Past Researchers

Lenik’s Ideas: Lenik took a very archaeological approach to the Indians in the area, which makes sense given the lack of solid records. He went back before the contact period and carefully examined the archaeological evidence from that area and then eventually brought it to more modern day. He is of the opinion that the people who claim themselves to be the Ramapough are, in fact, the descendants of the natives he has studied through archaeological sites. While he is more focused on the archaeological aspects of everything, he did argue that there was evidence that the Lenape remained here and believes that the Ramapough are their descendants.

Lenik, Edward J. Ramapough Mountain Indians: People, Places, and Cultural Traditions. Ringwood: North Jersey Highlands Historical Society, 2011.

Lenik, Edward J. Indians in the Ramapos: Survival, Persistence, and Presence. Ringwood: North Jersey Highlands Historical Society, 1999.