HARRINGTON PARK, N.J.—On Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. until noon, the Harrington Park Historical Society celebrates “History Day” at the Borough Hall located at 85 Harriot Ave.
“For many years, the Society has sponsored History Day to give the townspeople an opportunity to learn more about their town’s history,” the Society told Northern Valley Press. “The day has also given the Society occasion to add to their collection of papers and artifacts contained in its archives by making arrangements to scan the papers brought in by the public and returning these, or, giving the public a chance to donate items of historic interest to the Society.”
In addition to displays on the town’s history, a special exhibit of the Society’s most recent acquisitions will be presented.
The day also increases awareness of the Society and its activities, some of which include: a 10-lecture series on various history topics given September through June at the Society’s general public meetings, and the maintenance and preservation of two historic cemeteries in Harrington Park, namely, the Perry Cemetery, and the Old Burying Ground.
The Old Burying Ground cemetery is part of the land apportioned to Garret Huybertsen Blauvelt, son of one of the original sixteen grantees of the Tappan Patent approved by the governor of New York in 1686.
“A ground-penetrating radar survey revealed that in addition to the known graves, there are another 30 or so internments at the site, most likely earlier than the 1732 date that was known,” the Society said. “A small stone that had the year 1722 inscribed on it was thought to be a possible land marker rather than a gravestone, and the GPR findings now reveal that this stone might indeed be a gravestone confirming the Society’s speculation of earlier burials.”
On Sunday, the public may enjoy taking a tour of Revolutionary War Sites in the Northern Valley. This self-guided tour is of the historic site markers situated along the roads of the Valley, and was written by Elizabeth R. James. You may pick up a free copy at the History Day exhibit, thereby enjoying another day of history on Sunday afternoon.
Everyone is welcome and invited to this free event. If you would like more information, call Gerri Gibney at (201) 768-2615.