FEATURED EVENTS 2023

Patriots Week 2023 is almost here!

This year, Patriots Week is back in full regalia, with a battle reenactment, a Colonial Ball and other events we have missed.

Plus, we will have the Firewalk, Revolutionary Conversation, and other fun, FREE events throughout the week.

So mark your calendar and plan to enjoy fun of historic proportion!

Monday Dec 25

Annual Christmas Day Crossing Reenactment
12 – 3 pm FREE
Washington Crossing Historic Park
1112 River Rd, Washington Crossing, PA
For details, click link in event title.

Tuesday Dec 26

Trenton Battlefield Tour with Ralph Siegel
10 am – Noon FREE
Meet at Starbucks at 9 am, corner of Front & Warren Streets. Tour steps out at 10 a.m.
This 10-block interpretive walk brings to life the events of the two battles of Trenton. Broad and Warren Streets turn back to Queen and King Streets as Washington’s shivering troops approach from two directions to strike the German regiments with shock and awe (and artillery). Guests are welcome to gather at Starbucks at 9 a.m. for a question-and-answer session over coffee. The tour begins at 10 and includes the historic Trenton Battle Monument, ending up along Assunpink Creek in Mill Hill Park.

NJ State House Tours
10 am, 11 am, Noon, 1 pm, 2 pm & 3 pm FREE
145 W. State St.
Visit the home of the New Jersey State Legislature. Join a guided tour of the General Assembly and Senate chambers and discover the storied history of New Jersey’s State House. Advanced reservations required. Call 609-847-3150. For details, click link in event title.

Hidden History Tour
1 pm FREE
St. Michael’s Episcopal Church
140 N. Warren St.
Stop in for a tour and talk revealing how this site was pivotal to the Battle of Trenton, what happened to the cannons under the poplars, catacombs under the church, as well as the grave of David Brearley, founder of the Electoral College and signer of the Constitution.

“Tea, Sugar and Chocolate in 18th Century America”
2 p.m. FREE
St. Michael’s Episcopal Church
140 N. Warren St.
Join Michael & Deborah Raab of Tea-For-All to learn how tea, coffee, sugar and chocolate were vital to the diets of colonial Americans. So how do sugar, tea, coffee and chocolate relate to one another? What effects did these commodities have on pre-industrial, industrial, and post-industrial society? During this presentation, we’ll explore the light and dark sides of each. Selected tastings will be included. Come at 1pm for a tour of the church!

The Stars of 1776
11 am, 2 pm, and 3 pm Admission Fee
New Jersey State Museum Planetarium
205 W. State St.
Check out the Planetarium Shows and explore the night sky as it would have been seen in 1776 by George Washington and his troops. Star shows: 11:00 AM – Magic Treehouse & 1776 sky talk; 2:00 PM – Áróra & 1776 sky talk; 3:00 PM – Season of Light & 1776 sky talk. Children 2 and under FREE, Children 3 to 12, tickets $5 each; Ages 13+ tickets $10 each; Veterans/Seniors/Students tickets $9; Groups of 15 or more, tickets $5 per person.

Wednesday Dec 27

Old Barracks Museum Tours
10 am – 5 pm
101 Barrack St.
Tours on the hour. Last tour starts at 4pm. Musket demonstrations at 11 and 2. $10 adults | $8 Students and Seniors | Children under and Active Military Free

Musket Demonstrations at Old Barracks Museum
11 am, 2 pm
101 Barrack St.
Soldiers will drill and fire their muskets on the Parade ground of the Old Barracks Museum.

“A Revolutionary Conversation: Whose freedom anyway?”
Noon – 2 pm FREE
Trenton Free Public Library
120 Academy St
Trenton Free Public Library will transform into a “living museum” featuring students from Sprout U School of the Arts sharing the perspectives of African Americans on the Revolutionary War and its meaning for enslaved people. Trenton students will portray real-life African-Americans living during the Revolutionary War and excluded from the ideals espoused by founding fathers that “all men are created equal” and “endowed with certain inalienable rights…” Students selected characters from biographies featured in the book Answering the Cry for Freedom by Gretchen Woelfle. For details, click link in event title.

Make A Quill Pen & Write like John Hancock
2 pm FREE
St Michael’s Episcopal Church
140 N. Warren St.
Create your own piece of history! Fashion a quill pen and try your hand at writing like John Hancock. Check out the original charter of St. Michael’s church and find out how to make a quill pen. Everyone gets a feather for their cap.

