Construction is officially underway on a new 3,750-square-foot History Museum at Historic New Bridge Landing, marking a major milestone for one of New Jersey’s most historically significant Revolutionary War sites. The Bergen County Historical Society hosted a groundbreaking ceremony last month, drawing supporters, donors, local leaders, and elected officials who gathered to celebrate the start of a project decades in the making.
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Located in River Edge, the site is known for its deep Revolutionary War ties. Historic New Bridge Landing served as a critical strategic location on the Hackensack River—often referred to as “The Bridge that Saved a Nation”—providing escape routes, troop movements, and defensive staging grounds during pivotal moments of the war. Today, the 13-acre campus includes Multiple historic structures and immersive landscapes that connect visitors with the people and events that shaped early America.
Bergen County Historical Society President Beverly Hashimoto underscored the project’s importance in this milestone year.
“Especially in this year marking our nation’s founding, it’s vital that New Jersey — the state that witnessed more Revolutionary War activity than any other colony — have a museum dedicated to telling that story,” Hashimoto said. “Bergen County’s pivotal role in the conflict helped shape the course of world history and cannot be overstated.”
The museum’s construction marks the first phase of a broader effort to expand both educational outreach and onsite interpretation, offering year-round programming at a site traditionally dependent on seasonal events.
Designed by Arcari & Iovino Architects, the new museum will include:
Much of the Historical Society’s collection—one of the largest privately held Revolutionary War artifact collections in the state—has never been displayed in a dedicated modern gallery. The museum will finally allow these items to be shown on a permanent or rotating basis.
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Founded in 1902, the Bergen County Historical Society is one of New Jersey’s oldest preservation-focused nonprofits. It has been the longtime caretaker of the New Bridge Landing site, maintaining historic structures, organizing events, and championing heritage education for more than a century.
The new museum strengthens the organization’s mission by creating a central hub for interpretation, research, and community history. The facility also supports the Society’s goal of telling a fuller story of Revolutionary-era Bergen County—from the movements of Washington’s troops to the experiences of local families, soldiers, and tradespeople who shaped New Jersey’s role in the fight for independence.
Beyond its cultural significance, the museum is expected to boost local tourism. Historic New Bridge Landing already draws thousands of visitors annually for reenactments, walking tours, and educational events. The new facility will enable year-round programming and make the site a more robust destination for students, scholars, and travelers exploring New Jersey’s Revolutionary War trail.
Local officials also anticipate associated economic benefits, with increased foot traffic supporting nearby restaurants, shops, and small businesses.
As construction moves forward, the Historical Society continues to secure funding and community support for future phases, which may include expanded exhibitions, new interpretive trails, and additional public programming. The start of construction marks not just a physical transformation but a generational investment in keeping New Jersey’s Revolutionary War legacy alive.
The museum is expected to become one of the region’s most important educational assets—strengthening the understanding of Bergen County’s long-standing impact on the founding of the United States.
Originally reported by Advance local Express Desk.
