Bergen250, the Bergen County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs, and the County of Bergen announced on April 8 that they will hold the fourth session of their Spring 2026 American Revolutionary War Roundtable Series. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, April 8 at 7:00 PM in the Multipurpose Room on the first floor of the Bergen County Administration Building in Hackensack.
The roundtable will focus on the March 23, 1780 battle at Old Paramus Reformed Church, a significant engagement during the American Revolution involving around 900 soldiers. Organizers say these events are part of ongoing efforts to commemorate both local history and national milestones.
Historian George W. Wright and artist Bill Angresano will lead a joint presentation during this session. Wright plans to discuss “the strategic significance of the Continental Army’s post at the Church and the broader military context surrounding the battle.” Angresano will present his new painting depicting this historic scene, which he created “in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of American independence and the Church’s 300th anniversary.” According to event details, approximately “300 Continental Army troops supported by Bergen County militia” faced off against a British force made up of elite Brigade of Guards members as well as soldiers from two regiments known as The Black Watch and Hessian units.
Wright is described as a long-time member of both New Jersey’s legal community and its historical preservation circles. He has practiced law for more than four decades with offices in Hackensack and New York City, holds membership in organizations such as NJ Society Sons of the American Revolution, and maintains an active interest in Bergen County’s Revolutionary War history. Angresano is recognized for his work across publishing, advertising, book covers, sports posters, film storyboards, portraiture commissions, teaching roles at Ridgewood Art Institute and Montclair State University.
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.”
The roundtable series is organized under Bergen250—an initiative marking America’s upcoming semiquincentennial by highlighting local contributions to independence through lectures and community programming.
