Fireside Fridays Historical Series Join us for a fireside Friday celebrating the 97th Anniversary of Garret Mountain Reservation! This chat will highlight Federick Law Olmsted's vision for public parks, its impact on the Passaic County Park System, and how Garret Mountain and Rifle Camp Park were designed by the Olmsted Brother's Firm in 1928. Presented …
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Join historian Ed Koenig for an engaging lecture on the life and legacy of Baron Friedrich von Steuben, the Prussian officer whose military expertise helped transform George Washington's Continental Army into a disciplined fighting force. From his early military career in Europe and journey to America to his pivotal role at Valley Forge and his …
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Fireside Fridays Historical Series Today, the Wanaque Reservoir is a major landmark of upper Passaic County, but at the turn of the 20th century, that valley was home to several families, businesses, farms, and a lush forest. Join us for a fireside chat on how the construction of the Wanaque Reservoir in the 1920s upended …
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The ATP site rests derelict since its final closure in 1986 after over 190 years of continuous operation. The astonishing variety of Paterson’s industries of cotton and silk weaving, iron foundries, military firearms, textile dyeing and finishing all began here in 1792. Through large format, hand-printed, silver photographs, this exhibition tells the story of these …
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Join our Director of Collections Patrick Byrnes and Registrar Emmett Rivera at the Lambert Castle Carriage House for a special behind-the-scenes look at highlighted artifacts from the Department’s collections. Participants will examine select objects up close while learning how museum professionals identify, catalog, document, store, and preserve artifacts for future generations. Discover the stories these …
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Tours Offered at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM Olmsted's Vision: Garret Mountain Reservation is a walking tour for those who want to know how the County wide park system was established. Join Department Curator Isabella Costa as she discusses Federick Law Olmsted's vision for public parks, its impact on the Passaic County Park System, and …
Why did George Washington choose Valley Forge as the Continental Army's winter encampment in 1777–1778? And how did that decision shape the outcome of the American Revolution? Join historian and Valley Forge guide Kenneth Gavin for an engaging lecture that goes beyond the familiar story of the army's winter hardships. Drawing upon primary source documents, …
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Join us for a simulated archaeological excavation! Learn how archaeologists uncover, document, and analyze artifacts through an exciting hands-on experience. Working together, participants will carefully excavate a simulated site, screen the soil, examine their discoveries, and discuss what the artifacts reveal. Registration is required due to limited space. Two Sessions: October 11th, 10:00 AM - …
Join Dey Mansion Docent Tom Dempsey for an engaging lecture exploring the life and military career of Colonel Alexander Scammell, one of the Continental Army’s most respected officers. As General George Washington’s Adjutant General, Scammell played an important role in organizing and maintaining the Continental Army throughout the Revolutionary War. Learn about Scammell’s leadership, service, …
Ever wonder what stories are buried beneath our feet? Explore the history of Dundee Island Park, from prehistoric times through its industrial past, and learn how local flooding has shaped the area’s archaeology. Come early or stay after the talk to explore the Passaic County Archaeology Center and view artifacts connected to the area’s history. …
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Join us for an elegant afternoon tea at Lambert Castle featuring freshly baked scones with clotted cream, savory and sweet treats, and a selection of teas. During the tea, historian Karen Bachmann will explore Victorian mourning practices and how grief shaped 19th-century customs and material culture. Learn about the sentimental art of mourning jewelry and …
Join us in the lab and discover how archaeologists reconstruct the activities of past cultures! Working alongside an expert, participants will handle real artifacts from our collection and learn how archaeologists investigate and interpret the objects they uncover. Try your hand at analyzing actual artifacts and discover the secrets they hold! Registration required. Participants must …