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New Jersey Weekend Historical Happenings
A Weekly Feature on www.thehistorygirl.com
Saturday, December 28 - 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.patriotsweek.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).
Civil War Flag Unveiling - 10:00 - 11:00 am
New Jersey State Museum, 205 West State Street
FREE
Enjoy a gallery talk and ceremony unveiling the latest rotation of historic flags from the NJ Civil War Flag Collection, one of the largest collections of its kind in the nation. With flag historian David Martin and State Museum Curator Nicholas Ciotola.
1st Battle of Trenton - 11:00 am
N. Warren St. Battle Monument Park to Mill Hill Park
FREE
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.
The Trouble with Trenton Puppet Show - 12:00 - 1:00 pm
Warren Street Plaza, Trenton, North Warren and West Hanover Streets
FREE
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.
Trenton in 1775: Historic Tour Led by Dr. Sharon Ann Holt - 1:00 - 2:00 pm
St. Michael’s Church, 140 North Warren Street
Washington’s army and the Hessian occupation each brought 1500 men into Trenton, then a town of only 500 souls and two major streets. Thanks to Hunter Research, we now know a lot about those Trentonians. Trenton Friends Meeting invites you to walk the early streets with Penn State historian, Dr. Sharon Ann Holt, meeting Trenton’s artisans, entrepreneurs, families, Loyalists, political movers and shakers, and two signers of the Declaration of Independence. Dress warmly, and be prepared to walk about 10 blocks in total.
Hogmanay Celebration - 1:00 - 2:00 pm
1719 William Trent House Museum, 15 Market Street
FREE
Closing out 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 2020 into the bonfire! No reservations required, donations accepted. More information at www.williamtrenthouse.org or call 609-989-3027.
Musket Demonstrations - 1:00 - 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 - 3:15 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).
2nd Battle of Trenton - 3:00 pm
East State Street to North Warren Street to Mill Hill Park
FREE
Having abandoned Trenton shortly after the battle on December 26, Washington re-crossed with a much larger army later in the week upon learning the British had not re-occupied Trenton. On the morning of January 2, 1777, he dispatched a small brigade up what is now Route 206 toward Princeton. They were met by a very strong column of British, Hessians, and Highlanders under General Cornwallis and driven back along a bitterly contested, afternoon-long retreat into Trenton.
Assunpink Firewalk - 4:30 - 5:30 pm
Mill Hill Park (Corner of Broad & Front Streets), 165 E. Front Street
Join Mayor Gusciora on the Iron Bridge in Mill Hill Park and a colorful cast to usher in a new holiday tradition in the city of Trenton. As darkness fall, watch Continental Soldiers light 13 torches along the south bank and hear a dramatic reading of Thomas Paine’s “The American Crisis”. The City of Trenton in collaboration with The Old Barracks Museum and Trenton Downtown Association will be hosting the 2nd Assunpink Firewalk. The Firewalk begins at 4:00 pm in Mill Hill Park at the Iron Bridge.
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.patriotsweek.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).
Civil War Flag Unveiling - 10:00 - 11:00 am
New Jersey State Museum, 205 West State Street
FREE
Enjoy a gallery talk and ceremony unveiling the latest rotation of historic flags from the NJ Civil War Flag Collection, one of the largest collections of its kind in the nation. With flag historian David Martin and State Museum Curator Nicholas Ciotola.
1st Battle of Trenton - 11:00 am
N. Warren St. Battle Monument Park to Mill Hill Park
FREE
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.
The Trouble with Trenton Puppet Show - 12:00 - 1:00 pm
Warren Street Plaza, Trenton, North Warren and West Hanover Streets
FREE
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.
Trenton in 1775: Historic Tour Led by Dr. Sharon Ann Holt - 1:00 - 2:00 pm
St. Michael’s Church, 140 North Warren Street
Washington’s army and the Hessian occupation each brought 1500 men into Trenton, then a town of only 500 souls and two major streets. Thanks to Hunter Research, we now know a lot about those Trentonians. Trenton Friends Meeting invites you to walk the early streets with Penn State historian, Dr. Sharon Ann Holt, meeting Trenton’s artisans, entrepreneurs, families, Loyalists, political movers and shakers, and two signers of the Declaration of Independence. Dress warmly, and be prepared to walk about 10 blocks in total.
Hogmanay Celebration - 1:00 - 2:00 pm
1719 William Trent House Museum, 15 Market Street
FREE
Closing out 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 2020 into the bonfire! No reservations required, donations accepted. More information at www.williamtrenthouse.org or call 609-989-3027.
Musket Demonstrations - 1:00 - 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 - 3:15 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).
2nd Battle of Trenton - 3:00 pm
East State Street to North Warren Street to Mill Hill Park
FREE
Having abandoned Trenton shortly after the battle on December 26, Washington re-crossed with a much larger army later in the week upon learning the British had not re-occupied Trenton. On the morning of January 2, 1777, he dispatched a small brigade up what is now Route 206 toward Princeton. They were met by a very strong column of British, Hessians, and Highlanders under General Cornwallis and driven back along a bitterly contested, afternoon-long retreat into Trenton.
Assunpink Firewalk - 4:30 - 5:30 pm
Mill Hill Park (Corner of Broad & Front Streets), 165 E. Front Street
Join Mayor Gusciora on the Iron Bridge in Mill Hill Park and a colorful cast to usher in a new holiday tradition in the city of Trenton. As darkness fall, watch Continental Soldiers light 13 torches along the south bank and hear a dramatic reading of Thomas Paine’s “The American Crisis”. The City of Trenton in collaboration with The Old Barracks Museum and Trenton Downtown Association will be hosting the 2nd Assunpink Firewalk. The Firewalk begins at 4:00 pm in Mill Hill Park at the Iron Bridge.
