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New Jersey Weekend Historical Happenings
A Weekly Feature on www.thehistorygirl.com
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Saturday, December 29 - Trenton, Mercer County
Saturday's Patriots Week Events
Family Friendly Events
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In 1776, the tide turning Battles of the American Revolution were waged on the streets and in the fields of downtown Trenton. Join the salute to Trenton’s past, commemorate the passion of the patriots who fought for American Independence, and honor the spirit of revolution and patriotism that flourishes today. Concerts, tours, performances, presentations, exhibits, hands-on activities, and book signings bring Colonial history into the modern age and draw a dynamic mix of families, history buffs, reenactors and culture seekers to New Jersey’s Capital.
Patriots’ Week is produced by the Trenton Downtown Association, in partnership with the Old Barracks Museum, which has been staging the Battle of Trenton Reenactments for more than 20 years. A collaboration of both city and state cultural and history organizations, Patriots’ Week programming reflects the quality of the Capital’s resources and provides a public showcase and interactive opportunities to experience its many treasures. For information and additional details for all events, visit www.destinationtrenton.com.
The Old Barracks Museum will be open on Saturday and is located at 101 Barrack Street, Trenton, NJ. Parking is free, close, and plentiful, available in the small lot next to the museum as well as the lot next to The War Memorial. Entrance onto the museum grounds is $5 per person (children 5 and under are free).
Coffee House - 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
First Presbyterian Church of Trenton, 120 East State Street
Warm up at the Colonial Coffee House, hosted at one of Trenton's oldest landmarks! Warm drinks, rebellious conversation, and respite from the elements are served all day. Drinks available for purchase. www.old1712.org
1st Battle of Trenton - 11:00 am
N. Warren St. Battle Monument Park to Mill Hill Park
After the crossing of the Delaware River and marching to Trenton, the American rebel forces-exhausted, dressed in rags, ill from the cold and lack of sleep and decent food had accomplished the impossible by inflicting a crippling blow to the world's greatest British army. Follow the action from the symbolic first cannon shot fired at the Battle Monument to Mill Hill Park. Troops rally at the Old Barracks Museum prior to marching off to meet at the Battle Monument at 11:00 am. No admission fee.
Following the Battle Reenactment: The Spoils of Victory
Old Barracks Museum, 101 Barrack Street
Follow the victorious Continental soldiers back to the Old Barracks Museum after the Battle to see them strip equipment, gear, and souvenirs from captured Hessian soldiers, before crossing the Delaware River back to Pennsylvania. Free with $5 Barracks admission (unlimited re-entry).
The Trouble with Trenton Puppet Show - 12:00 - 1:00 pm
Warren Street Plaza, Trenton, North Warren and West Hanover Streets
A "mini" historical look at an amazing piece of our history presented with marionettes & rod puppets - and lots of help from the audience! Watch the battle unfold before your eyes, and see the action as it has never been seen before. Show includes live music, large puppets and props, and plenty of "revolting" action. No admission fee.
Crossroads of the American Revolution Sign Unveiling - 12:30 - 1:00 pm
1719 William Trent House Museum, 15 Market Street
The Trent House Museum will unveil a new interpretive sign highlighting its role in the war for independence as part of the Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area Signage program. This sign along with many others around the state will point out the critical part New Jersey played in the American Revolution. Stay afterwards for Hogmanay! Plenty of free parking in the rear. More information at www.williamtrenthouse.org or call 609-989-3027.
Hogmanay Celebration - 1:00 - 2:00 pm
1719 William Trent House Museum, 15 Market Street
Welcoming in the 300th year since the construction of the 1719 William Trent House will be the celebration of Hogmanay in honor of Trent's Scottish heritage. Hogmanay is a celebration of the new year in Scotland. Traditionally, friends and neighbors cross the threshold and receive food and drink, and good luck, too. Join us for hot mulled cider, Scottish sausage rolls, shortbread, and other light refreshments while listening to bagpipers. Tour the Trent House decorated for the holidays. End your visit by tossing your wishes for 2019 into the bonfire! No reservations required, donations accepted. More information at www.williamtrenthouse.org or call 609-989-3027.
"A Cursed Country to Make War" - 1:00 - 2:30 pm
Trenton Friends Meeting, 142 East Hanover Street
Dr. Friederike Baer, Associate Professor of History at Penn State Abington, leads a presentation and discussion about how Hessian soldiers experienced America. No admission.
