The Bergen County Historical Society will honor several leaders from New Jersey’s business community.

As part of a Nov. 7 fundraising gala, the nonprofit will present “New Jersey History Maker” awards to:

• Thomas Eastwick, president and founder
  Eastwick College and Ho-Ho-Kus School of Trade and Technical Sciences
• Roger Gross, founder and president
  NIA National Realty
• Jim Kirkos, president and CEO
  Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce and Meadowlands Live! Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Dr. Lisa Tank, acting vice president and chief medical officer
  Hackensack Meridian Health’s Hackensack University Medical Center
• Jeffery Vasser, executive director
  New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism
• New Jersey Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way

The raised funds will support construction of a $1.5 million museum and visitor center at Historic New Bridge Landing in River Edge.

In a statement, BCHS building Chairperson Deborah Powell praised the honorees for each making “significant contributions to advancing our community and shaping the future of New Jersey and Bergen County.”

She added, “Their leadership and dedication embody the spirit of progress and innovation, aligning with our mission to honor the past and inspire a deeper appreciation for the historical significance of our region. We celebrate their achievements as they continue to make history today.”

The “Raise the Roof” gala will run from 6-10 p.m. at Seasons in the Township of Washington. Tickets are $195 per person and include a one-year BCHS membership. For existing members, the cost is $175.

The suggested attire is business casual “with a patriotic flair.” For more information click here or contact Martha Morley at [email protected].

Making history happen

Fundraising for the 3,750-square foot state-of-the-art facility began last year. So far, it has successfully covered the planning, design and material procurement phases, according to BCHS.

Arcari + Iovino Architects leads the project, while Persimmon Engineering LLC and Menlo Engineering Associates Inc. have completed critical engineering work.

Additional milestones have also been finalized, including:

• A traffic study by McDonough & Rea Associates Inc.
• A soil report by Johnson Soils Co.
• An archaeological survey conducted by Chrysalis Archaeological Consultants

Permits and land use authorizations have also been secured with Bergen County and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, ensuring the project is ready to move forward.

With these key preparatory phases completed, construction is slated to begin next month and the building will be visitor-ready in time for our nation’s 250th Anniversary (Semiquincentennial) July 4, 2026, BCHS said.

Situated along the Hackensack River, the 13-acre site’s crossing is where Gen. George Washington led his troops in retreat from British forces in November 1776. From there, the Patriots made their way south, crossed over the Delaware River and set up camp in Bucks County, Pa., before regrouping. The move enabled a surprise attack on Trenton, which proved to be a turning point in the American Revolutionary War.

It also branded New Bridge as “The Bridge That Saved a Nation.”

BCHS President Beverly Hashimoto said, “We look forward to bringing a dynamic new visitor center and museum building to life at Historic New Bridge Landing. This facility will serve as the gateway to the site, a key Revolutionary War landmark, orienting visitors to its rich history while offering expanded space for educational programs and exhibits. It will showcase over 4,000 artifacts, textiles and documents that tell the story of Bergen County and early America.”