“Alexander Hamilton and the 24 Cannon at the Battle of Trent-Town”
2 pm FREE
Trenton Free Public Library/
120 Academy St.
The critical ingredient in the December 26, 1776 battle is the 18 American cannon and how General Washington and his artillery commander deployed them, which unlike muskets could fire in rain, sleet or snow. The discussion features a 9′ by 12′ tabletop map to provide a birds-eye view of individual fighting units. Join David Bosted for this lecture co-sponsored with the Trenton City Museum Society at Ellarslie.

“Hessians: German Soldiers in the American Revolutionary War”
4 pm FREE
Masonic Temple
100 Barrack St.
Join Friederike Baer, Ph.D., Associate Professor of History at Penn State Abington College, for a discussion of the Hessians and other Germanic units hired by the British. Followed by a reception.

Thursday Dec 28

Civil War Flag Unveiling
10 am FREE
New Jersey State Museum
205 W. State St.
In the American Civil War, flags guided troops into battle and served as patriotic icons of honor and pride. Join flag historian Dr. David Martin and Curator of Cultural History Nicholas Ciotola for the history of five new flags to be unveiled in the New Jersey State Museum exhibition, The Civil War Flag Collection of New Jersey.

Musket Demonstrations at Old Barracks Museum
11 am, 2 pm
101 Barrack St.
Soldiers will drill and fire their muskets on the Parade ground of the Old Barracks Museum.

Tavern Beverages of the American Revolution with David Emerson of History-on-the-Hoof
2 pm FREE
Trenton Free Public Library
120 Academy St.
Many people know that the Revolution was instigated in taverns of cities like Philadelphia, Boston, and Williamsburg, but other than politics, what was fueling the debates between the Sons of Liberty or the Virginia Burgesses? Join historian and mixologist David Emerson in a lively exploration of Colonial drinking customs. The talk will include discussion of various types of beverages available to the 18th century tavern tippler, how they were made, and even some recipes that can be tried at home! Discover the forefathers’ alternative to the modern mojito and martini, and what Ben Franklin considered “The Proof of God’s Love.”

Patriots’ Pub Crawl
5 pm FREE (purchase food & drink as desired)
Enjoy good drink, food and camaraderie as we walk to downtown Trenton “pubs” (as they were called in American Revolutionary times). Crawlers may visit each establishment with the group, or journey on your own. Participants are expected to consume and behave responsibly, adhering to all state and local laws. LOCATIONS COMING SOON!

Friday Dec 29

Old Barracks Museum
10 am – 4 pm
Open for tours. Adults $10 | Students & Seniors $8 | Active Military and Children under 5 yrs FREE
101 Barrack St, Trenton

Musket Demonstrations at Old Barracks Museum
11 am, 2 pm
101 Barrack St.
Soldiers will drill and fire their muskets on the Parade ground of the Old Barracks Museum.

“Alexander Hamilton and the 24 Cannon at the Battle of Trent-Town”
1 pm FREE
Ellarslie, Trenton City Museum
229 Parkside Ave.
The critical ingredient in the December 26, 1776 battle is the 18 American cannon and how General Washington and his artillery commander deployed them, which unlike muskets could fire in rain, sleet or snow. Join Trenton City Museum Trustee David Bosted for this ldiscussion featuring a 9′ by 12′ tabletop map to provide a birds-eye view of individual fighting units. Painted wooden blocks represent all the military units on the battlefield, including the 24 cannon that were decisive at the Battle. The blocks are moved to show how the troops deployed as the battle progressed. There is a large map that covers four tabletops. The audience can sit around the tabletop map and see the Battle of Trenton from any angle. General Washington prevails (again!) in about 45 minutes. Parking at the Museum in Cadwalader Park.

A Burial Ground Comes to Life
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm FREE
Hosted by 120 E. State Street nonprofit
120 E. State St.
Join us at First Presbyterian Church and Cemetery, 120 E. State St., for a presentation and walking tour of this Revolutionary-era cemetery with archaeologist Richard Hunter of Hunter Research, Trenton. All are welcome to take part in an indoor presentation in the warmth of the fellowship hall, then venture out into the cemetery with Richard. Refreshments will be served. Parking available via gate at GPS 109 E Hanover St. from 1-3pm; $5 donation requested.

A Cappella Hopewell Hall Ensemble
3 pm FREE
Trenton Friends Meeting House
142 Hanover St.
The a cappella ensemble Hopewell Hall presents a program of songs, from the grand to the everyday, that were familiar to the colonists, including American shape note, British West Gallery, and folk songs. We add a village consort of early instruments to accompany the vigorous, rarely sung West Gallery pieces. Bring your singing voice to join in on a chorus or two!

