GSBC: Part One: The History of Slavery in Bergen County—A Revolutionary Moment

GSBC General Meeting Part One: The History of Slavery in Bergen County—A Revolutionary Moment Presentation by Kathleen Walter, Educator and Glen Rock Borough Historian Monday, 23 March 2026 @ 7pm Eastern In-Person at the Ridgewood Public Library Auditorium Free and ope......More

GSBC General Meeting Part One: The History of Slavery in Bergen County—A Revolutionary Moment Presentation by Kathleen Walter, Educator and Glen Rock Borough Historian Monday, 23 March 2026 @ 7pm Eastern In-Person at the Ridgewood Public Library Auditorium Free and open to the public; Presentation replay available to GSBC Members Description The History of Slavery in Bergen County traces the development of slavery as an institution, examining the laws, regulations, and cultural norms established under both Dutch and English colonial influence. It considers the economic impact of enslaved labor in Bergen County and the proportion of the population that was enslaved during the colony’s formative years. The content also explores the effects of the Revolutionary War on both the enslaved and free Black populations.

GSBC: To Be Announced

GSBC: Part Two: The Slow Abolition of Slavery in New Jersey

GSBC General Meeting Part Two: The Slow Abolition of Slavery in New Jersey Presentation by Kathleen Walter, Educator and Glen Rock Borough Historian Monday, 27 April 2026 @ 7pm Eastern In-Person at Ridgewood Public Library Auditorium Free and open to the public; Presen......More

GSBC General Meeting Part Two: The Slow Abolition of Slavery in New Jersey Presentation by Kathleen Walter, Educator and Glen Rock Borough Historian Monday, 27 April 2026 @ 7pm Eastern In-Person at Ridgewood Public Library Auditorium Free and open to the public; Presentation replay available to GSBC Members  Description The Slow Abolition of Slavery in New Jersey examines New Jersey in the post-post-Revolutionary War era, a period marked by reconstruction and growing sectional divisions within the United States. It addresses the state’s gradual emancipation laws, the Van Winkle Slave Ring, and the 1860 election of Abraham Lincoln. In addition, it analyzes New Jersey’s distinctive position within the broader context of national political developments during this transformative period.

GSBC: To Be Announced

Feats of Courage and Creativity During the American Revolution (SK)

Wyckoff author and Son of the American Revolution Robert Skead will be on hand to discuss this timely topic as we celebrate America 250. Based on his three American Revolutionary War Adventure books, his presentation will include: New Jersey’s role in the American Revol......More

Wyckoff author and Son of the American Revolution Robert Skead will be on hand to discuss this timely topic as we celebrate America 250. Based on his three American Revolutionary War Adventure books, his presentation will include: New Jersey’s role in the American Revolution, the leadership of General George Washington, stories about the Culper spy ring, the American Turtle submarine, and the Great Chain at West Point. A time for Q&A session will also be included. Registration encouraged: https://ridgewoodlibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/feats-of-courage-and-creativity-during-the-american-revolution/

GSBC: To Be Announced

GSBC: Women and Naturalization in the United States

GSBC General Meeting @ Ridgewood Public Library Women and Naturalization in the United States Presentation by Joy Kestenbaum, MA, MLS Monday, 22 June 2026 @ 7pm Eastern In-Person at the Ridgewood Public Library Auditorium Free and open to the public; Presentation repla......More

GSBC General Meeting @ Ridgewood Public Library Women and Naturalization in the United States Presentation by Joy Kestenbaum, MA, MLS Monday, 22 June 2026 @ 7pm Eastern In-Person at the Ridgewood Public Library Auditorium Free and open to the public; Presentation replay available to GSBC Members Women and Naturalization in the United States will provide an overview of the history of citizenship acquisition for women in the United States and the records these processes generated. It will focus on examples of Jewish women—married, widowed, and single—who sought, obtained, or lost citizenship in the 19th and 20th centuries, and review key federal and state laws that shaped the naturalization of women during different periods. Beginning in the mid-19th century, immigrant women generally derived citizenship through their American husbands. Following the passage of the Cable Act of 1922, also known as the Married Women’s Independent Citizenship Act, women could apply for naturalization independently of their spouses and no longer automatically lost their citizenship by marrying foreigners eligible for U.S. citizenship. The presentation will also examine cases of Jewish women, both naturalized and American-born, who lost their citizenship after the implementation of the 1907 Expatriation Act due to marriage to non-citizens, and how they were able to regain it in subsequent decades.

GSBC: To Be Announced

GSBC: To Be Announced

GSBC: To Be Announced