Dance like our founding fathers at the Colonial Ball, held during the fourth day of Patriots Week—an annual celebration of the city’s role in the American Revolution.
Held from Dec. 26 to Dec. 31, Patriots Week offers dozens of ways to experience and participate in the war that shaped our nation. From battle reenactments to a revolutionary pub craw, Trenton will spend the week honoring its colonial roots. The full list of events for the fourth day of Patriots Week can be found below.
Battles of Trenton Walking Tour
Friday, Dec. 29 10 a.m.
Sunrise Luncheonette, 26 South Warren Street, Trenton
Ralph Siegel of Trenton Battlefield Tours leads this 10-block interpretive walk that narrates the dramatic minute-by-minute events of the Battles of Trenton. Walking tour starts at 10.00 a.m.; come early to the Sunrise Luncheonette at 9:00 a.m. for questions and discussion. Free.
Shapenote Singing
Friday, Dec. 29 10:30 a.m.
Trenton Friends Meeting, 142 East Hanover Street, Trenton
Shape-note singing is a musical practice and tradition of social and community singing from music learned by ear with roots in Shakespearean England. Shape note music (sometimes called Sacred Harp music) is printed with the note heads in distinct shapes (squares, rounds, diamonds, etc.) to indicate their pitch, whether fa so or la. The technique is used to teach people to read music. Free.
The Distaff Muse
Friday, Dec. 29 12 noon
First Presbyterian Church, 120 East State Street, Trenton
What qualities define the 18th Century Woman? Virtue? Piety? Gentility? Spirit? Wit? Fortitude? Resignation? Passion? Historical interpreter Stacy F. Roth explores the private thoughts and popular image of women of the 18th century through songs, quotations, poetry and prose. In this unique presentation from a revolving repertoire, audiences will visit with humble heroines, brave Amazons, wise wits, and warriors in disguise. Come, be amused with the distaff muse. Free.
Alexander Hamilton and the 24 Cannons at the Battle of Trenton
Friday, Dec. 29 12:30 p.m.
Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie Mansion, 299 Parkside Avenue, Trenton
The program will follow the movements of all 24 of the cannons on the streets of Trenton during the Battle of Trenton. The talk will demonstrate why the 18 American cannons — including the two six-pounders commanded by Alexander Hamilton — were decisive in the victory over the Hessians, who had six three-pounders. A four-pounder cannonball will be on display during the talk. Presented by Urban Planner and Museum Trustee David Bosted.
Revolutionary Music: The signals, calls and camp duties
Friday, Dec. 29 1 p.m.
Historic Trenton Masonic Temple, 100 Barrack Street, Trenton
A lecture and musical demonstration comparing the fife and drum calls and camp duties used by the New Jersey Regiments and Philadelphia Battalions 1775- 1777. In addition several of the marches of the luminaries of the Revolution will be performed. Musicians John Lane, Drew Wierzbowski and Stephen Hudak will perform. Suggested admission: $5 per person.
David Price ‘Rescuing the Revolution’
Friday, Dec. 29 2 p.m.
Trenton Free Public Library 120 Academy Street, Trenton
This talk offers a concise but detailed account of a critical moment in our national saga that focuses on the exploits of individuals who have remained largely obscure in the annals of history. It relates their deeds to the broader context of this period and the path that led to ultimate victory, just when the struggle for independence appeared all but lost. David Price is a historical interpreter for the Friends of Washington Crossing Park and leads guided tours focusing on the “Ten Crucial Days” of the American Revolution. Free. www.trentonlib.org
Trenton Masonic Museum exhibition and discussion
Friday, Dec. 29 4 p.m.
Historic Trenton Masonic Temple, 100 Barrack Street, Trenton
Partake of over 230 years of epic Masonic history in New Jersey. View a rich and wide variety of Masonic symbols, attire, documents, artifacts, and esoterica. Learn about Masonic culture, organization, traditions, and more. Sponsored by New Jersey Freemasons Grand Lodge Museum and History Committee. Free.
Brother David Brearly: the most important Founding Father that we don’t know
Friday, Dec. 29 4 p.m.
Historic Trenton Masonic Temple, 100 Barrack Street, Trenton
Unheralded by many, he quietly reposes in an obscure churchyard in the most historic precinct of Trenton. Unknown to most, he was a pivotal co-creator of the government of the United States. He was Brother David Brearley, Freemason, the most important founding father that we don’t know. Sponsored by New Jersey Freemasons Grand Lodge Museum and History Committee. Free.
Colonial Ball
Friday, Dec. 29 7 p.m.
Historic Trenton Masonic Temple, 100 Barrack Street, Trenton
The Colonial Ball is your chance to mingle with the soldiers of the Battle of Trenton and learn their favorite dance steps! $17.76 advance tickets; $20 at the door. www.barracks.org
Photo Courtesy Old Barracks Museum,
