Two hundred and twenty-nine years ago this December, it looked almost certain that George Washington’s ragtag Continental Army was headed for defeat and that Americans would have to give up their quest for independence and surrender to continued British rule. ##M:[more]##That is, until the 10 crucial days, as they are known in the history books, the 10 days that began with General Washington’s celebrated Crossing of the Delaware and surprise attack on the British on Christmas Day, 1776, to January 3, 1777, by which time two battles of Trenton and the battle of Princeton had been fought and won, and Nassau Hall had been taken back.
From December 26 to December 31, Trenton’s pivotal role in the birth of the new American nation is celebrated with Patriots’ Week, a time when the city comes alive with concerts, theatrical performances and art exhibits. Highlights of the week include re-enactments of some of the key battles that broke the British hold on Washington’s troops and turned the tide of the war. The 229th anniversary reenactment of the crossing of the Delaware takes place on Sunday, December 25. The Battles of Trenton will be re-enacted on Saturday, December 31.
“It’s a true step back in time and you get a feel for what a real Revolutionary War battle was like,” says Cate Crown, director of development for the Old Barracks Museum in Trenton and chair of the Landmarks Commission. “These men were fighting for something that most of them didn’t have a firm grasp on and that most of us today don’t appreciate enough, that intangible thing, freedom. And yet they suffered such unbearable hardship — lack of sleep, food, warmth, proper clothing, medical care. We can’t even begin to imagine what it must have been like to go marching through fields and woods and creeks and up and down ravines in the dark in your barefeet, with no idea where you were going and knowing that at the end, you were going into a battle where you might get killed.”
The re-enactors play the parts of British soldiers, Hessian soldiers, Americans who stayed loyal to King George, and Continentals, fighters for independence. They represent all ages, since the American rebels also represented the very young and the very old. They come from up and down the east coast, from Vermont, Massachusetts, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina. All of them are everyday citizens who love to share their passion for history and the revolutionary war time period.
Crown says that participating in Patriot’s Week events is a wonderful way for families to learn history together. She says that these kinds of re-enactments are critical to counteract that “oh, it’s so boring attitude” that too many children have about history. “You feel the cannons and guns going off. You smell the smoke and underneath your feet you feel the rumbling in the ground when the cannon go by.” She says anything that popular culture and media can do to make history more real will excite a child’s imagination in a way that sitting in a classroom just can’t. “Once a kid stands out there shivering in the cold himself and sees a guy with rags on his feet marching past him, all of a sudden, history isn’t boring any more. It’s alive.”
Crown’s own love of history was nurtured by her mother, who took her to visit virtually every historical building in the state when she was a little girl. She grew up knowing that New Jersey played a pivotal role in the history of the country, and Mercer County played a pivotal role in the history of New Jersey.
Crown’s mother was a homemaker and then director of recreation for East Windsor Township. Her father worked for New Jersey Bell. Now a resident of Trenton, Crown wrote a book on the city of Trenton published as part of Arcadia’s Images of America books on local history. For the last four and a half years, she has been working in development for the Old Barracks Museum of Trenton, located on 101 Barracks Street.
The original fieldstone structure is still standing and is considered a national historic landmark. It was built in 1758 to house British soldiers during the French and Indian War and was large enough to sleep as many as 300. During the Revolutionary War it was converted for use as a military hospital for the inoculation of the troops against smallpox. “Washington himself had suffered smallpox as a young man and lived to tell the tale,” relates Crown, “ and while he knew there was a lot he couldn’t control, smallpox was one of the things he could. It was one of the major killers of soldiers, and that’s why he ordered all of his troops to be inoculated.” The museum features costumed interpreters who guide visitors through a series of rooms portrayed just as they would have appeared 225 years ago when the soldiers were there. Visitors receive an animated description of what the life of a solider was like in the barracks.
This marks the 12th year that the Patriot’s Week commemorative activities have taken place between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Crown is proud to be in the thick of things. “I grew up loving history and old buildings and appreciating how we came from our past to where we are today,” she says. “I enjoy sharing that.”
— Euna Kwon Brossman
For all events call 877-PAT-WEEK or visit www.patriotsweek.com. Most events free.
Monday, December 26
Public Reading of “The American Crisis,” Old Barracks Courtyard, Front and Barracks streets. The musical quartet Spiced Punch presents Colonial-era songs and holiday cheer. Free. 1 p.m.
My America, Old Barracks Museum, Barrack and Front streets. Ongoing display features a juried contemporary multi-media exhibit that responds to “What is your vision of America?” Tuesday to Fridays noon to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Noon.
Trenton’s Revolutionary History, Trenton Visitors Center, Front and Barrack streets. “10 Crucial Days,” relates the critical events of the rebels’ military campaign in Central New Jersey. “Caught in the Crossfire: Churches, Taverns, and Revolution in New Jersey” highlights the role of churches and taverns for socializing, disseminating information, and organizing for civic action. Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during Patriots’ Week. 10 a.m.
