My plan for this month’s column, following up on the previous two months, was to share some additional stories and descriptions of the Ryan Dairy Farm in the mid-20th century, generously provided to me by Peter Ryan.
But plans change. I fully intend to share those fascinating stories in the near future – but not this month.
For those of you who are interested in — or perhaps, obsessed with — local history, I don’t need to tell you what an amazing, historically rich area we live in. But if you are new to the area, or haven’t really investigated the history surrounding us, I encourage you to do so!
If you just consider Ewing (the former Trenton Township) and Trenton (the City of), there is a great amount of early American history to experience. And then if you travel beyond Trenton/Trenton Township, there are many more places to explore!
As we enter the holiday season, there are events to attend, places to visit during vacation days, and experiences to “gift” to others. I have learned so much from visiting these places and events, and participating in their activities. I encourage you all to consider these opportunities:
1) Washington’s Crossing Reenactments – the history surrounding Washington’s crossing of the Delaware and the march to Trenton to surprise the British troops on Christmas night in 1776 is front and center in the history of the area – and well it should be!
Both the Pennsylvania and the New Jersey sides of the Delaware host events reenacting the Crossing and interpreting its significance and context. As I write this in mid-November, the following events are planned for December. However, the lack of rain and the very low water levels in the Delaware may possibly impact these events:
a) First Crossing – hosted by Friends of Washington Crossing Park in PA, this event on Sunday, Dec 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the actual crossing at 1 p.m., is a fund-raising event for the free (and much more crowded!) crossing reenactment, held later in the month. There are all sorts of demonstrations of Colonial life and military activities, suitable for all ages. More information can be found at washingtoncrossingpark.org/event/first-crossing-of-2024/
b) 72nd Annual Christmas Day Crossing Reenactment — occurs from Noon to 3 p.m. on Christmas Day, with the actual crossing at 1 p.m..
Thousands of people gather each year to hear Washington address the troops, and watch the hundreds of reenactors portray the event live, crossing the river in replica Durham boats, but foregoing the dark of night and ice storm.
Everyone in the area should at least attend this once! It is an amazing event, and emphatically reminds 21st century minds of the significance of this ultimately world-changing historical event.
The crossing starts on the Pennsy side, and events continue on the Jersey side. Even if the river does not cooperate for the actual crossing, speeches, celebrations, explanations, and demonstrations will still be held, and are still worth viewing. Information on the Christmas Day crossing is also available on the website listed for the First Crossing above, and on several others as well.
2) atriot’s Week in Trenton — the modern-day location of the battle which “turned the tide of the Revolution” and set us all on a path to independence celebrates the history surrounding the Battle of Trenton and all things Revolutionary each year, Dec. 26 through Dec. 31.
Hosted by the Trenton Downtown Association, Patriot’s Week attracts thousands of visitors who come and experience historical tours, lectures, pub crawls, demonstrations, films, art, music, and so much more. Information is available on their website —- patriotsweek.com — as to what is happening at what time on which day. Many events are family friendly; all are informative and worth a visit. Go for one day, a few, or even the entire week!
3) Battle of Princeton – hosted by the Princeton Battlefield Society at the Princeton Battlefield, Jan. 7, 9:30 a.m. — 1 p.m..
Reenactors bring to life the Battle of Princeton, fought on Jan. 3, 1777.
These are just a few of the offerings by historical societies and organizations in the area. Help them to keep history alive by supporting their events!
Happy holidays to all!
Helen Kull is an Advisor with the Ewing Township Historic Preservation Society.
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