Bergen County Historical Society launches July 4 campaign to honor America’s 250th with bold new history center at New Bridge Landing
RIVER EDGE, N.J. — As the nation prepares to celebrate Independence Day, the Bergen County Historical Society (BCHS) is launching a bold new initiative to honor America’s founding values by constructing a 3,750-square-foot museum at Historic New Bridge Landing, one of the most significant Revolutionary War sites in the United States.
Located at the site where General George Washington led a daring retreat and rallied the Continental Army in 1776, Historic New Bridge Landing is often called “The Bridge That Saved a Nation.” BCHS hopes to preserve and amplify that legacy as the country approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding in 2026.
“There is no better moment in time to invest in preserving the history of a site that saw more of the American Revolution than any other in the 13 colonies,” said Deborah Powell, Building Chairperson for BCHS. “This new museum will serve as both a sanctuary for truth and a launching pad for understanding our history.”
The capital campaign, launched in advance of the July 4 holiday, seeks to raise the final funds needed to construct a modern, climate-controlled museum that will house rare artifacts, host educational programs, and welcome thousands of students and visitors annually. BCHS is calling on supporters across the region and beyond to help bring this vision to life.
The timing of the campaign is intentional. As the nation reflects on its founding this July 4, BCHS hopes to ignite a renewed commitment to the principles of liberty, truth, and civic participation. The museum will not only commemorate the site’s Revolutionary War legacy but also engage visitors in a deeper understanding of democratic values and their relevance today.
“This project is about more than bricks and mortar,” said Powell. “It’s about ensuring future generations understand the sacrifices made for freedom—and the ongoing responsibility of safeguarding it.”
All contributions to the campaign are tax-deductible and will go directly toward construction and educational outfitting of the new facility. To learn more or donate, visit bergencountyhistory.org/donate.
Celebrate July 4 at New Bridge Landing
To mark Independence Day, BCHS will host a July 4 Walking Tour of Historic New Bridge Landing from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, July 4. Guests will enjoy guided tours of the site’s three historic Jersey Dutch sandstone homes, the iconic 1744/1889 bridge, and the landmark Steuben House. Complimentary iced tea and cookies are included with general admission ($12.50; free for BCHS members).
To register, visit www.bergencountyhistory.org.
About the Bergen County Historical Society
Founded in 1902, the Bergen County Historical Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich history of Bergen County, New Jersey. BCHS stewards the Historic New Bridge Landing site and offers public programs, educational events, and tours throughout the year.