Colonial Ball
7 pm – 9 pm
Masonic Temple
100 Barrack St.
The Colonial Ball is your chance to mingle with the soldiers of the Battle of Trenton and to learn their favorite dance steps! Period dress is neither discouraged or required. $35 for members / $40 non members

Saturday Dec 30

The Stars of 1776
Noon, 2 pm, 3 pm Admission Fee
Planetarium at NJ State Museum
205 W. State St.
Check out the Planetarium Shows and explore the night sky as it would have been seen in 1776 by George Washington and his troops.
Star shows: Noon — Seasons of Light & 1776 sky talk; 1 pm The Moon (no 1776 sky talk); 2:00 PM – Áróra & 1776 sky talk; 3:00 PM – Magic Tree House: Space Mission & 1776 sky talk. Children 2 and under FREE, Children 3 to 12, tickets $5 each; Ages 13+ tickets $10 each; Veterans/Seniors/Students tickets $9; Groups of 15 or more, tickets $5 per person.

Battle of Trenton Reenactment/First Battle
11 am FREE
The first Battle takes place on Warren St at 11:00 and moves from the monument down to Mill Hill Park.

Colonial Town Walking Tour
1 pm FREE
Trenton Friends Meeting House
142 Hanover St.
When the American Revolution came to Trenton, we were a young community of only 500 souls. The Continental Army and the British Army each brought 1500 fighting men to town. Three thousand men overwhelmed Trenton’s small paces, limited accommodations, and supply of food, water, and wood for fires. This tour introduces you to the center of colonial Trenton, the people who lived and strove to prosper there, their amusements, loyalties, fears, and . Led by Dr. Sharon Holt, a professional public historian and Trenton resident since 2012, participants will walk approximately 7 or 8 blocks and be outdoors for 45-60 minutes. Please dress for the weather. We will finish at the Trenton Meeting of Friends for some refreshments and a chance to ask questions inside where it’s warm!

Hogmanay
2 pm FREE
William Trent House
15 Market St,
Welcome to the Scottish celebration of the New Year — celebrated in honor of William Trent, founder of Trenton, who immigrated from Scotland. Hear bagpipers start off the program, learn the authentic recipe for shortbread of Trent’s time, listen to Scottish folk tales, enjoy Scottish treats, and end with sending your wishes for 2023 up in smoke! For details, click link in event title.

Puppet Show: The Trouble With Trenton
2 pm FREE
Warren Street Plaza (Corner of Warren & Hanover streets)
A “mini” historical look at some amazing American history presented with marionettes and rod puppets – and lots of help from the audience! The show includes live music, large puppets and props, and plenty of “revolting” action. Rain location: First Presbyterian Church, 120 E. State St.

Battle of Trenton Reenactment/ Second Battle
3 pm FREE
Re-enactment takes place in Mill Hill Park

Assunpink Firewalk & Reading of The American Crisis
5 pm FREE
Mill Hill Park; Iron Bridge and canal walk
Traditional Music, warm drinks, and cookies on the Iron Bridge, followed by the dramatic lighting of 13 torches along the River Bank and the reading of Thomas Paine’s The American Crisis

Sunday Dec 31

Peace Sing-A-Long with Solidarity Singers
4 pm FREE
Trenton Friends Meeting House
142 Hanover St.
Trenton Meeting of Friends will host a Peace and Justice Sing Along. The singing will be led by the well-known Solidarity Singers of the NJ Industrial Union Council, a long standing group that sings in support of workers, unions, peace and justice. Led by Bennet Zurofsky on the guitar, the group has performed on picket lines, at demonstrations, in coffee houses, and concert halls. This event will feature songs we all know or can easily pick up focused on peace, justice, human rights – and having FUN raising our voicestogether! Bring your song suggestions to “Stump the Singers”.

Candlelight Peace Vigil & Light Dinner
5 pm FREE
Trenton Friends Meeting House
142 Hanover St.
Join us inside the meetinghouse for a quiet hour of reflection on a more peaceful year 2024. Light dinner following.

Capital Philharmonic Orchestra of New Jersey New Year’s Eve Concert
8 pm TICKETS REQUIRED
Patriots Theater Trenton War Memorial
1 Memorial Drive
For details, click link in event title.

FEATURED EVENTS 2023

Patriots Week 2023 is almost here!

This year, Patriots Week is back in full regalia, with a battle reenactment, a Colonial Ball and other events we have missed.

Plus, we will have the Firewalk, Revolutionary Conversation, and other fun, FREE events throughout the week.

So mark your calendar and plan to enjoy fun of historic proportion!

Monday Dec 25

Tuesday Dec 26

Wednesday Dec 27

Thursday Dec 28

Friday Dec 29

Saturday Dec 30

Sunday Dec 31

Get ready, Patriots Week is coming Dec 26-31! Sign up for updates:

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