Mahwah Historic Preservation Commission

04/23/2026

The beautiful Chapel at the former Immaculate Conception Seminary in Rio Vista Mahwah

04/23/2026

Check out these pictures of the beautiful Chapel which is part of the Crocker Mansion/Immaculate Conception Seminary in Rio Vista Mahwah. The Chapel is a key example of Gothic Revival style architecture and holds substantial value as part of our local history.

04/12/2026

Follow Bergen 250 for more fun facts and events commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution in Bergen County.

03/05/2026

01/29/2026

We are accepting proposals for the 2026 Poster Session!

The Poster Session is a great opportunity for undergraduate students, graduate students, and early-career professionals to present creative, project-based work in historic preservation, history, archaeology, architecture, planning, museum studies, or public history. Thanks to Preservation New Jersey, who is sponsoring the poster session, first place winner will receive a $750 reward, second place winner will receive a $500 reward, and third place winner will receive a $250 reward! Proposals are due on March 6, 2026. For more information visit: https://www.njpreservationconference.org/participate

We can’t wait to see what you’ve been working on!

01/06/2026

We are kicking off the new year right with our first speakers for 2026's Revolutionary War Roundtable Speaker Series! As we draw closer to our nation's 250th anniversary, it is all the more important that everyone come and learn the rich history our country and Bergen County! These presentations are free and open to the public, so don't miss out!

11/17/2025

11/14/2025

11/03/2025

Yvonne Beatrice was a dedicated and adored member of the Mahwah Historic Preservation Commission for over 15 years. Her contributions were significant, including her innovative Mahwah Project, which encouraged students to engage with township commissions and learn more about our history and Historic sites.

Our condolences to her family, who meant everything to her. She will be be deeply missed.

https://www.vanemburghsneider.com/obituary/Yvonne-Beatrice?fbclid=IwZnRzaAN01wZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHsZACM-CA-b3aQdUIdRVqKyDmwJ-PKf0jx7yeQvfy_DQJ2hxYJfEiyoO1gqP_aem_135h_Rqxip7_10BuweP-2g

Share memories & support the family

08/29/2025

(August 26) 50 Years Ago Born to Run was released. It was recorded in Blauvelt, NY at 914 Sound Studios. Thanks to a grassroots, community effort, a historical marker was placed in 2015 to commemorate this important place.

The Marker reads:
On this spot in the 1970's, a garage was reborn as a refuge where rock-'n'-roll bands gave voice to a generation yearning for change. Back when music was captured on vinyl. Brooks Arthur's 914 Sound Recording Studios allowed musicians the freedom to hone their craft away from the pressures of the big city.

Among the iconic tracks laid down here were Bruce Springsteen's "Born To Run" and Janis lan's "At Seventeen" - anthems of youthful rebellion emblematic of the time. The music made here endures long after 914's last note.
In memory of Kevin J. Quaranta
Erected 2016

Many people ask why the image of the guitar in the marker was chosen. The guitar that appears in the marker is a Gibson. In his remarks at the unveiling of the historical marker, Brooks Arthur (914 Recording Studios Founder) noted that Les Paul was an important early supporter of Arthur's efforts to open the studio.

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To listen to a podcast about the marker, and 914
Sound Studios click here: https://on.soundcloud.com/kuCdsGDZ1W2LJmVmzk
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To see a photo album of the unveiling: https:// flickr.com/photos/100479933@N04/sets/
72157669530137814

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"Over the years, the studio and its Solid State Logic console recorded 16-track hits for the likes of James Taylor, The Ramones, Dusty Springfield and Ashford & Simpson, among others, and won a Grammy for Janis lan's 1975 album, Between the Lines. Everyone involved with the studio eventually moved on to other efforts-Arthur left for the West Coast to work with the likes of Neil Diamond, while Larry Alexander, assistant engineer, moved up to the Power Station in New York City; these days, he has his own studio at home.
And 914 Sound Studios itself? The "914" no longer applies-it came from the local area code, which changed years ago-and "Sound Studios" isn't accurate now either: Today, the site where so much rock history was recorded is now a car wash.' —-Prosound