Bergen250, the Bergen County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs, and the County of Bergen announced on March 10 that they will hold a lecture exploring the life of Margaret “Peggy” Shippen Arnold as part of their 2026 American Revolutionary War Roundtable Series. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, March 11 at 7:00 PM at the Bergen County Administration Building’s Learning Center in Hackensack.
The roundtable aims to shed light on Peggy Shippen Arnold, who has been depicted historically as either an innocent bystander or a key figure behind Benedict Arnold’s treason. The lecture will use primary sources to present a more nuanced view of her role during and after her husband’s defection.
Char Weigel, a historian known for research on Benedict Arnold’s treason and Revolutionary War history in the lower Hudson Valley, will lead the presentation. According to the announcement, “Char Weigel brings to life this complex and nuanced woman. The true story of her involvement is more fascinating than the fiction as is the path that her life took after the discovery of her husband’s plot and his defection.” Weigel will also discuss Margaret Arnold’s travels through Bergen County and address controversies mentioned by Aaron Burr in his memoir.
Weigel serves as Vice President of Special Projects for Revolutionary Westchester 250 and sits on the board of Friends of the Odell Rochambeau Museum. The event encourages attendees to bring questions for discussion.
For those unable to attend in person, organizers said that “the lecture will be recorded and published on the County of Bergen’s official YouTube channel following the event.”
Bergen250 is an initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution by highlighting Bergen County’s role in founding the nation through lectures, events, and community programming.
