Bergen County Division of Cultural & Historic Affairs

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.

The DCHA offers grant funding for local nonprofit arts organizations and others that present arts programs, the largest arts education festival for teenagers in New Jersey, art education opportunities for schools and visual art exhibits, a major regional art show for artists at all levels, and grant writing assistance workshops. Annual art programming includes Art in the Park, the Teen Arts Festival, and the Music at the Wortendyke Barn series.
The DCHA encourages public participation in Bergen County heritage by celebrating historical events associated with the nine County-owned landmark sites and history, having as a prime objective to promote heritage tourism and present educational programs at these sites. The DCHA is charged with the ongoing endeavor of preserving and maintaining the County-owned sites. The DCHA staff carries out this mission with the advice of the Bergen County Historic Preservation Advisory Board.

Serving as a resource center for county historical and preservation research, the DCHA staff and consultants provide historical information to the public, update the County Historic Sites Survey for 70 towns, provide history and protection grant funding and technical assistance for county societies, organizations, and towns, and curate the Bergen County Archives. The Historic Preservation Awards are an annual highlight, providing commendations for historic preservation projects, leadership, and education.