| HISTORICAL
TRAVELING EXHIBIT OPENS AT MONMOUTH BATTLEFIELD STATE PARK
(03/171) MANALAPAN - The
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will unveil
Caught in the Crossfire: Churches, Taverns and the Revolution
in New Jersey, at the Monmouth Battlefield State Park Visitor's
Center, on Sunday, November 23, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
"New Jersey has an incredible inventory
of American Revolutionary War sites and a fascinating history
that accompanies them," said DEP Commissioner Bradley
M. Campbell. "As we continue to commemorate the 225th
anniversary of the American Revolution, this exhibit presents
an ideal opportunity to highlight the state's heritage and
its contributions to the cause of American liberty."
"The New Jersey State Museum is honored
and proud to join with Commissioner Campbell and the Monmouth
Battlefield State Park to share this traveling exhibition
with the residents of Monmouth County and the citizens of
the State," said Secretary of State Regena Thomas.
"New Jersey is the Crossroads of the Revolution. Through
exhibitions such as Caught in the Crossfire, we can share
with new generations the story of our great State and its
people."
Caught in the Crossfire: Churches, Taverns
and Revolution in New Jersey explores the role of churches
and taverns during the American Revolution with insights
into the sacred and secular spirit of the time when the
nation was founded. The traveling exhibit features a selection
of images, documents and reproduction artifacts on view
at the Monmouth Battlefield State Park's Visitor Center
through February 1, 2004.
The opening of this exhibit also includes
an illustrated lecture on the 1778 geography of the battlefield
presented by Garry Stone, State Park Historian, a discussion
by author David Martin and a guided hike to the hedgerow
and parsonage sites. The historic Craig House, located within
Monmouth Battlefield also will be open to visitors until
4:00 p.m.
From late 1776 through 1781, New Jersey
was a war zone. With official public buildings few and far
between, New Jerseyans sought out other places to debate
and discuss America's future. Churches and taverns located
throughout the colony became venues for expression and reflected
the diversity of opinion that characterized New Jersey on
the eve of Revolution. Tavern keepers and patrons, clergymen
and congregants often found themselves caught in the crossfire
as war raged around and about them.
Organized by the New Jersey State Museum,
the traveling exhibit is an adaptation of a larger exhibition
of the same title at the Museum's Auditorium Galleries in
Trenton. This project is supported by a grant from the New
Jersey Historical Commission in the New Jersey Department
of State. Additional support is provided by the Friends
of the New Jersey State Museum.
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