the cause of American independence.
“This event allows visitors to stand where history happened and experience one of the defining moments of the American Revolution,” said BCHS President Deborah Powell. “There is no better place to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary than Historic New Bridge Landing.”
Reenactors Bring History to Life
The day begins with BCHS Past President Jim Smith reading Thomas Paine’s inspiring The American Crisis at the historic New Bridge. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Revolutionary War reenactors will bring the site to life with military encampments, musket drills, and tactical demonstrations.
Visitors will also witness General George Washington, portrayed by living historian John Koopman, joined by General Nathanael Greene and other Continental officers on horseback as they recreate the dramatic Retreat to Victory and defense of the New Bridge crossing.
More to Do at New Bridge
Visitors can also:
🛖Tour all three 18th-century Jersey Dutch sandstone houses, including the 1752 Steuben House
🚣🏻View Revolutionary War artifacts, including a recently donated 1778 scrimshaw powder horn
👀Explore the featured exhibit, “What Did Washington Look Like?”
🍩Enjoy hot cider and donuts in the Campbell-Christie House Tavern
🎁Browse the museum gift shop
🍳Watch seasonal 18th-century cooking demonstrations in the historic Out-Kitchen
🍻Food and beer will be available for purchase.
Tickets, Reservations, Transportation & Parking
Advance ticket reservations are encouraged. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for Bergen County Historical Society members and students ages 12-20, and free for children under 12 when accompanied by an adult.
Proceeds benefit the Bergen County Historical Society and support completion of its new museum and visitor center at Historic New Bridge Landing. For tickets and additional information, visit www.bergencountyhistory.org, email contactbchs@bergencountyhistory.org, or call 201-343-9492.
Free parking is available on site. Visitors may also take NJ TRANSIT’s Pascack Valley Line to the New Bridge Landing Station, just a short walk from Historic New Bridge Landing. Leashed dogs are welcome on the grounds but are not permitted inside the historic buildings.
About The Bergen County Historical Society
Overseen by the Bergen County Historical Society, Historic New Bridge Landing maintains a critical Revolutionary War crossroads and regional history site on 13 acres in River Edge, New Jersey, and frequently holds educational programs, exhibitions, living history events, and preservation initiatives
Bergen New Bridge is raising funds to build a 3,750-square-foot, state-of-the-art Visitor Center that will serve as the gateway to Historic New Bridge Landing.
“We need your help to fund our initiative. The Historic New Bridge Landing experience will begin at the new visitor center and introduce guests to our 13-acre historic landmark site,” according to its website.
The plans include:
- State-of-the-art exhibits and interactive
experiences for all ages. - ADA-compliant and accessible for all visitors.
- Dedicated education space for students, families,
and lectures. - Climate-controlled storage for irreplaceable
collection