New Jersey was the “Crossroads of the American Revolution,” and as battles raged, colonial taverns formed the social network that held the state together. Taverns were the stage for the unfolding drama of a colony transitioning into statehood and making decisions about declaring a war of independence. Taverns were the places where the voices of history took shape, used as recruitment stations for colonial militias and meeting places for local committees of safety. George Washington used taverns as headquarters, where he drafted his many letters and planned strategy with his generals. They were the “seedbeds” for the revolution, strongholds for political activities, beacons for travelers, and venues for entertainment, merriment, and libations. Join author Michael Gabriele as he talks about his new book, Colonial Taverns of New Jersey, and learn about New Jersey's fascinating history surrounding its taverns.

A lifelong Garden State resident, Gabriele is a 1975 graduate of Montclair State University and has worked as a journalist, freelance writer and author for more than forty years. Gabriele is a member of the board of trustees for the New Jersey Folk Festival at Rutgers University, a member of the executive boards for the Allied Artists of America, New York, the Nutley Historical Society, the Theater League of Clifton, and serves on the advisory board of the Clifton Arts Center.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Moorestown Library.