FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 10, 2026
CONTACT:
Derek Sands
BERGEN 250 REVOLUTIONARY WAR ROUNDTABLE SERIES TO INVESTIGATE LIFE OF PEGGY SHIPPEN ARNOLD
A New Take on Mrs. Benedict Arnold, Revolutionary Loyalist
Hackensack, NJ – Bergen250, the Bergen County Division of Cultural & Historic Affairs, and the County of Bergen invite the public and media to attend the 2026 American Revolutionary War Roundtable Series on Wednesday, March 11 at 7:00 PM at the Bergen County Administration Building’s Learning Center, 4th Floor, 1 Bergen County Plaza, Hackensack.
Margaret Arnold, perhaps better known by her childhood name Peggy Shippen, has been portrayed through history as either a total innocent or the scheming mastermind behind Benedict Arnold’s treason. Based entirely on primary sources, Char Weigel brings to life this complex and nuanced woman. The true story of her involvement is more fascinating than the fiction as is the path that her life took after the discovery of her husband’s plot and his defection. Weigel also highlights Margaret Arnold’s travels through Bergen County and the controversy stoked by Aaron Burr in his memoir. Come ready with your questions!
Char Weigel is a historian who frequently publishes and presents on new research on Benedict Arnold’s treason and Revolutionary War history in the lower Hudson Valley. She is Vice President of Special Projects for Revolutionary Westchester 250 and on the board of the Friends of the Odell Rochambeau Museum.
For those unable to attend in person, the lecture will be recorded and published on the County of Bergen’s official YouTube channel following the event.
EVENT DETAILS
What: Spring 2026 American Revolutionary War Roundtable Series Kickoff Lecture
Topic: “A Revolutionary Revelation: The Complex Story of Peggy Shippen Arnold”
Who: Presented by Char Weigel
When: Wednesday, March 11th, 2026 – 7:00 PM
Where: Bergen County Administration Building, 1st Floor Multipurpose Room, 1 Bergen County Plaza, Hackensack, NJ
About Bergen250 Bergen250 is Bergen County’s initiative to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, highlighting the county’s critical role in the nation’s founding and engaging the public through lectures, events, and community programming. For more information, visit www.Bergen250.com.
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