The Birthplace Annual Cookie Bake-off is always an annual favorite of the Ice Cream Social. This year’s competition invites bakers of all ages to compete for the title of  “Great American Cookie” in celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary. Bake-off entries will be accepted on July 4, from 10 am to 1 pm at the historic site located at 207 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell, NJ. Judging begins at 2 pm with winners announced at 3 pm. Rules and entry details are available at www.presidentcleveland.org

Included in the opening ceremony, several members of the GCBMA will recite portions of the Declaration of Independence. “Grover Cleveland” himself will make an appearance and be on hand for the afternoon. The lighting of a cannon will be a special attraction.

•Tours of the birthplace begin; 3:00 last tour starts:  Guests will be guided through an 1830s kitchen, rear parlor, and bedroom. A sneak-peek preview of the “Family Life Gallery,” still in progress, will be hosted by long  time staff member, Sharon Farrell. Children are welcome, but must be at least 6 years old to tour.

•1:00: Join GCBMA Trustee James Gardner for a special tribute to the late Major John “Lucky” Luckadoo, who, at the time of his passing in September 2025, was the last surviving original pilot of the famed 100th Bomb Group, flying 25 combat missions over enemy-occupied Europe during World War II. A passionate advocate for recognizing the contributions of American civilians during the war, Major Luckadoo strongly promoted the establishment of a “Home Front Heroes Day” to honor the millions of Americans whose sacrifices and dedication supported the Allied war effort. Inspired by his vision, the GCBMA has proudly celebrated Home Front Heroes Day in Caldwell over the past several years.

“A Celebration of Local and American History”. Long time West Essex Historians Richard and Linda Gibbs will share their famous postcard collection and more memorabilia of the Caldwells and Essex Fells. Local organizations such as the Caldwell Historical Commission will have on hand graphics of historic structures of Caldwell’s yesteryear. This year, GCBMA Board Members will be presenting special displays related to the American Revolution; Lafayette History; a History of Horseneck; unique topics in Caldwell History; the Presidential Library and Museum; the West Caldwell Historical Society; Women’s History including a History of the Women’s Club of the Caldwells; a background on the Electoral College with Grover Cleveland’s elections; Cleveland’s Family History; and a preview of future events from the GCBMA.  

“Old and New Games Through the Ages” for children will take place which will introduce the history of “Frisbee”, the origins of “Basketball”, “Presidential First Pitches”, burlap sack races, and more. The games will be organized by the Women’s Club of the Caldwells.

Discussion of Pre-1900 Baseball at the time of Grover Cleveland’s Presidency. Author Jeffrey Orens will discuss early baseball and his book, “Selling Baseball, How Superstars George Wright and Albert Spalding Impacted Sports in America”. Orens is a writer of historical nonfiction with an exceptional eye for overlooked gems in history. He has written for historical journals and is a member of the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR), publishing articles on nineteenth-century baseball as well as presenting at SABR’s nineteenth-century baseball conference in Cooperstown, New York. He lives with his wife Deborah, in Fairfield, New Jersey.

•Cookie Contest Winners will be announced.

• Do you know the story of Grover Cleveland? Would you like to learn more about 22nd and 24th President(s)? After previous interpretations of Abraham Lincoln, Benjamin Franklin, and Franklin D. Roosevelt, Paul Maloney will portray “Grover Cleveland” this year in an interactive presentation, “Grover Cleveland Returns to Caldwell”. Learn about Cleveland’s beginnings in Caldwell and selected topics in his political life.