History is written by the victors, but what was the lived experience for the average New Jerseyan during the Revolutionary War? Using primary sources from the collections at the New Jersey State Archives, this talk will explore how the Revolutionary War affected everyone – Patriot, Loyalist, or those who tried to stay politically neutral, in Somerset County and beyond.

Many people think slavery only existed in the American South and that all those in the British colonies during the Revolution were Patriots. Not so. New Jersey residents were bitterly divided during what became a nasty civil war. The third or more of probable Loyalists can be divided into those who were active picking up arms, irreconcilables opposed to Independence who became exiles, those who remained during the war, and then those who left and later returned.

The talk will include a description of Hillsborough in the 1770s and why the area was important during the war. Also included will be some lesser-known stories of Hillsborough patriots!

This interactive, multi-media talk provides a look at the iconic music that helps us understand our shared history as we approach the 250th anniversary of American independence. Special emphasis is given to Thomas Edison, Paul Robeson, James P. Johnson, Frank Sinatra, Whitney Houston, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Queen Latifah, Bon Jovi, and others from NJ who have contributed so much to the American music landscape.

Learn about the significance of Wallace House & Old Dutch Parsonage to New Jersey and the American Revolution, explore the work taking place under the scaffolding as preservation architects and contractors reintroduce traditional techniques and sustainable materials to the historic structures, and contribute your own comments to inform the State of New Jersey and Wallace House and Old Dutch Parsonage Association’s Revitalization of Wallace House & Old Dutch Parsonage State Historic Sites as a legacy of Revolution NJ.