Museum Lecture Series: Mapping Mahwah and its Neighborhoods

On Thursday, November 13, at 7:30 p.m. at the Education Building of the Ramapo Reformed Church, 100 Island Rd., Mahwah, Tom Dunn, archive director of the Museum, will present a multimedia program and exhibit about “Mapping Mahwah and its Neighborhoods.” Admission is free for museum members, $3 for non-members. Refreshments will be served. Reservations are suggested; to reserve, contact lectures@mahwahmuseum.org or call 201-512-0099.

The program will draw upon the rich array of historic maps found in the Museum Archives. In 1709 William Bond surveyed the area for the Proprietors of the Ramopock Tract, the first landowners in Mahwah. Before and during the American Revolution, there was a road map made of the State of New Jersey and Berthier and Erskine made military maps for use by the French and American armies. In the 19th century, the 1861 and 1876 maps contain many hints about the people who were living in the Township. Twentieth century maps include an original page from a 1913 atlas of Bergen County as well as tax maps, Sanborn fire insurance map, road maps and master plan maps. All of these maps, and more, illustrate the development of the Township from an Indian trading post to a residential, commercial and cultural hub.

The Mahwah Museum, 201 Franklin Turnpike, is open on Wednesdays and weekends from 1-4 p.m. and currently features the exhibit “Neighborhoods of Mahwah: 1913-2013” and the permanent exhibit “Les Paul in Mahwah.” The Donald Cooper Model Railroad is open weekends from 1-4 p.m. Admission to the Museum is $5 for non-members, and free to members and children. For more information, visit our website at www.mahwahmuseum.org or call 201-512-0099.

The Mahwah Museum receives operating support from The New Jersey Historical Commission, Dept. of State.