(WAYNE, NJ) -- The County of Passaic, in conjunction with the Township of Wayne, will be offering a picnic on the grounds of Dey Mansion Washington's Headquarters on Saturday, April 9th from 12:00pm - 3:00pm. The picnic will launch a series of events and virtual content in celebration of Wayne's 175th birthday. Other events throughout the year include: ‘Ultimate WayneQuest', in partnership with TAPInto Wayne, on May 14th, Bach to Rock will celebrate Wayne 175th on May 22nd, and Family AG Days will return from June through October. Virtual content will include weekly "Wayne Wednesdays" on Facebook and Instagram, online lectures, and a digital community scrapbook.
"We are so proud to partner with the County of Passaic to engage the public in celebrating our beloved town," said Wayne's mayor, Christopher Vergano. "Wayne looks pretty good at 175 years old. As we celebrate our first 175 years, we know that Wayne's future will be as bright as its successful past."
The picnic on April 9th will feature a variety of food trucks, music from Bach to Rock, a Wayne based music school that provides music lessons for students of all ages and levels. Lokai Rose, an environmental education organization, will also be on hand to provide spring themed environmental activities for children. The event is free and open to the public. No advance registration is required.
Wayne's first mayor, William Hogencamp, lived in the Dey Mansion. Hogencamp's father, Martinus, purchased the Dey Mansion from the Neafie family in 1813, when William was 15 years old. The Hogencamp family would own the Dey Mansion until 1861.
Hogencamp served on the New Jersey State House of Assembly and in 1847, at the age of 29, he became Wayne's first mayor. At the time, the appointment was known as the Chairman of the Township Committee. After serving as Wayne's first mayor, he was elected as Passaic County Sheriff, a position he held from 1851-53. Hogencamp is buried at the Dey-Hogencamp Family Cemetery located on the grounds of the Dey Mansion.
Through a partnership with the Township of Wayne, the Passaic County Department of Cultural & Historic Affairs has implemented a series of new cultural and historic programs at the Wayne Museum since the County began managing the facilities in 2021.
For more information on Wayne 175th events, visit www.TheWayneMuseum.org or visit them on Facebook or Instagram.
