The Borough of Westwood is inviting residents to step back in time through America 250 in Westwood, a yearlong, community-wide initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Supported by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Westwood, the program brings together municipal leadership, local organizations, and volunteers to celebrate American history while strengthening community connections.  (See Flyers on right for registration information)

 

America 250 marks a once-in-a-generation milestone. 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. Westwood’s efforts align with and support the Bergen250 initiative which aims to commemorate the anniversary of the American Revolution in our area through our county’s “diverse lens of people, places, and culture.” (read more: bergen250.com).   

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The months-long celebration will feature a wide range of thematic programming coordinated by Council President Lauren 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. 

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Westwood may not be known for major Revolutionary-era events, but was still a part of the American story: 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 October 7, 1780. [A Bergen County Historical Society plaque marks this location today.]. Fast forward several decades, and a Civil War training facility once occupied what is now the American Legion on Washington Avenue.

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Letizia notes that in combination, “these are reminders that our town has long been connected to our nation’s journey, 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.”

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Programming begins Wednesday, February 25 at 7pm at the Rolling Pin Cafe Annex (341 Broadway) with The World in the 18th Century, the first installation of a six-part series of presentations entitled “Celebrating the Semiquincentennial with Historical Speaker for Seniors,” presented by Westwood-based educators Damon and Cynthia Affinito. Subsequent presentations will be hosted at other locations across town, with topics including the American Revolution, Constitution 101, Revolutions in History, Celebrating the ‘Tennials, and History of Westwood. Each of these presentations is free of charge and designed for engaged audiences of all ages. Future dates and locations are scheduled by the Westwood Historic Preservation Commission. 

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On Sunday, March 8 from 4pm-6pm 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 event is geared toward adults but open to supervised Westwood residents ages 10 and up. Registration is required through Westwood’s Community Pass, and the cost is $15 per attendee.

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Residents should save the date for the Westwood Historic Preservation Commission’s Westwood Historic Trolley Tour on Saturday, April 18 (tickets will be on sale for $15 beginning March 1 via Community Pass), American History Trivia Night on April 26 hosted by the Friends of the Westwood Library (fundraiser information coming soon), and a vintage-style baseball game scheduled for May 2 and organized by Councilman Anthony Greco in coordination with the Westwood Recreation Department. 

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