This winter, one of Bergen County’s most treasured historic sites will transform into a living stage for music, movement, and storytelling as the Bergen County Historical Society invites the public to experience a richly immersive celebration honoring the legacy of General George Washington at Historic New Bridge Landing in River Edge.
Timed to coincide with Washington’s Birthday, the special afternoon program centers on a rare live performance by the Tricorne Dance Ensemble, whose historically informed presentation brings the spirit of the Revolutionary era to life through period song and dance. The ensemble will appear inside the storied Steuben House, the iconic 1752 stone residence that once served as a strategic meeting place during the American Revolution and today stands as one of New Jersey’s most significant surviving colonial landmarks.
The hour-long performance will be presented twice during the afternoon, offering audiences the opportunity to experience an intimate, small-capacity program that reflects how music and dance would have been enjoyed in Washington’s time. Each presentation highlights the cultural world that surrounded the general and his contemporaries, using authentic choreography, traditional melodies, and narrative context to illustrate how entertainment, patriotism, and social life intersected during the struggle for independence.
Musical accompaniment will be provided live by Ridley and Anne Enslow, whose performances on the fiddle and hammered dulcimer add remarkable depth and authenticity to the program. The pairing of these historic instruments creates a distinctive soundscape that echoes the taverns, parlors, and gathering rooms of 18th-century America, giving audiences an opportunity to hear the rhythms and harmonies that once filled similar spaces during Washington’s lifetime.
Rather than presenting history as a distant subject, the Tricorne Dance Ensemble’s performance places visitors directly inside the story. Through costumed interpretation, expressive movement, and carefully selected musical arrangements, the ensemble celebrates Washington not simply as a military leader, but as a central figure within a vibrant and evolving cultural world. The program explores how music and dance were used to mark important events, foster community, and strengthen shared identity during the Revolutionary era.
Because the performances take place inside the Steuben House itself, space is intentionally limited for each showing, creating an up-close and personal experience that mirrors the scale of colonial-era gatherings. Guests are encouraged to plan ahead, as each presentation is designed to preserve the intimate setting that makes the program so impactful.
In addition to the live performances, visitors will be able to explore a special display of artifacts and interpretive materials drawn from the Bergen County Historical Society’s Washington collection. These carefully curated items offer a rare glimpse into the personal, political, and military world of the first president and the people who shaped the Revolution alongside him. The exhibit is complemented by a selection of authentic Revolutionary War–era objects that illustrate daily life, military service, and domestic culture during one of the most pivotal periods in American history.
Together, the performance and exhibition create a layered experience that blends visual history with living interpretation. Guests can move seamlessly from watching period dance and music to examining historical artifacts, gaining a fuller understanding of how cultural traditions and national identity evolved side by side during the birth of the United States.
Historic New Bridge Landing itself adds powerful context to the celebration. The site played a crucial strategic role during the American Revolution and remains one of Bergen County’s most important heritage locations. The Steuben House, where the performance takes place, is closely associated with General George Washington’s military movements in the region and stands today as a tangible link to New Jersey’s role in the fight for independence.
Beyond the formal programming, the event also invites visitors to enjoy the welcoming atmosphere of the site’s historic tavern, where seasonal refreshments will be available for purchase throughout the afternoon. Guests can relax between activities, share conversation, and soak in the setting in much the same way travelers and local residents would have done centuries ago.
The on-site gift shop will also be open, offering a thoughtfully selected collection of history-inspired items, books, and locally themed gifts. Whether searching for educational materials, unique souvenirs, or keepsakes connected to New Jersey’s Revolutionary heritage, visitors will find an opportunity to extend their experience beyond the event itself.
Programs such as this reflect a growing commitment across the state to create dynamic, accessible heritage experiences that combine scholarship, performance, and community engagement. New Jersey’s historic sites are increasingly reimagining how stories of the past are presented, placing emphasis on participation and interpretation rather than static displays. This approach aligns closely with the broader celebration of New Jersey’s creative and historical landscape featured throughout Explore New Jersey’s Art & Culture coverage.
For families, history enthusiasts, and visitors seeking meaningful seasonal programming, the Washington’s Birthday celebration at Historic New Bridge Landing offers a rare opportunity to engage with Revolutionary history in a way that is both entertaining and educational. The fusion of live music, traditional dance, authentic setting, and curated artifacts transforms a familiar historical figure into a living presence within the walls of one of the state’s most important colonial structures.
As the Tricorne Dance Ensemble, Ridley and Anne Enslow, and the Bergen County Historical Society come together to honor Washington’s legacy, the event stands as a reminder that history is most powerful when it is experienced—not simply observed. Through sound, movement, and story, this special afternoon invites the public to step into the world of 18th-century New Jersey and rediscover the cultural heartbeat that helped shape a nation.
