The Harrison Township Historical Society’s 2026 exhibition, “Hometown Revolutionaries: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness,” reopened on Saturday, October 3. The free exhibit will be open Saturdays and Sundays through December 5 at the Old Town Hall Museum.
Admission to the museum is free through with the support of the Gloucester County Cultural and Heritage Commission at Rowan College of South Jersey in partnership with the New Jersey Historical Commission/Department of State.
The inalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness has been both promise and provocation for generations of Americans since our country’s founding 250 years ago this year. “Hometown Revolutionaries” takes a unique approach to America’s Semiquincentennial by exploring the contributions to life, liberty and happiness by Gloucester Countians from 1776 to the present day and how their achievements continue to challenge and inspire.
The exhibition profiles eighteen individuals whose work has had international, national and local impact, many of whom are not well known. From the inventor of green bean casserole and the composer of one of the world’s most popular hymns to the Mars Exploration Rover Mission, the variety of accomplishments is astonishing.
To name but a few, the exhibition features a diverse collection of fascinating objects. Steve Squyres, the Principal Investigator for the Mars Project has provided a scale model of the Rover as well as mission patches. Internationally hailed glass flameworking artist Paul Stankard has lent a selection of his remarkable work, which is exhibited in major museums throughout the country. Also on view is a visitor operated TYCO HO train developed here in Gloucester County and copy of Patti Smith’s Deptford High School Yearbook gives insights her local roots.
Two related lecture programs will also take place at the museum. On Wednesday, October 21, 7 p.m., Rowan University History and Education Major Laura Shaban focuses on Major Louis Reuter’s life of service through his military career and local philanthropy, an especially appropriate subject during the Semiquincentennial. On Tuesday evening, November 10, 7 p.m., Brian Perucki, also a history and Education Major at Rowan, will be discussing the life of Deptford abolitionist and reformer Isaac T. Hopper. Although not so well known today, Hopper’s work raises the question of who is willing to take a stand against injustice. Both the presentations are presented in partnership with Rowan’s Department of History. The exhibition will also be open both of those evenings.
Information is available at harrisonhistorical.com, hthsmhnj@gmail.com, FaceBook and 856-478-4949.
“Hometown Revolutionaries: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness” reopened at the Harrison Township Historical Society’s Old Town Hall Museum on October 3.
