About us

So who are the people behind Hidden New Jersey? Together we’re trivia mavens and intrepid road trippers who are always out to find new stuff, whether it’s an interesting bird or habitat, a roadside historical marker, little known facts about seemingly ordinary places, or whatever’s around the next corner.

Sue Kaufmann is a writer and storyteller with interests in history and historic preservation. She’s visited more than 70 National Park Service sites and has led interpretive tours through the un-restored Ellis Island Hospital, which served immigrants during the early 20th century. A lifelong New Jersey resident and Rutgers University graduate, she’s also a cheeseburger and road food aficionado, much to the chagrin of her physician. When she and Ivan aren't wandering around the state looking for birds, interesting old buildings and signs of unusual history, Sue makes a living as a freelance business writer and communications consultant for clients in the corporate and not-for-profit sectors.


Ivan Kossak is a self-employed CPA whose practice is really not much more than a means of funding his birding habit. A member of the Board of Trustees of Hackensack Riverkeeper, he believes strongly in, and is committed to environmental conservation. Also an avid student of Civil War history, Ivan is grateful for Hidden New Jersey for allowing him to exercise his curiosity and sense of discovery of all things natural and a bit out of the way in the Garden State.