Patriots Week, one of the largest Revolutionary War re-enactments anywhere, returns to actual Trenton locales where the war was fought on Friday, December 26, and continues with a series of events that lead up to the annual New Jersey Capital City Philharmonic Orchestra concert at Patriot’s Theater at the War Memorial Building on Wednesday, December 31.
One of the highlights occurs on Saturday, December 27, with the recreation of the two Battles of Trenton — considered the crucial turning points of the successful American Revolution. The first battle is set for 11 a.m. on Warren Street and the second at 3 p.m. at Mill Hill Park. Both feature period uniforms and weaponry, including booming cannons. Free and open to the public.
Other events during the week include the opportunity to fire replica cannon, puppet theater productions, a program that examines the roles of Black soldiers in the war, a display of Revolutionary War flags, and a presentation by George Washington.
A full schedule of the event produced by the Trenton Downtown Association is at patriotsweektrenton.com.
One of the gathering places that provide an opportunity to review American, British, and Hessian forces is the Old Barracks Museum is located at 101 Barrack Street, where free parking is available in the small lot next to the museum as well as the lot next to The War Memorial. The battles are free to the public, and entrance onto the museum grounds is $5 per person (children 5 and under are free).
The Old Barracks continues the Revolution with the “To Princeton with Peale” living history event, set for Friday, January 2, 10 a.m. to noon at the Old Barracks. The program includes the opportunity to meet Captain Charles Wilson Peale’s Company the day before they set off to fight the Battle of Princeton, witness military drill, see 18th century trades demonstrations, take a walking tour of the Battles of Trenton, and hear a bonfire-side reading of Thomas Paine’s “The American Crisis.” $8 (adults), $6 (students/seniors), and free (active military and children under 6). Call 609-396-1776 or visit www.barracks.org for more details. The Old Barracks Museum, 101 Barrack Street, Trenton, 609-396-1776 www.barracks.org
Classics Books at 4 West Lafayette in Downtown Trenton is also getting in the spirit with two events. First is Patriots’ Week Scrabble — with the game focusing on words connected to the Revolutionary War — on Friday, December 26, 6 p.m. to midnight. On Saturday, December 27, at noon, Vietnam War veteran Dennis Papp will appear at a book signing for his “Fear Was My Only Weapon” and talk about the experience of being in combat. Both events are free.
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