For conference agenda and registration information visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/unfinished-revolution-new-perspectives-on-the-american-revolution-in-nj-tickets-691944242857?aff=oddtdtcreator

The New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC) is pleased to present, Unfinished Revolution: New Perspectives on the American Revolution, the 2023 New Jersey History Conference, to be held at the War Memorial in Trenton, NJ on Friday, November 17, 2023.

This conference is designed to help scholars, public historians, and members of the public prepare for the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. We will showcase new research and interpretative frameworks particularly regarding the experiences of women, African Americans, Indigenous peoples, and Loyalists in addition to new archaeological findings from this era.

Our keynote speaker will be Dr. Ned Blackhawk (Western Shoshone), Howard R. Lamar Professor of History and American Studies at Yale University and author of The Rediscovery of America: Native Peoples and the Unmaking of U.S. History.

In the afternoon we will hold workshops focused on research and public history. Registration for these workshops is not required, but requested so we can best prepare.

Workshop Options:

• Towards a More Complete History: Researching and Interpreting People of Color at the Old Barracks Museum: As we approach the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the Old Barracks Museum (OBM) is expanding our interpretation to include the stories of historically underrepresented people, including soldiers of color (of African and Indigenous descent) serving in the Continental Army and those of African descent who helped build and maintain the Trenton barracks. OBM Curator Sarah Kirk will share our “Soldiers of Color” research project to identify soldiers of color who fought at both battles of Trenton in 1776 and 1777. OBM living history interpreters Kaila Ettiene-Best and Steven Thomas will share their experiences interpreting the stories of people of color.
• State Archives: Archivists at the New Jersey State Archives will share under-researched documents pertaining to the American Revolution. Attendees will have the chance to review primary sources and brainstorm ideas for future research.