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Learn how colonial taverns were the main stage for the unfolding drama of a colony transitioning into statehood and making decisions about declaring a war of independence.
Join us for an engaging history lecture by New Jersey author Michael Gabriele on the subject of his newest book: Colonial Taverns of New Jersey. As "the crossroads of the American Revolution," New Jersey's colonial taverns formed the social network that held the state together. Taverns were the main stage for the unfolding drama of a colony transitioning into statehood and making decisions about declaring a war of independence.
This lecture will explore how, as the hubs of colonial villages, taverns were the places where the voices of history took shape: places to discuss political activities, beacons for travelers, and venues for entertainment, merriment, and libations. Learn the story of New Jersey’s General Assembly, which met in September 1777 at a tavern in Haddonfield and passed a resolution that declared New Jersey to be “a state, not a colony,” joining the call for revolution and independence, and a break from British rule.
Presenter Michael Gabriele is the author of five books on New Jersey history, all published by Arcadia Publishing/The History Press. A lifelong Garden State resident, he is a 1975 graduate of Montclair State University and has worked as a journalist, freelance writer and author for more than 40 years.
The 36,018 square foot Demott Lane Branch is located in the Franklin Township municipal complex and provides a large community room for library programming, as well as additional meeting room space for community groups, study rooms, public access computers, and more.
