On the third day of Patriots Week—an annual celebration of the city’s role in the American Revolution—there is something in store for everyone.
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 third day of Patriots Week can be found below.
Bus Tour: Traversing the Ten Crucial Days Campaign
Thursday, Dec. 28 9 a.m.
Washington Crossing Historic Park, 1112 River Road, Washington Crossing, PA
Begin the New Year with an expanded understanding of the significant events that turned the tide of the American Revolution from lost cause to victory. This all-day bus tour through Washington Crossing, Trenton and Princeton explores the social and military questions of the Ten Crucial Days Campaign, Dec. 26, 1776 – Jan. 3, 1777. Author Larry Kidder and public historian Roger S. Williams provide detailed information about the military history, terrain and more. Cost: $125 per person includes bus fare, lunch and donations to selected tour sites. Limit: 36 Guests. Purchase tickets: www.patriotsweek.com.
The Bell Rings Again!
Thursday, Dec. 28 12 noon
First Presbyterian Church, 120 East State Street, Trenton
Learn about the First Presbyterian Church’s historic 1807 bell. See how the ringing mechanism of the bell was repaired and hear the bell ring again after 20+ years. www.old1712.org
A Proud Legacy: the story of an African-American Soldier
Thursday, Dec. 28 1 p.m.
Trenton Friends Meeting, 142 East Hanover Street, Trenton
Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum (Hopewell) presents Elaine Buck and Beverly Mills with “A Proud Legacy” the Story of an African-American soldier who crossed the Delaware with General Washington and later came back to found a lasting community at Sourland.
Games Galore
Thursday, Dec. 28 1 p.m.
Trenton Free Public Library, 120 Academy Street, Trenton
Stop by and enjoy some games that children used to play during colonial times. Make a whirligig craft to take home. Take a turn playing Nine Man’s Morrice, dominoes, chess and checkers. Ages 5-12. Free.
Mill Hill Park Historical Walking Tour
Thursday, Dec. 28 2 p.m.
Mill Hill Park, 165 East Front Street, Trenton
Join Richard Hunter as he provides a 45 minute walking tour of Mill Hill Park, highlighting the new historical signage. Gentle outdoor walking, please dress warmly. Meet at the sign kiosk at the corner of South Broad and East Front. Free.
18th Century British and American Music
Thursday, Dec. 28 3 p.m.
Trenton Friends Meeting, 142 East Hanover Street, Trenton
Hopewell Hall: a cappella performance of 18th century British and American music, including West Gallery and shape-note singing.
Jude M. Pfister ‘Charting an American Republic: the origins and writing of the Federalist papers’
Thursday, Dec. 28 5:30 p.m.
Trenton Free Public Library, 120 Academy Street, Trenton
With the America revolutionaries in discord following Yorktown and the Paris Peace Treaty, the proposed federal Constitution of 1787 faced an uncertain future when it was sent to the states for ratification. Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay circulated 85 essays among their fellow statesmen, arguing for a strong federal union. Next to the Constitution itself, The Federalist Papers are the most referenced statement of the Founding Fathers’ intentions in forming the U.S. government. Dr. Jude M. Pfister works at Morristown National Historical Park where he oversees the museum, archival, and library programs. Free. www.trentonlib.org
‘John Hart: Portrait of a Patriot’ documentary
Thursday, Dec. 28 7 p.m.
New Jersey State Museum, 205 West State Street, Trenton
The Trenton Historical Society presents the first public showing of “John Hart: Portrait of a Patriot,” a new feature-length documentary on the Hopewell farmer who was a Signer of the Declaration of Independence and New Jersey’s first Speaker of the General Assembly. The 90-minute video, produced by Dave Hart and Jarvis Video Productions, reintroduces this little-known Founding Father, who served as a judge, justice of the peace and legislator. Dave Hart, co-author with John Calu of the novel “Trenton,” will answer questions about the film to conclude the evening.
Photo Courtesy of Crossroads of the American Revolution,
