Controversy Brews Over Ridgewood Historian Appointment To Be Made Wednesday

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — What's up for a vote at the next Ridgewood Village Council meeting on Wednesday night? Among other matters, the council is expected to vote on a new historian — a controversial move, according to those who argue that the current longtime historians are being forced into retirement.

You can read the agenda here.

The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 6.

Historian Vote

Among items on the agenda: A presentation on Habernickel Barn, a vote to appoint a (possibly new) village historian, and a vote to authorize a settlement response in the Ridgewood Water Litigation against 3M and DuPont.

Peggy Norris and Joe Suplicki have been acting as town historians, but their advocacy regarding the historic Schedler property may have caused friction with other officials. READ MORE: Final Vote On Schedler Land Expected At Ridgewood Meeting Wednesday

"The current historians of Ridgewood, with two decades of devoted service, deserve recognition for their steadfast dedication to preserving history and their loyal service to both Ridgewood and Bergen County," said a local source this week. "They act as defenders, protecting the integrity of historical truth and preventing the distortion of the past for harmful intentions."

Norris and Suplicki responded to Patch with a statement: "We have been honored to be the historians for Ridgewood for many years. We believe that historians should be advocates for history and historic places. We will continue to do that with or without the title of Village Historian."

RELATED: Turf War Over Ridgewood Historic Site Is Reflected In Halloween Decor

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If you want to watch remotely and participate, follow these instructions from the town:

Members of the public are invited to view meetings live using Zoom, which also allows them to “raise a hand” and contribute with voice and video when they are invited to do so during Public Comments as well as during Public Hearings during the meeting.

Click this link to join the virtual meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82592799142?pwd=aUlFVTBiditwbEsyRXJFcUFnd3ovdz09

Webinar ID: 825 9279 9142

Passcode: 07450

or Telephone, Dial: 1-646-558-8656, 1-646-931-3860, 1-309-205-3325, or 1-312-626-6799.