New Milford Historic Preservation Commission

07/31/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us last night for the reception marking the arrival of the "Revolutionary Lives" exhibit at the New Milford Public Library. The evening opened with an overview of New Jersey's role in the American Revolution by Joe Cook. His presentation can be viewed here:

https://youtu.be/PPHzdjZGhck?si=nfI9gH8MN7IrTU2t

The exhibit will be on display at the library until Aug. 12.

07/23/2026

Just a reminder to join us at the New Milford Public Library next Thursday, July 30, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for a reception marking the arrival of the "Revolutionary Lives" traveling exhibit.

Joseph Cook, an historian, history teacher and member of the New Milford Historic Preservation Commission, will open the event with a presentation on the American Revolution in New Jersey. Light refreshments and viewing of the exhibit will follow.

The exhibit will be on display from July 29-August. 12.

07/18/2026

07/09/2026

“Revolutionary Lives: Living the American Experiment Then and Now,” a traveling exhibit that highlights the stories of everyday New Jerseyans whose lives, labor, and choices shaped the Revolutionary era, will be on display in the main room of the New Milford Public Library from July 29 through Aug. 12.

A reception will be held Thursday, July 30, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Joseph Cook, an historian, history teacher and member of the New Milford Historic Preservation Commission, will open the event with a presentation on the American Revolution in New Jersey. Light refreshments and viewing of the exhibit will follow.

This free, interactive exhibit was created by RevolutionNJ, the state’s official 250th initiative. Among the topics explored are: “An Ordinary Soldier,” “Women at War,” and “A Child of the Revolution.”

06/08/2026

A big birthday is approaching… and it’s not the one you’re thinking about. One year from today, New Milford turns 350 years old! On June 8, 1677, David Demarest Sr., received the French Patent, a deed granting him several thousand acres of land along the Hackensack River. The settlement he established for French Huguenots in present-day New Milford became the first permanent one for people of European heritage in Bergen County.

The first house was built approximately where the Elks Club is located. It was probably a simple log cabin that provided shelter while Demarest and his family quickly built more houses and commercial buildings, including a gristmill, a dam and landings for boats. The Jacobus Demarest House, a stone house on River Road, still exists and is the oldest privately owned and continuously occupied house in New Milford.

Demarest chose this location for a reason: it was the farthest point that large merchant ships could sail upstream on river. He knew this would be ideal spot to transfer goods from ships to ground transportation and vice versa. Because of his vision, this area became a center of commerce.

What he may not have realized was that the infrastructure he built to support trade and commerce would make this area a strategic crossroad during the Revolution. In the first pamphlet of “The American Crisis,” an account of the Retreat of 1776, Thomas Paine wrote: "Our first object was to secure the bridge over the Hackensack, which laid up the river between the enemy and us.”

Happy 349th birthday, New Milford!

05/26/2026

It's time to show your patriotic pride! In honor of "America250," the New Milford Police Department is sponsoring a patriotic-themed outdoor decorating contest. Deck out your porch, front door or yard in red, white and blue! Winners to be announced July 6!

For more information and to register your home, visit:
https://www.newmilfordnjpd.org/page/america-250-home-decorating-contest

05/14/2026

May is designated as both “National Military Appreciation Month” and “National Historic Preservation Month.” In a year when our nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, these observances take on additional meaning as we honor all those who serve and protect. Here are some significant dates:

May 15 is “National Peace Officers Memorial Day,” which honors all law enforcement officers who have died or been disabled in the line of duty. Benjamin Branch, a Revolutionary War veteran who later became sheriff of Chesterfield County, Va., is recognized as the first officer to be killed in the line of duty. He died in 1786 of injuries after being thrown from his horse.

May 16 is “Armed Forces Day.” Observed on the third Saturday every May, this is a day dedicated to paying tribute to those currently serving in all branches the U.S. Armed Forces.

May 25 is “Memorial Day.” Originally called “Decoration Day,” the first observance took place in May 1868 to honor the Civil War dead. After World War I, it became a day of remembrance for all members of the U.S. military who died in service.

New Milford will begin its observance of Memorial Day weekend with a tour of the historic French Burying Ground on May 22 at 6 pm. Flags will be placed at the graves of the Revolutionary and Civil War soldiers.

04/19/2026

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Liberty Tree Dedication ceremony:

Mayor Michael Putrino (in a tricorne hat!) and Council members Randi Duffie, Hedy Grant, Ira Grotsky, Lisa Sandhusen, Matt Seymour and Art Zeilner; Capt. Kevin Van Saders and members of the New Milford Police Department Honor Guard; and Owl, of the Ramapough Munsee Lenape Nation.

The ceremony also included a congressional proclamation by Rep. Josh Gottheimer as well as stirring renditions of patriotic tunes performed by the Tri-County Irish War Pipe Band.

We also thank the many residents and representatives of community organizations, including Scout Troop 78 and the New Milford Women’s Club, who turned out to support the event.

04/16/2026

Here’s a “Throwback Thursday” photo of Mayor Alfred Logan at the 1976 Liberty Tree Dedication. With him are Council members Frank McCue, Salvatore Gallucci and Frederick Sharkey.

The dedication of “Liberty Tree II” takes place this Saturday, April 18, at 11 am. The tree will be planted on the north side of the Borough Hall lawn, near the monuments honoring New Milford residents who fought for our nation’s freedom. Hope to see you there.

04/15/2026

On April 17, 1976, New Milford launched its celebration of the U.S. Bicentennial by planting a Liberty Tree at Borough Hall. Mayor Alfred Logan, Council members Frank McCue, Salvatore Gallucci and Frederick Sharkey along with the Bicentennial Committee and an enthusiastic group of residents in colonial-era clothing participated in the ceremony. Unfortunately, New Milford’s first Liberty Tree no longer stands. It was most likely removed after being damaged by disease or the weather.

This Saturday - 50 years and one day after that first ceremony – history will repeat itself. New Milford will plant another Liberty Tree at Borough Hall to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The tree will be accompanied by a plaque explaining its significance. The ceremony starts at 11 am.

Prior to the ceremony, the “Greatest American Cleanup” will start at 9 am in the Kennedy Field Complex Area. We hope you will join us for both events.

(Photos from the Historic Commission archives.)