FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 26, 2023
MEDIA CONTACT:
Derek Sands
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COUNTY COMPLETES HISTORIC RESTORATION OF WORTENDYKE BARN
Renovations conclude in time for 13th Annual Bluegrass and Cider Concert
Above: Bergen County Cultural and Historic Affairs Director Cynthia Forster, Bergen County Parks Executive Director Jim Koth, Bergen County Commissioner Vice Chairwoman Germaine Ortiz, Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III, Bergen County Commissioner Mary Amoroso, Park Ridge Mayor Keith Misciagna, and Bergen County Director of Land Management Adam Strobel after cutting the ribbon on renovations at the Wortendyke Barn
PARK RIDGE, NJ – On Wednesday, October 25th, County Executive Jim Tedesco joined County Commissioner Vice Chairwoman Germaine Ortiz, County Commissioner Mary Amoroso, Park Ridge Mayor Keith Misciagna, and representatives from the County Parks Department to celebrate the completion of a major renovation project at the Wortendyke Barn in Park Ridge, a Nationally Registered Historic Place and County Historic Site that pre-dates the founding of our nation.
Over the last five months, the County Parks Department performed a historically accurate restoration of the roof at the Wortendyke Barn, replacing the previous aging roof with cedar shingles common to the late 1700s. The Parks Department also constructed a new onsite ADA accessible restroom facility. In total, the project cost $254,000 and utilized funds from the County’s Open Space Trust Fund and Parks Department capital project funding.
“The Wortendyke Barn is a treasured piece of Bergen County's history,” said County Executive Jim Tedesco. “This landmark, dating back to 1770, not only showcases our rich agricultural heritage but also provides a beautiful venue for cultural and educational events. As we prepare for the 13th Annual Bluegrass and Cider concert, I invite our community to join us in celebrating this renovation and enjoy the remarkable setting that the Wortendyke Barn offers.”
"Preserving the Wortendyke Barn is a testament to our dedication to safeguarding the heart of Bergen County's agrarian legacy. This living relic, a historical gem, stands as a bridge between our past and present, offering our residents a vibrant tapestry of culture and education," said Bergen County Commissioner Chair Pro Tempore Dr. Joan Voss. "We look forward to seeing our community experience the multitude of events and occasions hosted at the Wortendyke Barn where residents can come together and create cherished memories at this historic venue."
The Wortendyke Barn is a historic Dutch barn that dates back to 1770, originally constructed using only local resources. The facility is one of nine Bergen County-owned historical sites and serves as a historic reminder of Bergen County’s vast agricultural history. Today, the barn is used for educational and musical programming throughout the year, including the County’s popular Music at the Barn concert series.
The renovations to the County Historic Site come just in time for the Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs’ 13th Annual Bluegrass and Cider concert featuring the Cider Barn Band, which will take place on Sunday, October 29th from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
ABOVE: County Cultural and Historic Affairs Director Cynthia Forster, Park Ridge Mayor Keith Misciagna, Bergen County Parks Executive Director Jim Koth, Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III, Commissioner Vice Chairwoman Germaine Ortiz, Bergen County Director of Land Management Adam Strobel, and Bergen County Commissioner Mary Amoroso cut the ribbon on the newly renovated, historically accurate roof at the Wortendyke Barn, a Bergen County Historical Site.
The Wortendyke Barn has been a Pascack Valley landmark since its construction on 500 acres of land bought by the Wortendyke family in 1735. It was used continually as a barn into the 20th century and is one of only six pure Dutch barn types in Bergen County.
The Bergen County Division of Cultural & Historic Affairs is dedicated to supporting the arts, history, and historic preservation. The DCHA plays a leading role in building a flourishing cultural environment that benefits and distinguishes Bergen County as a New Jersey cultural destination, offering programs, services, and resources in all three areas.
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