Lacey Library To Host Talk On New Jersey Colonial Taverns

FORKED RIVER, NJ — The Lacey Branch of the Ocean County Library will host author Michael C. Gabriele for a discussion of his newest book, Colonial Taverns of New Jersey, at 2 p.m. Monday, June 29.

According to the event announcement, the talk will focus on the role taverns played in New Jersey during the Revolutionary era. The announcement describes New Jersey as the “Crossroads of the American Revolution” and says colonial taverns helped connect communities as battles unfolded and the colony moved toward statehood.

The event notice says taverns served multiple roles during that period. They were gathering places for patriots and loyalists, centers for political activity, stops for travelers and settings for entertainment. The announcement also says George Washington used taverns as temporary headquarters during the war and that men enlisted there to join local militias.

Gabriele is identified in the announcement as a lifelong New Jersey resident and a 1975 graduate of Montclair State University. According to the library, he has worked as a journalist, freelance writer and author for more than 40 years. Colonial Taverns of New Jersey is his fifth book on New Jersey history, and all five were published by Arcadia Publishing/The History Press, according to the announcement.

Books written by Gabriele will be available for purchase at the event. A question-and-answer session and book signing will follow the discussion, according to the library.

The program is sponsored by the Ocean County Library Foundation Grant. Registration is required.

People who want to attend can register by visiting tinyurl.com/TavernsLacey, calling 609-693-8566 or stopping by the Lacey Branch at 10 East Lacey Road in Forked River. Registration opens June 15, according to the announcement.