In celebration of Women’s History Month and the nation’s 250th Anniversary, the Union County Board of County Commissioners, through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, invites residents to attend a live speaking engagement titled “Union County Women of the American Revolution.”
The keynote speaker will be Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi, who will present “The Patriot Women of Elizabethtown and Vicinity,” a compelling exploration of the courageous women who used their intelligence, resourcefulness, and sacrifice to advance the cause of American independence.
“Women have always been central to the American story — even when history did not always center them,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph Bodek. “As we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, it is important that we highlight the women of Union County who played meaningful roles in shaping the course of American independence.”
The free event will take place on Thursday, March 19th at 12:30 p.m. in the Student Commons at Union College of Union County, NJ’s Cranford Campus, located at 1033 Springfield Avenue in Cranford.
While figures such as Abigail Adams are widely recognized, many local women — from all backgrounds — understood the importance of the American cause and stepped forward in ways both visible and behind the scenes. Rajoppi’s presentation will shed light on the patriot women of Elizabethtown and surrounding communities who contributed through strategy, courage, and personal sacrifice.
“It’s exciting to share the compelling stories of the women of Elizabethtown especially since it was their sacrifices, courage, and patriotism that was critical to the success of American’s independence,” Ms. Rajoppi said.
Rajoppi has served as Union County Clerk since 1996, administering election laws; recording, filing and preserving property documents; processing passport applications; swearing-in notaries public; issuing public oaths; and maintaining numerous other vital records and services. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Case Western Reserve University in 1970 and a Master of Public Administration from Seton Hall University in 1988.
Her distinguished public service career includes roles as Mayor of Springfield Township, Chairman of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Assistant Secretary of State for New Jersey, and Registrar of Deeds and Mortgages for Union County. She has also lectured in political science and public administration at Rutgers University–New Brunswick and taught municipal clerks and local officials statewide.
Rajoppi is the author of the nationally award-winning book “Women in Office: Getting There and Staying There,” as well as “The Civil War in New Brunswick: The Brunswick Boys and the Great Rebellion.” She has received three national awards from the National Federation of Press Women and currently serves as President of the Union County Historical Society.
“National Women’s History Month is a time to recognize the achievements and resilience of women throughout our nation’s history — including those right here in Union County,” said Union County Commissioner Vice Chair Rebecca Williams, Liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Affairs Advisory Board. “This program not only honors the women of the Revolutionary era, but also reinforces our commitment to ensuring their stories are remembered and shared with future generations.”
National Women’s History Month is observed every March to celebrate the vital role women have played in shaping communities, states, and the nation.
This event is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State’s Division of Cultural Affairs. The program is organized by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs and held in collaboration with Union College of Union County, NJ.
The presentation is free and open to all Union County residents. To register, visit ucnj.org/250.
America’s 250th
On July 4, 2026, the United States will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This historic milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we seek to build for generations to come.