Musket Demonstrations - 1:30 - 2:00 pm
Old Barracks Museum, 101 Barrack Street
Soldiers of the 17th Regiment of Infantry will drill and fire their muskets on the Parade ground of the Old Barracks Museum. Included in $5 admission with unlimited re-entry.
The Trouble with Trenton Puppet Show - 2:00 - 3:00 pm
Warren Street Plaza, Trenton, North Warren and West Hanover Streets
A "mini" historical look at an amazing piece of our history presented with marionettes & rod puppets - and lots of help from the audience! Watch the battle unfold before your eyes, and see the action as it has never been seen before. Show includes live music, large puppets and props, and plenty of "revolting" action. No admission fee.
"My Brave Fellows" - 2:15 - 3:00 pm
Old Barracks Museum, 101 Barrack Street
With enlistments about to end, Washington's officers compel the Soldiers of the Continental Army to stay on six more weeks beyond the end of their enlistments. Free with $5 Barracks admission (unlimited re-entry).
Mustering and Memorial Service for Second Battle Reenactment - 2:30 pm
First Presbyterian Church, 120 East State Street
Gather at the First Presbyterian Church Cemetery for the memorial service for the fallen Hessian soldiers, and gather with the troops as they muster for the Second Battle Reenactment in Mill Hill Park.
2nd Battle of Trenton - 3:00 pm
East State Street to North Warren Street to Mill Hill Park
After a commemorative ceremony at First Presbyterian Church (at 120 East State street), the action commences at 3:00 pm at East State Street and heads to Mill Hill Park for the second Battle, which pits the American forces against General Cornwallis and his numerous attempts to take the Assunpink Creek Bridge. After slipping away, Washington’s troops were able to head north to Princeton, sealing the fate of the 10 Crucial Days. No admission fee.
Whiskey & Rye: Dad's Hat Distillery Demonstration & Tasting - 4:30 - 6:30 pm
First Presbyterian Church of Trenton, 120 East State Street
Local distillers Dad's Hat present their vintage process of distilling local rye into fine whiskey. Discussion and tasting. No admission fee. www.old1712.org
Images of the Motherland: Bilali Muhammad - 4:30 - 6:00 pm
First Presbyterian Church of Trenton, 120 East State Street
This widely-acclaimed interactive living history program brings to life voices of people of African and African American descent. Featured: Bilali Muhammad, a young man from what is now Guinea. No admission fee. www.imagesofthemotherland.com
Family Friendly Events
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In 1776, the tide turning Battles of the American Revolution were waged on the streets and in the fields of downtown Trenton. Join the salute to Trenton’s past, commemorate the passion of the patriots who fought for American Independence, and honor the spirit of revolution and patriotism that flourishes today. Concerts, tours, performances, presentations, exhibits, hands-on activities, and book signings bring Colonial history into the modern age and draw a dynamic mix of families, history buffs, reenactors and culture seekers to New Jersey’s Capital.Patriots’ Week is produced by the Trenton Downtown Association, in partnership with the Old Barracks Museum, which has been staging the Battle of Trenton Reenactments for more than 20 years. A collaboration of both city and state cultural and history organizations, Patriots’ Week programming reflects the quality of the Capital’s resources and provides a public showcase and interactive opportunities to experience its many treasures. For information and additional details for all events, visit www.destinationtrenton.com.
The Old Barracks Museum will be open on Saturday and is located at 101 Barrack Street, Trenton, NJ. Parking is free, close, and plentiful, available in the small lot next to the museum as well as the lot next to The War Memorial. Entrance onto the museum grounds is $5 per person (children 5 and under are free).
Coffee House - 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
First Presbyterian Church of Trenton, 120 East State Street
Warm up at the Colonial Coffee House, hosted at one of Trenton's oldest landmarks! Warm drinks, rebellious conversation, and respite from the elements are served all day. Drinks available for purchase. www.old1712.org
1st Battle of Trenton - 11:00 am
N. Warren St. Battle Monument Park to Mill Hill Park
After the crossing of the Delaware River and marching to Trenton, the American rebel forces-exhausted, dressed in rags, ill from the cold and lack of sleep and decent food had accomplished the impossible by inflicting a crippling blow to the world's greatest British army. Follow the action from the symbolic first cannon shot fired at the Battle Monument to Mill Hill Park. Troops rally at the Old Barracks Museum prior to marching off to meet at the Battle Monument at 11:00 am. No admission fee.
