The Morris County Heritage Commission is hosting the RevolutionNJ traveling exhibit “Revolutionary Lives: Living the American Experiment Then and Now” from Jan. 9 through Jan. 23 at the Morris County Library, offering visitors an opportunity to explore New Jersey’s role in the American Revolution through the experiences of everyday people.
The exhibit highlights lesser-known stories of New Jersey residents whose lives, labor and personal choices shaped the Revolutionary era and continue to resonate as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It is on display in the atrium gallery of the Morris County Library, 30 E. Hanover Ave., Whippany, which is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“We are honored that RevolutionNJ selected Morris County as a host location for this traveling exhibit. Morris County’s residents were among the men and women who housed, supported and fought alongside Washington’s army. This exhibit provides a meaningful way to recognize the unknown heroes who sacrificed so much during the decade of the war,” said Commissioner Christine Myers, member of the Morris County 250th Anniversary Celebrations Committee.
New Jersey’s Revolutionary experience reflected the diversity and complexity of the state itself. During the war, residents represented a wide range of languages, religions and cultural backgrounds, with allegiances divided among supporters of independence, loyalists and those who sought to remain neutral. These divisions often led to bitter conflict, making New Jersey one of the states most heavily impacted by the Revolution. By the war’s end, New Jersey had suffered more damage, experienced more violent clashes and marked more battles than any other state.
The “Revolutionary Lives” exhibit examines this turbulent period through the personal stories of ordinary people under extraordinary circumstances. Visitors are encouraged to consider how these historical experiences continue to shape civic life and the ongoing pursuit of the ideals set forth during the American Revolution.
“The Morris County Heritage Commission is excited to be hosting RevolutionNJ’s traveling exhibit at the Morris County Library. To focus on ordinary people, their diversity, and their different points of view is a wonderful approach. It will help all of us understand and imagine what it was like living in New Jersey during the Revolution,” said Martha Wells, chair of the Heritage Commission.