Revolution 101, Thomas Edison College, 101 West State Street. Richard Patterson, director of the Old Barracks Museum, discuses the key points of the war from its origins to the 10 Crucial Days. Free. 2 p.m.
Punch & Judy, Gallery 125, 125 South Warren Street. 18th century puppet show combining music, mayhem, and humor. For ages five and up. Free. 2:30 p.m.
Meet the Press: Generals Roundtable, Thomas Edison College, 101 West State Street. Generals Washington, Howe, Cornwallis, and Knyphausen explain their motivations and take questions from the press and the public. Free. 4 p.m.
Diorama Model of the Second Battle of Trenton, State Museum, 205 West State Street. Scale model on loan from the Daughters of the American Revolution. Mondays to Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 9 a.m.
Tuesday, December 27
Washington’s Letter to the Ladies of Trenton, Wachovia Financial Center, 1 West State Street. On April 21, 1789, George Washington passed through Trenton en route to New York to be inaugurated as the first president. He was greeted by a triumphal arch at Assunpink Creek. His famous letter will be on display. Free. 10 a.m.
Civics Tour, State House, 125 West State Street. Tour through the restored state house, an historic structure with arts and crafts celebrating the symbols of New Jersey. Free. Noon.
Historic Reproduction Furniture, 1719 William Trenton House Museum, 15 Market Street. “Multi-Culturalism in 18th Century Trenton” features a tour of the restored house created by William Trent, a wealthy merchant who exported tobacco, flour, and furs, and imported wine, rum, molasses, and dry goods. He also imported African and West Indian slaves and indentured servants from the British Isles. Open Tuesday to Friday, 12:30 to 4 p.m. 12:30 p.m.
The Challenge of Researching African-American Genealogy, Gallery 125, 125 South Warren Street. Jack Washington, author of “In Search of a Community’s Past: The Black Community in Trenton, NJ” and “The Long Journey Home: A Bicentennial History of the Black Community in Princeton, NJ 1776-1976,” speaks about the challenge of researching regional African-American history and genealogy. Free. 12:30 p.m.
History of Tea, Marriott Hotel, 1 West Lafayette Street. Stacy Roth presents the history and lore of the controversial 18th century potable. Roth, a living history interpreter, presents a sampler of Revolutionary era sweets, brews, music, and poetry. Tea, pastries, and other delicacies. Register. $15. 2:30 p.m.
Fireside Chat, First Presbyterian Church, 120 East State Street, Trenton, 609-393-8998. Reverend John Allen recreates the role of Dr. Elihu Spencer, a trustee of the College of New Jersey and the pastor of First Presbyterian during the Revolution. 4 p.m.
Wednesday, December 28
18th Century Houses of Worship, St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 140 North Warren, Trenton, 609-393-8998. Walk through the religious history of Trenton after a talk about 18th century religion in Trenton by Martin Paulsson, a professor at the College of New Jersey. Free. 9:30 a.m.
Washington’s General: Nathanael Greene, Masonic Temple, Front and Barrack streets. Author Terry Golway tells the story of Greene, who presided over Continental troops during the Battles of Trenton. Free. Noon.
18th Century Trials: Judged by History, State House, 125 West State Street. A jury of audience members decide the fate of three colonial defendants. Free. 2 p.m.
Peter Fiore, Old Barracks Museum, Front and Barracks streets. Meet the illustrator of “When Washington Crossed the Delaware” by Lynne Cheney. Peter Fiore’s work will be on exhibit through the week. Free. 4 p.m.
Traditions Coffee House, Old Barracks Museum, Front and Barracks streets. Storytellers and live period music. $10. 6 p.m.
The Strange Afterlife of Thomas Paine, Masonic Temple, Front and Barrack streets. Author Paul Collins presents the search for Paine’s remains after he was dug up from a field in New York. Free. 1 p.m.
Thursday, December 29
Trenton Battlefield Walking Tour, Cafe Ole, 126 South Warren Street. Ralph Siegel leads the 10-block interpretive walk and battle narrative on the two Battles of Trenton. Pre-tour chat and coffee with Siegel at 9 a.m. Free. 10 a.m.
Hidden Treasures, State House, 125 West State Street. Take a peek behind the scenes to see a mural of downtown Trenton by Hiroshi Murata; “The Dawn of Law,” a bas-relief marble installation by artist John Goodyear; construction timbers from the original 1792 state hours, and descend into the basement to see the old furnaces. Register. Free. 10:30 a.m.
Deborah’s Pantry and Past Masters in Early American Domestic Arts, Classics, 117 South Warren Street. Deborah Peterson and Clarissa Dillon speak about the 18th century pantry, ingredients, colonial food, medicine, and gardening. Register. Free. 11 a.m.
Molly Pitcher, Gallery 125, 125 South Warren Street. “Molly Pitcher” presents highlights of the women who belonged to the army during the American Revolution. She reminisces about the days when she accompanied her husband through summer battles and winter encampments. Free. Noon.