Following the Battle Reenactment: The Spoils of Victory
Old Barracks Museum, 101 Barrack Street
Follow the victorious Continental soldiers back to the Old Barracks Museum after the Battle to see them strip equipment, gear, and souvenirs from captured Hessian soldiers, before crossing the Delaware River back to Pennsylvania. Free with $5 Barracks admission (unlimited re-entry).
The Trouble with Trenton Puppet Show - 12:00 - 1:00 pm
Warren Street Plaza, Trenton, North Warren and West Hanover Streets
A "mini" historical look at an amazing piece of our history presented with marionettes & rod puppets - and lots of help from the audience! Watch the battle unfold before your eyes, and see the action as it has never been seen before. Show includes live music, large puppets and props, and plenty of "revolting" action. No admission fee.
Crossroads of the American Revolution Sign Unveiling - 12:30 - 1:00 pm
1719 William Trent House Museum, 15 Market Street
The Trent House Museum will unveil a new interpretive sign highlighting its role in the war for independence as part of the Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area Signage program. This sign along with many others around the state will point out the critical part New Jersey played in the American Revolution. Stay afterwards for Hogmanay! Plenty of free parking in the rear. More information at www.williamtrenthouse.org or call 609-989-3027.
Hogmanay Celebration - 1:00 - 2:00 pm
1719 William Trent House Museum, 15 Market Street
Welcoming in the 300th year since the construction of the 1719 William Trent House will be the celebration of Hogmanay in honor of Trent's Scottish heritage. Hogmanay is a celebration of the new year in Scotland. Traditionally, friends and neighbors cross the threshold and receive food and drink, and good luck, too. Join us for hot mulled cider, Scottish sausage rolls, shortbread, and other light refreshments while listening to bagpipers. Tour the Trent House decorated for the holidays. End your visit by tossing your wishes for 2019 into the bonfire! No reservations required, donations accepted. More information at www.williamtrenthouse.org or call 609-989-3027.
"A Cursed Country to Make War" - 1:00 - 2:30 pm
Trenton Friends Meeting, 142 East Hanover Street
Dr. Friederike Baer, Associate Professor of History at Penn State Abington, leads a presentation and discussion about how Hessian soldiers experienced America. No admission.
Musket Demonstrations - 1:30 - 2:00 pm
Old Barracks Museum, 101 Barrack Street
Soldiers of the 17th Regiment of Infantry will drill and fire their muskets on the Parade ground of the Old Barracks Museum. Included in $5 admission with unlimited re-entry.
The Trouble with Trenton Puppet Show - 2:00 - 3:00 pm
Warren Street Plaza, Trenton, North Warren and West Hanover Streets
A "mini" historical look at an amazing piece of our history presented with marionettes & rod puppets - and lots of help from the audience! Watch the battle unfold before your eyes, and see the action as it has never been seen before. Show includes live music, large puppets and props, and plenty of "revolting" action. No admission fee.
"My Brave Fellows" - 2:15 - 3:00 pm
Old Barracks Museum, 101 Barrack Street
With enlistments about to end, Washington's officers compel the Soldiers of the Continental Army to stay on six more weeks beyond the end of their enlistments. Free with $5 Barracks admission (unlimited re-entry).
Mustering and Memorial Service for Second Battle Reenactment - 2:30 pm
First Presbyterian Church, 120 East State Street
Gather at the First Presbyterian Church Cemetery for the memorial service for the fallen Hessian soldiers, and gather with the troops as they muster for the Second Battle Reenactment in Mill Hill Park.
2nd Battle of Trenton - 3:00 pm
East State Street to North Warren Street to Mill Hill Park
After a commemorative ceremony at First Presbyterian Church (at 120 East State street), the action commences at 3:00 pm at East State Street and heads to Mill Hill Park for the second Battle, which pits the American forces against General Cornwallis and his numerous attempts to take the Assunpink Creek Bridge. After slipping away, Washington’s troops were able to head north to Princeton, sealing the fate of the 10 Crucial Days. No admission fee.
Whiskey & Rye: Dad's Hat Distillery Demonstration & Tasting - 4:30 - 6:30 pm
First Presbyterian Church of Trenton, 120 East State Street
Local distillers Dad's Hat present their vintage process of distilling local rye into fine whiskey. Discussion and tasting. No admission fee. www.old1712.org
Images of the Motherland: Bilali Muhammad - 4:30 - 6:00 pm
First Presbyterian Church of Trenton, 120 East State Street
This widely-acclaimed interactive living history program brings to life voices of people of African and African American descent. Featured: Bilali Muhammad, a young man from what is now Guinea. No admission fee. www.imagesofthemotherland.com
