Published on July 09, 2026
CAPE MAY, NJ - The City of Cape May will host the RevolutionNJ traveling exhibit Revolutionary Lives: Living the American Experiment Then and Now starting July 10th through July 24th. This engaging experience highlights the often-overlooked stories of everyday New Jerseyans whose lives, labor, and choices shaped the Revolutionary era and continue to inspire civic engagement today.
New Jersey's diversity mirrors its Revolutionary narrative. Like today, the state was a rich mix of distinct languages, religions, and cultures. Loyalties were roughly divided between those supporting the Revolution, those opposed, and the rest who were uncommitted. Allegiances bred bitter divisions and deep suspicion, creating in many ways a civil war. By the end of the War, the state suffered more damage than most and endured more violent clashes than any other.
The Revolutionary Lives traveling exhibit explores this tumultuous period through the stories of everyday people under extraordinary circumstances. They inspire visitors to consider how their stories echo through time and what can be done to fulfill the promises and ideals of the American Revolution.
"As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, this exhibit reminds us that history is more than dates and famous names; it's the stories of ordinary people whose choices helped shape our democracy," said City Manager Paul Dietrich. "Cape May is honored to host this traveling exhibit and invite residents and visitors alike to reflect on our shared history while considering the role each of us plays in shaping our communities today."
The traveling exhibit is available free-of-charge through RevolutionNJ, New Jersey’s official 250th initiative. Created through legislation in 2018, RevolutionNJ is an official partnership between the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the New Jersey Department of State, and the nonprofit Crossroads of the American Revolution, Inc. To learn about all the ways RevolutionNJ is helping New Jersey commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, visit RevNJ.org.
The exhibit is located at the Cape May Community Center, 110 Ocean St. Cape May, NJ. The building is open Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Saturday 10:00 am – 2:00 pm and closed Sunday.
About RevolutionNJ
Created through state legislation in 2018, RevolutionNJ is a partnership between the New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC), a division of the New Jersey Department of State, and the nonprofit Crossroads of the American Revolution Association Inc. to plan the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in New Jersey. For more information on RevolutionNJ, visit https://www.revnj.org/.
For additional information, visit www.capemaycity.com or call 609-884-9565. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/capemaycity and follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/capemaycity/.
