The Borough of Westwood is inviting residents to step back in time with America 250 in Westwood, a yearlong, community-wide initiative marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
Supported by the mayor and council, the program brings together borough leadership, local organizations, and volunteers to celebrate American history while strengthening community connections.
“America 250 marks a once-in-a-generation milestone,” Council President Lauren Letizia told Pascack Press on Feb. 9. “It is an opportunity not only to reflect on the nation’s origins in 1776, but also to explore the stories, ideas, and local histories that continue to shape civic life today.”
Letizia said Westwood’s efforts align with the countywide Bergen250 initiative, which aims to commemorate the anniversary of the American Revolution through Bergen County’s “diverse lens of people, places, and culture.”
A range of thematic programming is planned, coordinated by Letizia in cooperation with the Westwood Historic Preservation Commission, Westwood Recreation, Historical Speakers for Seniors, the Friends of the Westwood Library, the Westwood Library Garden Club, and the Westwood Heritage Society.
Letizia noted that while Westwood may not be associated with major Revolutionary-era events, it still has direct links to the period.
“General George Washington and his troops marched along the Musquapsink Brook en route between Tappan and Totowa, stopping to refresh near the home of Isaac Bogert at the intersection of what is now First Ave and Mill Street on Oct. 7, 1780,” she said. (A Bergen County Historical Society plaque marks the location.)
“Fast forward several decades, and a Civil War training facility once occupied what is now the American Legion on Washington Avenue,” she added.
“These are reminders that our town has long been connected to our nation’s journey,” Letizia said, “and moreover, that we have always been and continue to be a community of volunteers. Taking part in the 250th anniversary gives us a chance to honor that shared history and celebrate the civic pride and strong sense of community that continue to define Westwood today.”
First events and lecture series
Programming begins Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 7 p.m. at the Rolling Pin Cafe Annex (341 Broadway) with The World in the 18th Century, the first in a six-part series titled “Celebrating the Semiquincentennial with Historical Speaker for Seniors.” The program will be presented by Westwood-based educators Damon and Cynthia Affinito.
Subsequent presentations will be hosted at locations across town, with topics including the American Revolution, Constitution 101, Revolutions in History, Celebrating the ‘Tennials, and History of Westwood. Each program is free and designed for engaged audiences of all ages. Future dates and locations will be scheduled by the Westwood Historic Preservation Commission.
Hands-on history, tours, and community events
On Sunday, March 8, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Westwood Community Center, Celebrate Westwood, in partnership with Westwood Recreation, will host Making History: Colonial Cooking, featuring an exploration of 18th-century food preparation with cooking instructor Roseann Brill. The program is geared toward adults but open to supervised Westwood residents ages 10 and up. Registration is required through the borough’s Community Pass, and the cost is $15 per attendee.
Residents are also encouraged to save the date for:
- Westwood Historic Preservation Commission’s Westwood Historic Trolley Tour — Saturday, April 18(tickets $15, on sale beginning March 1 via Community Pass)
- American History Trivia Night — April 26, hosted by the Friends of the Westwood Library (fundraiser details to come)
- Vintage-style baseball game — May 2, organized by Councilman Anthony Greco in coordination with Westwood Recreation
Beautification and exhibits
Letizia said beautification is also part of the celebration, with red, white, and blue plantings added to public spaces across Westwood in partnership with the Westwood Library Garden Club.
In addition, the Westwood Heritage Society will create special historical exhibits to be displayed at the Westwood Train Station throughout the year.
Funding for the series has been provided in part by hosting organizations and through donations of time and talent.
Celebrate Westwood will serve as the central information hub, providing updates on schedules, locations, registration, and announcements at CelebrateWestwood.org. For more information on borough-sponsored events, visit westwoodnj.gov.
— Information provided by America 250 in Westwood