The West Orange Public Library www.wopl.org will host the RevolutionNJ traveling exhibit Revolutionary Lives: Living the American Experiment Then and Now starting January 9 through January 22, 2026. This engaging experience highlights the often-overlooked stories of everyday New Jerseyans whose lives, labor, and choices shaped the Revolutionary era and continue to inspire civic engagement today.
New Jersey's diversity mirrors its Revolutionary narrative. Like today, the state was a rich mix of distinct languages, religions, and cultures. Loyalties were roughly divided between those supporting the Revolution, those opposed, and the rest who were uncommitted. Allegiances bred bitter divisions and deep suspicion, creating in many ways a civil war. By the end of the War, the state suffered more damage than most and endured more violent clashes than any other.
The Revolutionary Lives traveling exhibit explores this tumultuous period through the stories of everyday people under extraordinary circumstances. They inspire visitors to consider how their stories echo through time and what can be done to fulfill the promises and ideals of the American Revolution. United We Stand!
Visit www.wopl.org for Library Hours
About RevolutionNJ
Created through state legislation in 2018, RevolutionNJ is a partnership between the New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC), a division of the New Jersey Department of State, and the nonprofit Crossroads of the American Revolution Association Inc. to plan the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in New Jersey. For more information on RevolutionNJ, visit https://www.revnj.org/.