On October 30, 1938, Orson Welles’ radio adaptation of War of the Worlds caused nationwide panic, especially in New Jersey. The broadcast, which presented a fictional Martian invasion through news bulletins, was so convincing that many listeners believed it was real. Plainsboro, just miles from the fictional landing site in Grovers Mill, was caught in the chaos.

Originally written by H.G. Wells in 1898, War of the Worlds is a science fiction novel about an alien invasion of Earth. The story explores humanity’s struggle for survival against superior extraterrestrial technology. Its themes of fear, survival, and the unknown resonated deeply with Welles’ 1938 radio adaptation, where the vivid depiction of Martian destruction blurred the lines between fiction and reality for many listeners.

As the dramatic broadcast unfolded, people in Plainsboro became terrified, with some fleeing their homes in fear of an impending alien invasion. When the panic subsided and the public realized it was a hoax, the town and others nearby were left to process the confusion and chaos.

The event had a lasting impact on Plainsboro, drawing attention to the power of mass media. It also sparked conversations about the responsibility of broadcasters. Over time, Plainsboro became a symbol of how media can shape perception, and the incident helped increase awareness of media influence.

Though the panic quickly faded, the War of the Worlds broadcast became a piece of Plainsboro’s history, forever linking the town to one of the most famous media moments in history. In honor of the 70th anniversary, the Plainsboro Historical Society organized a commemorative weekend where visitors could take tours, listen to the infamous broadcast, and watch the movie.