18th Century Trials: Judged by History, State House, 125 West State Street. A jury of audience members decide the fate of three colonial defendants. Free. 2 p.m.
18th Century Musick, State Museum, 205 West State Street. The Practitoners of Musick highlight music from the collection of the Washington family. The second half of the program focuses on the legacy of Hopkinson, a lawyer and avid organist. Free. 4 p.m.
Colonial Dinner Theater: An Evening with George and Martha, Marriott Hotel, 1 West Lafayette Street. Dine with President Washington and his wife in the grand ballroom complete with period music and dining. Mingle with guests including artist Charles Willson Peale and Washington’s chef. Register. $33. 6:30 p.m.
Friday December 30
10 Crucial Days Bus Tours, Marriott Hotel, 1 West Lafayette Street. Washington’s March: From the Icy Crossing to the Streets of Trenton. Register. $10. 9 a.m. Also at 11:30 a.m.: Skirting the Enemy: The Backroads from Trenton to Princeton.
The First Battle of Trenton, Battle Monument and at West and Calhoun streets, Trenton, 609-393-8998. Re-enactment begins simultaneously at both locales. Follow the actions from the symbolic first cannon shot fired at the current site of the Battle Monument, down Warren Street, and from Calhoun to Broad Street, to a final skirmish in Mill Hill Park. Free. 11 a.m.
Historical Geography and Archaeology of Trenton in the Revolutionary War, Trenton Visitors Center, Lafayette and Barrack streets, Trenton, 609-393-8998. Archaeologist Richard Hunter presents talk about cast iron cannonballs, ceramic shards in the shape of a human face, and other layers of history. Free. 11:30 a.m.
Civics Tour, State House, 125 West State Street. Tour through the restored state house, an historic structure with arts and crafts celebrating the symbols of New Jersey. Free. Noon.
Women’s Clothing in the Late 18th Century, Gallery 125, 125 South Warren Street. Civilian re-enactor Jean Bickal presents a hands-on talk about the materials, styles, and social conventions that defined women’s clothing of the period. Free. 1 p.m.
New Jersey’s Revolutionary War Trail, Gallery 125, 125 South Warren Street. Mark DiIonno, author of “New Jersey’s Revolutionary War Trail,” talks about battlefields, churches, cemeteries, taverns, liberty poles, bridges, creeks, and walk trails. DiIonno is author of”New Jersey’s Coastal Heritage: A Guide” and “A Guide to the Backroads of NJ.” Free. 2:15 p.m.
Revolutionary War Games, Masonic Temple, Front and Barrack streets. Richard Kane of the Swan Historical Foundation guides players through the objectives, terrain, and unpredictability using scale miniatures and the roll of the dice. Free. 4 p.m.
Hollywood Versus History: National Treasure, Masonic Temple, Front and Barrack streets. Screening of “National Treasure,” starring Nicholas Cage, a man obsessed with finding a treasure hidden by the country’s founding fathers. Masons talk about the accuracy of the film and how it differs from reality. Free. 7 p.m.
Saturday December 31
The Life and Clothes of a Reenactor, Gallery 125, 125 South Warren Street. Author and historian Mike Cecere presents an insiders’ view of the life of a reenactor including his research, his passion, the culture of reenactment, and where he gets those clothes. Free. 1 p.m.
First Battle of Trenton, The Battle Monument, Trenton, 609-393-8998. Follow the action from the first cannon shot fired at the monument down Warren Street, and from Calhoun to Broad Street, to a final skirmish in Mill Hill Park. If you arrive early, head to the Old Barracks as troops muster for battle. Free. 11 a.m.
Veterans’ and Reenactors’ Lunch, Masonic Temple, Front and Barrack streets. New Jersey veterans, current military service personnel, and reenactors are invited for lunch. Register. Noon.
Punch & Judy, Old Barracks Museum. An 18th century puppet show. Free. Noon.
Fireside Chat, First Presbyterian Church, 120 East State Street, Trenton, 609-393-8998. Reverend John Allen recreates the role of Dr. Elihu Spencer, a trustee of the College of New Jersey and the pastor of First Presbyterian during the Revolution. Organ concert follows at 1:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m.
Memorial Service for the Fallen, First Presbyterian Church, 120 East State Street, Trenton, 609-393-8998. Reenactors salute the fallen of the British, Hessian, and Rebel armies that fought in the Battles of Trenton. 2:30 p.m.
Second Battle of Trenton, First Presbyterian Church, 120 East State Street, Trenton, 609-393-8998. Reenactment begins at the church. 3 p.m.
Flag Retirement Ceremony, Old Barracks Courtyard, Front and Barracks streets. Led by Boy Scout Troop 1776, Central New Jersey Council. Free. 4 p.m.
Greater Trenton Symphony, Patriots’ Theater, War Memorial. New Year’s Eve Concert. $25 to $65. 609-984-8400. 8 p.m.
