The echoes of “No taxation without representation!” are set to reverberate once more as a unique historical event brings the Revolutionary War to life in Bergen County. Residents and dedicated reenactors are invited to immerse themselves in a pivotal debate from centuries past, offering a rare opportunity to engage directly with the foundational arguments that shaped the United States.
This immersive experience, known as Tavern Talks, will unfold at the venerable Dutch House Tavern in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. This historic property, which predates the American Revolution, provides an authentic backdrop for period performers from RevolutionNJ to rekindle the intense discussions that once divided the American Colonies on the precipice of independence.
Tavern Talks typically transforms local craft breweries into living history venues, designed to bring participants face-to-face with the past. Guests are encouraged to sit and converse with Revolutionary War reenactors, delving into the very topics and questions that preoccupied ordinary citizens during the 1700s, fostering a deep connection to historical events.
According to Marc Lorenc, chief public historian at the New Jersey Historical Commission, taverns in the Revolutionary Era served as crucial gathering places for New Jerseyans to discuss the pressing issues of their time. Tavern Talks meticulously recreates this vital environment, encouraging attendees to interact with the reenactors and independently form their perspectives on historical developments.
The event is a cornerstone initiative of RevolutionNJ, a collaborative partnership between the New Jersey Department of State’s Historical Commission and the nonprofit Crossroads of the American Revolution Association. This partnership aims to host numerous similar historical events across the state, with ten more planned over the coming year to celebrate the Declaration of Independence’s 250th anniversary.
The Dutch House Tavern itself boasts a rich history, constructed around 1756, two decades before the first shots of the American Revolution at Lexington and Concord. While renowned today as a tavern, its origins trace back to a simple one-story farmhouse, characteristic of the beautiful red sandstone properties that define the architectural legacy of Bergen County.
Despite being more intimate than typical Tavern Talks locations, the Dutch House Tavern effectively accommodates the event by utilizing its side parking lot. Attendees will engage in small groups, rotating among seven or eight reenactors representing both American Patriots and British Loyalists. The central theme, “Which side will you choose?”, promises a dynamic and thought-provoking debate, drawing participants into the heart of the American Revolution.
This unique gathering at a historic New Jersey landmark offers more than just a reenactment; it is an invitation to step back in time, engage with crucial historical narratives, and experience the passionate debates that forged a nation. It’s an essential event for anyone interested in American history and the enduring legacy of the Dutch House Tavern.
