Dawn G. Marsh reviewing On the Turtle’s Back: Stories the Lenape Told Their Grandchildren by Camilla Townsend and Nicky Kay Michael

Abstract: This article examines ongoing efforts to preserve a Revolutionary War-era British encampment site in Upper Freehold, New Jersey that is currently threatened by proposed warehouse development. The author, a public historian, details the historical significance of the site as part of the 1778 Battle of Monmouth campaign and describes community activism to protect it ahead of America's 250th anniversary in 2026. Key aspects covered include: historical evidence confirming the site's role in the Revolutionary War; public history and preservation strategies employed by local advocates; debates over the site's historical importance and interpretation; connections to broader Revolutionary War history in New Jersey; inclusion of African American and Native American perspectives; and the ongoing political and legal battles over the site's future. The case study illustrates challenges in preserving Revolutionary War sites, engaging public memory, and balancing development pressures with historic preservation. It argues for the site's importance to New Jersey and American history as the nation approaches its semiquincentennial.

Abstract: This article examines the role of coalition building and ideological fractures within the American Whig movement during the Revolutionary era through the lens of Richard Stockton's life and experiences. As a prominent New Jersey lawyer and politician, Stockton's journey from moderate Whig to signer of the Declaration of Independence to parole-taker illustrates the complex and shifting nature of political allegiances during this tumultuous period. The essay argues that while a shared Whig ideology helped unite diverse factions against British policies in the 1760s-70s, the pressures of war exposed underlying tensions and differing interpretations of what it meant to be a committed Patriot. Stockton's temporary ostracization after accepting a British pardon in 1776 reveals how radical Whigs sought to police the boundaries of acceptable patriotic behavior. However, his gradual reintegration into Patriot circles demonstrates the limits of such exclusion and the eventual reconstruction of a broader Whig coalition. By tracing these dynamics of unity, fracture, and reconciliation, this study provides new insights into the ideological complexities of the American Revolution and the malleable nature of political identity in times of crisis.

Abstract: This article explores the use of primary documents related to the Stevens family to teach key themes from the Revolutionary era in American history. The Stevens family, who founded Stevens Institute of Technology, provide a compelling case study of how prominent colonial families navigated complex issues like choosing sides in the Revolution, participating in the transatlantic slave trade, and responding to gradual emancipation laws. By examining documents such as John Stevens' 1699 indenture contract, ledgers showing involvement in slave trading, Honorable John Stevens' 1776 letter resigning from the colonial government, and Elizabeth Stevens' will requesting the freeing of enslaved people, students can engage with nuanced historical questions. The article discusses how these primary sources allow students to grapple with the family's complicity in slavery while also considering their contributions. It concludes by sharing student reflections on how studying the Stevens family's history provides insight into broader themes of race, slavery, and historical memory in American society. This approach demonstrates how institutional histories can be leveraged to teach critical thinking about the Revolutionary period.

This article investigates a painting in the National Gallery of Art purportedly depicting New Jersey signer of the Declaration of Independence Abraham Clark. This painting is dated 1822, nearly thirty years after Clark's death, making it dubious that he was the subject. Drawing on extensive genealogical sources and nineteenth century newspapers, this article finds extensive evidence to debunk claims that the painting depicts Abraham Clark.

Abstract: This paper traces the evolution of Loyalist historiography from the American Revolution to the present, highlighting key shifts in historical interpretation. Initially portrayed as enemies or ignored in post-revolutionary narratives, Loyalists gradually gained recognition in historical scholarship. The essay examines pivotal works and trends that shaped Loyalist studies, including early cataloguing efforts, sympathetic portrayals during periods of Anglo-American alliance, and the impact of contemporary events on historical interpretation. It explores the explosion of Loyalist studies since the 1960s, emphasizing more nuanced and empathetic approaches. The paper also discusses recent historiographical trends, including Atlantic and Global history perspectives, the focus on violence in the Revolution, and efforts towards more inclusive history incorporating African American and Indigenous experiences. By analyzing these shifts, the essay demonstrates how Loyalist historiography has transformed, reflecting changing academic methodologies and societal attitudes towards the complexity of the American Revolution.

Bruce A. Bendler's review of Unhappy Catastrophes: The American Revolution in Central New Jersey, 1776-1782 by Robert M. Dunkerly

Laurie Greene's review of Queer Newark: Stories of Resistance, Love, and Community edited by Whitney Strub

Abstract: This article offers an intriguing glimpse into the origins of Lafayette's famous Farewell Tour of America in 1824-1825, revealing a previously overlooked New Jersey connection. The authors, Mark Edward Lender and Iris De Rode, present evidence that a letter from Joseph Bloomfield, former governor of New Jersey, played a crucial role in prompting Lafayette to propose his visit to the United States. The essay highlights how Bloomfield's letter, informing Lafayette of the passing of Revolutionary War veterans, deeply moved the Marquis and led him to write to President James Monroe expressing his desire to return to America. This challenges the conventional narrative that the tour originated solely from an invitation by Monroe. The authors analyze Lafayette's letter to Monroe, which references Bloomfield's communication and expresses the Marquis's emotional connection to his "adoptive homeland." They also explore the political context in France that may have motivated Lafayette's desire to visit America. The essay emphasizes the significance of this overlooked detail in understanding the origins of the Farewell Tour and its connection to the passing of the Revolutionary generation. It presents a nuanced view of the tour's inception, highlighting the interplay between personal relationships, nostalgia, and political circumstances in shaping this significant historical event.