New Jersey was the “Crossroads of the American Revolution” and as battles raged, colonial taverns formed the social network that held our state together. Citing research from his new book—Colonial Taverns of New Jersey—Nutley author Michael Gabriele will discuss how taverns housed the daily experiences of people during the colonial era, and how these stories provide a window into the state’s history from that period. A haven for Patriots and Loyalists alike, taverns were the “seedbeds” for the revolution, strongholds for political activities, beacons for travelers, and venues for entertainment, merriment and libations. Once the war began, taverns became recruitment stations for colonial militias and meeting places for local committees of safety.
The program is free and open to the public. Books will be available for purchase and author signing.
A lifelong Garden State resident, Michael 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 and a member of the executive boards for the Allied Artists of America, New York; the Nutley Historical Society; and the Theater League of Clifton, and he serves on the advisory board of the Clifton Arts Center.
Colonial Taverns of New Jersey is Michael Gabriele’s fifth book on New Jersey history, all published by Arcadia Publishing/The History Press. His previous books are The Golden Age of Bicycle Racing in New Jersey (2011); The History of Diners in New Jersey (2013); New Jersey Folk Revival Music: History & Tradition (2016); and Stories from New Jersey Diners: Monuments to Community (2019). To learn more about his publications visit: mcgabrielenjbooks.com.
