Imagine bluestone walls whispering tales of revolution and silent film stars. That’s the Fort Lee Museum at the Judge Moore House for you. This isn’t just a building. It’s a time capsule of Fort Lee’s vibrant past.
The Fort Lee Museum, also known as the Judge Moore House, stands proudly in Monument Park. The house was built in 1922. Its exterior is made of bluestone quarried from the very Hudson Palisades it sits upon.
Picture this: it’s 1989. The Judge Moore House faces demolition, but community action saves it. The borough purchases it, preserving a piece of Fort Lee’s soul.
The Fort Lee Museum opened in April 1999. It is operated by the Fort Lee Historical Society. Sadly, it closed during the 2020-2022 Covid-pandemic and has not re-opened yet.
Inside, the Fort Lee Museum’s collections tell stories of Fort Lee and its neighbors. Discover the Battle of Fort Lee, a pivotal moment in the American Revolution. Learn about America’s first motion picture industry, which thrived here long before Hollywood. Explore exhibits on the George Washington Bridge and the legendary Palisades Amusement Park.
The museum sits within Monument Park. The Daughters of the American Revolution dedicated it in 1908. General “Black Jack” Pershing attended the ceremony. This park was once part of Fort Constitution. General George Washington led over 2,600 troops here.
In 2004, the park was rebuilt for Fort Lee’s Centennial Celebration. A time capsule was buried at the foot of the monument. It will be opened in 2104. Interestingly, Monument Park and Continental Army Plaza in Brooklyn are the only U.S. parks dedicated to American Revolution soldiers.
From 2007, the Hudson Shakespeare Company performed Shakespeare in the Park near the museum. They did this in association with the Fort Lee Film Commission.
Judge Moore, a local attorney, built the house. He added a garage in 1931. The Moore family owned it until the 1970s. Later, it housed various businesses.
In 1976, Thomas Paine began writing “The American Crisis” right here in Fort Lee. This highlights the area’s historical significance.
So, remember the Fort Lee Museum at the Judge Moore House. It’s more than just a museum. It’s a place where history comes alive. It’s where you can connect with the past.