The Passaic County Historical Society is hosting a traveling exhibit by the New Jersey State Museum entitled Caught in the Crossfire: Churches, Taverns and Revolution in New Jersey. 

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 for debate and discussion of America’s future.  The churches and taverns located throughout the colony became venues for such expression and reflected the diversity of opinion that characterized New Jersey on the eve of Revolution.  Indeed, tavern keepers, and patrons, clergymen and congregants often found themselves literally caught in the crossfire as war raged around and about them. 

Featuring a selection of images, documents and reproduction artifacts, the exhibit explores the roles played by churches and taverns and suggests insights into the sacred and secular spirit of the time when our nation was founded.

The exhibit will be on display from March 12 through July 31, 2008 during regular Museum hours.