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Jerramiah T. Healy MAYOR CITY HALL JERSEY CITY, NJ 07302 TEL:(201) 547-5200 FAX:(201) 547-4288

JERSEY CITY, NJ - JERSEY CITY, NJ - Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy, the State Historic Preservation Commission officials, and Apple Tree House Board of Trustees will announce the future of the Apple Tree House during a 12 noon press conference on Monday, June 20, 2005 at the Apple Tree House, 298 Academy Street.

For nearly two decades local groups and historic preservation experts have endeavored to preserve and restore the Van Wagenen House, which is better known as the Apple Tree House to its original form.

The residence and land it sits upon are believed to be the center of what was once the original fort complex in the Town of Bergen, a Dutch settlement that would eventually become Jersey City. The nation’s first president, General George Washington, is said to have stopped there to meet with French General Lafayette during critical moments in the Revolutionary War.

The Apple Tree House has recently received a historic designation, which was unanimously approved by the State Historic Preservation Review Board. In addition, the Apple Tree House was recommended to the National Register of Historic Places for consideration to be designated as a national landmark. Close to 3 million from grants and various funding sources has been received for the renovation of the Apple Tree House.

“Monday’s announcement will be the culmination of many years of effort by so many concerned not only about our city’s rich history, but also those concerned about our future as a true tourist destination area,” said Mayor Healy.

“This is a momentous occasion and accomplishment for the City of Jersey City,” said Deputy Mayor Leona Beldini. “We need to preserve the past and ensure that the next generation knows and appreciates this important piece of our history.”

The Apple Tree House is a two-story, eight-room, Dutch colonial mansion of field stone and brick, built in three stages in the beginning of 1708. The homestead was first allocated to Arent Laurense and thereafter purchased by the Van Wagenen family, where it remained in their possession for 259 years. It has a four-century history rooted in both the Old World and the New World.

Photo opportunities of the historic landmark will be available as well as commentary from state officials and local experts and architects.

For media inquiries, please contact Maria Pignataro, Press Secretary, at 201-547-4836, or at pignatarom@jcnj.org

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