Join the Elizabeth Public Library for a compelling American Revolutions: Rev250 program featuring historian and author Rick Geffken. This special presentation explores the untold story of Colonel Tye and Captain Joshua Huddy, two fierce rivals whose lives and legacies reveal the complexity of the Revolutionary War in New Jersey.
The program will take place on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 12:00 PM in the 4th Floor Auditorium of the Elizabeth Public Library Main Branch, located at 11 S. Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202.
After the Battle of Monmouth Courthouse, the Revolutionary War in Monmouth County evolved into a series of violent skirmishes between local militias and British Loyalists. Among the most notable figures in this struggle were Captain Joshua Huddy, remembered as a rebel hero, and Colonel Tye, a formerly enslaved Black man who escaped bondage and fought for the British. Their rivalry reveals a deeper and more layered history of war, allegiance, freedom, and survival in Revolutionary New Jersey.
In this presentation, Rick Geffken shares the story of these two men whose actions and beliefs left a lasting mark on the historical record. The program offers a thoughtful look at the human conflict behind the Revolution and invites attendees to consider the many perspectives that shaped the era.
This event is part of the growing public history conversation connected to America’s 250th anniversary and aligns strongly with the educational mission of GoElizabethNJ250, which continues to highlight the people, places, and stories that shaped Elizabeth and the nation.
Event Details:
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
12:00 PM
Elizabeth Public Library, Main Branch – 4th Floor Auditorium
11 S. Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202
To explore more local programs, stories, and historical content connected to Elizabeth’s 250th anniversary, visit the GoElizabethNJ250 platform and follow the growing calendar of events across the city.
