General Washington's Army Sets Up Camp In Wayne This Weekend: See When

WAYNE, NJ — The colonial era comes alive at Wayne's Dey Mansion this weekend, with all invited to step back into the 18th century to celebrate George Washington's birthday amid the sights and sounds of the Revolutionary War.

Historical re-enactors will demonstrate what life was like for Continental Army soldiers and other everyday citizens during General Washington's stay at the Dey home. Colonel Theunis Dey and his wife Hester built the home in the 1770s, and Washington used it as his headquarters twice in 1780 while waiting for the French Army to arrive. Thousands of troops were also encamped nearby.

Dey Mansion Washington's Headquarters is now a museum, run by Passaic County, and is located at 199 Totowa Road in Wayne.

The Revolutionary War Encampment runs on Saturday, Feb. 22 and Sunday, Feb. 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Outdoor activities and parking are free for all visitors, while admission into the museum is $5 for adults, and free for children 17 years old and under.

Soldiers from the 2nd New Jersey Regiment, Spencer’s Artillery, and Living History Co. will portray the 1st Rhode Island Regiment as they march, drill, and prepare for battle. These re-enactors will also demonstrate how soldiers cleaned muskets, cooked over an open fire, and planned their moves in the Revolutionary War.

Visitors can play colonial-era games, enjoy 18th-century music, and meet with skilled artisans as they display traditional crafts. The Chippery Gourmet Fish and Chips will be set up for people to have a bite to eat while they explore.

Throughout each day, there will be demonstrations of 18th-century cooking and meal preparations, carpentry and blacksmithing, and the use of herbs as medicine.

And, the museum will be open for self-guided tours of the home.

Here is the daily schedule (subject to change in case of bad weather):

Saturday

• 10 a.m. Camps open to the public
• 11 a.m. Formation of troops for Inspection (safety)
• 11:30 a.m. Military Drill Demo, front lawn
• 12 p.m. Nooning of the Troops (mid-day meal and rest)
• 2 p.m. Military Artillery Drill Demo, front lawn (if artillery is available)
• 3:30 p.m. Military Drill Demo, front lawn

Sunday

• 10 a.m. Camps open to the public
• 11 a.m. Formation of troops for Inspection (safety)
• 11:30 a.m. Military Drill Demo, front lawn
• 12 p.m. Nooning of the Troops (mid-day meal and rest)
• 1:30 p.m. Military Artillery Drill Demo, front lawn
• 2:30 p.m. Military Drill Demo, front lawn

Friends of Passaic County Parks is looking to apply for grants to update both Dey Mansion and the Schuyler-Colfax House, as America's 250th birthday approaches this year. Proposed plans at Dey Mansion include building a new event barn, offices, and a gift shop.

Related article — Major Renovations Proposed At These 2 Historic Sites In Wayne