Our Purpose and Vision
At The Bergen 250th Anniversary, we are dedicated to promoting the historical significance of Bergen County and the Revolutionary War through engaging events. Our goal is to share the heritage of the region with the community, offer valuable resources, event details, educational materials, and interactive tools to all visitors.
Meet the Team
Executive Division:
CEO
Justin Watrel
President
Robert Meg
Senior Vice President
Gabriela Chevasco
Historical Division:
Vice President
Samantha Borges
Team Leader
Madison Nazio
Team Member
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Team Member
Michael Carfi
Team Member
Zianne Giraldo
Team Member
Mohammed Sanogo
Food Division:
Vice President
Brandon Roberson
Team Leader
Kevin Flores
Team Member
Rihanna Hernandez
Team Member
Alexis Cortes
Team Member
Valentina Mia Gamarra
Marketing Division:
Vice President
Bart Podlesny
Team Member
Riley O’Sullivan
Team Member
Ariella Arzeno
Team Member
Valerie Orozco
Team Member
Michael Capella
Talent Division:
Vice President
Kate Trinidad
Vice President
Jenny Zotambi
Team Member
Jacqueline Albani
Team Member
Nick Zayas
Team Member
Matthew Santulli
Teams Out in the Field
Throughout the semester, Professor Watrel organized engaging field trips that took us to multiple sites in a single day. It felt like a lot to take in, but it was an exciting and enriching experience. These trips were a fantastic way to apply classroom learning in real-world contexts, making the semester both challenging and rewarding.
Garreston Forge & Farm
Our first Field Trip was in Garretson Forge & Farm located in Fair Lawn. This quaint little area is one of the oldest historic sites in the county. We ventured inside the little museum where we saw how people used to live. Fun Fact: The phrase "sleep tight, don't let the bedbugs bite" originates from how beds were made back then. They used to used rope as planks and hay as a mattress.
Pascack Historical Society
Our next trip took us to the Pascack Historical Society in Park Ridge. This museum was filled with fascinating history, particularly about Native Americans. One intriguing aspect we learned was how they used wampum as a form of currency for trade. They would create beads made from shells using the Wampam Drilling Machine.
Pascack Reformed Church and Graveyard
Also located in Park Ridge, is the Pascack Reformed Church and Graveyard. Interestingly, the church bell they currently use was originally taken from the Pascack Historical Society. Perhaps one day, it will find its way back home!
Wortendyke Barn
We also visited the Wortendyke Barn, located in Park Ridge. Vivian graciously gave us a tour and shared a brief history of the site. This barn is an original Dutch New Jersey barn and one of the few of its kind that still exist today. In the past, the barn housed horses, as evidenced by the stables still visible inside.
Lunch with Team
After visiting all those sites, we wrapped up the day in Westwood at Pompilio's Pizzeria, where we enjoyed a big pizza lunch. We had the option of plain or pepperoni pizza, and it was such a treat. We were incredibly grateful to Professor Watrel for inviting us out to lunch—it was a perfect way to end a memorable day, and we all had a fantastic time!
Baylor Massacre Site
Next, we head to the Baylor Massacre Site, also located in River Vale. For some historical context, the Baylor Massacre occurred on September 27, 1778, during the American Revolutionary War. In this surprise attack, British forces ambushed Continental Army troops, leading to a tragic loss of American lives.
Haring Farm Cemetery
If you go down a residential street in River Vale, you’ll come across the small Haring Farm Cemetery. Long ago, when the Haring family lived on this land, they buried their relatives within their own property—assuming the land would stay in the family for generations. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case, which is why there’s now a small cemetery tucked away in a modern neighborhood.
Building Connections, Creating Impact
Our initiatives aim to unite the community, celebrate local heritage, and make history accessible and engaging for all. By fostering a sense of belonging and shared history, we contribute to the cultural enrichment and social cohesion of Bergen County.