Revolutionary Lives: Living the American Experiment Then and Now Exhibit
American Revolutions: REV250 at the Elizabeth Public Library presents Revolutionary Lives: Living the American Experiment Then and Now, a traveling exhibit from RevolutionNJ exploring the stories of everyday people during the American Revolution in New Jersey.
This 12-panel exhibit invites visitors to look beyond familiar names and major battles to consider how ordinary people experienced the American Revolution. Through personal stories, historical interpretation, and public history displays, the exhibit connects the founding era to the ongoing American experiment.
The exhibit will be on view from June 23 through July 7, 2026, in the Third Floor Exhibit Area at the Elizabeth Public Library Main Branch.
Exhibit Details
- Dates: June 23 – July 7, 2026
- Location: Elizabeth Public Library – Main Branch
- Exhibit Area: Third Floor Exhibit Area
- Address: 11 S. Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202
- Website: elizpl.org
- Phone: 908-354-6060 ext. 7220
About the Exhibit
Revolutionary Lives: Living the American Experiment Then and Now is a traveling exhibit that explores the stories of everyday people during the American Revolution in New Jersey. Presented through 12 portable panels, the exhibit highlights the choices, challenges, and lives of people who experienced the revolutionary era.
This exhibition is a project of RevolutionNJ, a public/private partnership between the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the New Jersey Department of State, and Crossroads of the American Revolution Association Inc.
Why This Exhibit Matters
Revolutionary history is not only the story of famous leaders. It is also the story of residents, workers, families, soldiers, communities, and everyday people whose lives were shaped by the conflict and its aftermath.
As Elizabeth prepares to mark America’s 250th anniversary, this traveling exhibit offers a meaningful way to connect local audiences with New Jersey’s revolutionary past and the larger question of what it means to live the American experiment then and now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Revolutionary Lives exhibit?
Revolutionary Lives: Living the American Experiment Then and Now is a RevolutionNJ traveling exhibit that explores the stories of everyday people during the American Revolution in New Jersey.
When can visitors see the exhibit?
The exhibit is available from June 23 through July 7, 2026.
Where is the exhibit located?
The exhibit is located in the Third Floor Exhibit Area at the Elizabeth Public Library Main Branch, 11 S. Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202.
How long does it take to view the exhibit?
Visitors should plan for approximately 20 to 40 minutes to view the traveling exhibit.
