In the award winning tradition of informative educational exhibits at the Cornelius Low House, the newest exhibit, Our Long Endurance: The Story of New Jersey in the Civil War promises to be exceptional. This unique exhibit, displaying flags, clothing, photographs and an assemblage of military and other historical artifacts, is dedicated solely to New Jersey’s role in the War Between the States. The exhibit will encompass New Jersey’s early slave history, the state’s abolitionist movement, and the Civil War through the ratification of the 13th Amendment. Highlighted topics include:  

• Antebellum New Jersey – the role slavery played before the war; New Jersey’s extensive Underground Railroad network

• The reception of Abraham Lincoln in the Garden State Troops and training in New Jersey – New Jersey’s regiments and the people they left behind

• The forgotten role of women and African American troops for the Union cause

• New Jersey’s contributions in the manufacturing of arms, locomotives, uniforms and produce for the soldiers

• Life on the homefront – Local soldiers’ movements during far away battles

• The resolution of the war and its immediate aftermath

The workshop room of the Museum will recreate a soldiers’ camp, where participants will gain first-hand experience of what it was like to be a young soldier during the Civil War. Participants will learn how soldiers passed their time when not in battle, what they wore, about their gear and letters home. The camp setting will be a fun and educational way to bring the Civil War soldiers’ story to life.