History Marches On

How do you make history come alive nearly 250 years later? Just ask Anthony Cavo. The curator of the Ridgewood Schoolhouse Museum has transformed the past into a vivid, compelling experience with the museum’s current exhibit, “250 Years of Progress: A Celebration of American Independence and Endurance.”

Through defining moments in America’s journey to independence—including several with close-to-home significance—the exhibit traces the resilience, innovation, and enduring spirit that shaped the nation we know today.

Revolutionary in our Backyards

Two notable events took place near the Old Paramus Church on Route 17.

The 1780 “Battle of Paramus” was a Revolutionary War skirmish fought on March 23, 1780, when roughly 300 to 400 British and Loyalist troops raided American outposts across Bergen County. The battle occurred near the Old Paramus Church, a major crossroads where American troops were camped.

The Old Paramus Church was also the site of part of the court-martial trial of Major General Charles Lee from July 10 to 15, 1778. The trial stemmed from Lee’s disobedience of orders at the Battle of Monmouth, which led to a disorderly retreat, as well as his disrespect toward George Washington. Proceedings began in New Brunswick on July 4, 1778, and moved as the Continental Army traveled throughout New Jersey and the Hudson River Valley, concluding on August 12, 1778, in New Brunswick with a guilty verdict.

History: Up Close and Personal

The Ridgewood Schoolhouse Museum’s exhibit traces the nation’s 250-year journey through a curated collection of artifacts, military regalia, and everyday utilitarian objects from the period.

George Washington Mourning Sampler

This finely worked, brilliantly colored sampler, circa 1807, memorializes George Washington, whose death on Dec. 14, 1799, was deeply felt by the young nation. Philadelphia artist Samuel Folwell created a series of mourning designs honoring Washington, incorporating classical symbols of grief such as the willow tree, urn, and sorrowing figure. The sampler was most likely stitched by young girls at the school run by Folwell’s wife, Elizabeth Folwell.

It is one of four known examples in this style. Similar samplers with slight variations are held by the National Museum of American History, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Old Barracks Museum in Trenton, and the Schoolhouse Museum.

To modern viewers, these memorials may seem formulaic. Still, in the early 19th century, national mourning was as much a fashionable expression of sentiment as it was a personal act of grief.

WWI Uniform of Ridgewood Resident, Jared Banta

Displayed alongside a photograph of Jared in uniform, this piece also reflects the long history of the Banta family, which has been in Ridgewood since the 1600s.

Bogert Family Centennial Stoneware Jug

An extremely rare three-gallon centennial jug marked “1876,” this piece was made by the New York Stoneware Company of Fort Edward, New York. It is decorated in a cobalt-tinted slip with the date “1876” encircled by a wreath signifying victory. Such jugs were used to store and transport liquids ranging from alcohol to molasses. This jug was recently donated to the museum by Sally Bogert Hemsen.

Letter from George Washington to Brigadier General David Forman, September 24, 1781

David “Black David” Forman, a Princeton-educated Monmouth County native, began the Revolution as a lieutenant colonel in a New Jersey state regiment. Notorious for harsh campaigns against local Tories, he was promoted to brigadier general of militia in 1777. From coastal outposts, Forman organized intelligence networks that reported British and French ship movements to General George Washington, who addressed this letter to him.

Washington later convened part of General Charles Lee’s 1778 court-martial at the original Paramus Church, where Forman testified against Lee; portions of the proceedings took place on the grounds of today’s Schoolhouse Museum.

Samuel Chase Tea Set

This blue-and-white tea service belonged to Samuel Chase (1741 to 1811), a Maryland lawyer, politician, and ardent patriot who signed the Declaration of Independence on August 2, 1776.

Chase was appointed by George Washington to the U.S. Supreme Court, becoming the only justice ever impeached and acquitted. His fiery disposition earned him the nickname “Old Bacon Face.”

From Farm to Front

Responding to his country’s call, 30-year-old farmer Garret Ackerman of East Saddle River Road voluntarily enlisted in the Union army. Like many Bergen County men of the 22nd Regiment, he left his family farm behind, entrusting his wife, Rachel (Terhune), to care for their young children and manage the land.

On Sept. 22, 1862, Ackerman was mustered into the 22nd Regiment, New Jersey Infantry, for nine months of service. At that time, he received the uniform, caped coat, and canteen displayed here.

The “Freedom and Union” banner was found tucked into the pocket of his caped coat. Ackerman survived the war, lived to age 82, and is buried in the Old Stone Church Cemetery in Saddle River.

According to research by the descendants of David Ackerman, nineteen Ackerman men fought in the Civil War. Eight served alongside Garret in the 22nd New Jersey and were discharged with him at Trenton on June 25, 1863, at the end of their nine-month term.

Visit the Ridgewood Schoolhouse Museum to see, appreciate, and reflect on the sacrifices our local forebears made in the cause of freedom. Bring the kids and see history come to life! For more information, visit ridgewoodhistoricalsociety.org.

Photographs courtesy of the Ridgewood Historical Society and Kris Pepper