General Meeting Open to the Public

The Historical Society of Moorestown is pleased to announce its Fall General Meeting, a free event open to the public, at the Community House (16 E Main St) on Thursday Oct 5, 2017, at 7:30 p.m. Our guest speaker will be Seton Hall Professor Emeritus Dr. Richard Connors, whose most recent book is New Jersey and the Great War: 1914-1919 (Dorrance Publishing, 2017).

Dr. Connors will discuss New Jersey’s role in World War I and the war’s impact locally, nationally, and internationally. He will also explain how the war influenced world events that followed.

“With this insightful analysis, Richard J. Connors, Ph.D. commemorates the contribution of the State of New Jersey and its citizens on the centennial anniversary of World War I. Because of its coastal location and much-needed industry, New Jersey played a significant role both prior to and during America’s declared involvement. Historical detail brings to life pre-war America and the daily lives of those who would sacrifice so much. From immigration to industry and infrastructure, we see the factors that contributed to the war effort. Well before America’s formal entry to the war, supplies and volunteers to European forces shaped public perception and involvement and laid the groundwork. Once war was declared, the bulk of New Jersey’s National Guard units, draftees, and volunteers served in two US Army Divisions, the 29th and the 78th; their roles in particular are meticulously researched. New Jersey and the Great War offers a fresh look at the background and aftermath of the state uniquely poised in its preparation for world-wide war.” (New Jersey and the Great War: 1914-1919)

Dr. Connors received his undergraduate degree at Seton Hall and his graduate degrees from Columbia University. Major works include: The Process of Constitutional Revision in New Jersey, 1940-1947, The Government of New Jersey (written with William Dunham), and The New Jersey Constitution of 1776. Dr. Connors has contributed articles to The Encyclopedia of New Jersey, The Governors of New Jersey, and The Dictionary of American Biography, among other publications. An Army veteran, in 1947 Dr. Connors was an officer in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with the Army of Occupation on Okinawa. He also served in Korea from 1951-1952. He currently resides in Neptune City, New Jersey.