Trenton’s Patriots 2024 returns with historic battle reenactments, a Colonial Ball, lectures, music, tours, and family activities.
The schedule of planned activities, all taking place between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, is as follows. Events are free to attend unless otherwise indicated; many require advanced registration.
Thursday, December 26
Trenton Battlefield Walking Tour. The 10-block interpretive walk led by Ralph Siegel brings to life the two battles of Trenton. Broad and Warren streets are once again “Queen” and “King” streets as Washington’s shivering troops approach from two directions to strike and defeat the German regiments. The tour includes stops at the historic Trenton Battle Monument and the Assunpink Creek in Mill Hill Park. The tour starts with a question-and-answer session, followed by the walking tour, starting from a downtown location to be announced. 9 a.m. to noon.
NJ State House Tours. Visit the home of the New Jersey State Legislature. Join a guided tour of the General Assembly and Senate chambers and discover the storied history of New Jersey’s State House. Advanced reservations required. Call 609-847-3150. 145 West State Street. 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m.
Musket-firing Demonstrations. Join soldiers of the NJ Line of the Continental Army as they drill and fire their muskets on the Parade Ground of the Old Barracks Museum. Included in $10 museum admission fee. 101 Barrack Street. Noon and 2 p.m.
The Stars of 1776. Explore the night sky as it would have been seen in 1776 by George Washington and his troops, then stay for special Planetarium shows. Noon: Worlds Beyond Earth; 1 p.m.: One World, One Sky (does not include 1776 program); 2 p.m.: Dinosaurs of Antarctica; 3 p.m.: Big Astronomy. Show tickets are $10. New Jersey State Museum Planetarium, 205 West State Street.
Hidden History Tour. Stop in for a tour and learn how this site was pivotal to the Battle of Trenton. Find out what happened to the cannons under the poplars, discover catacombs under the church and visit the grave of David Brearley, founder of the Electoral College and signer of the Constitution. St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 140 North Warren Street. 1 p.m.
Make A Quill Pen & Write like John Hancock. Create your own piece of history! Fashion a quill pen and see if you can sign your name as well as John Hancock. Everyone gets a feather for their cap. St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 140 North Warren Street. 2:30 p.m.
Jacob Francis: A Free Black Man’s Experiences in the American Revolution. Larry Kidder, author of “The Revolutionary World of a Free Black Man: Jacob Francis, 1754-1836,” shares details about Francis’ experiences as a soldier in the Continental Army and Hunterdon militia. The 1719 William Trent House, 15 Market Street. 2:30 p.m.
Surviving the Winters: Housing Washington’s Army During the American Revolution. Author Steven Elliott presents an illustrated talk based on his recent book which was recently awarded the 2024 Harry M. Ward American Revolution Round Table of Richmond Book Award. Dr. Elliott is a staff historian with the U.S. Army Military History Institute, and a lecturer at Rutgers-Newark. Trenton Masonic Temple, 100 Barrack Street. 4 p.m.
Revolutionary Pub Crawl. Enjoy good drink, food and camaraderie as we walk to downtown Trenton “pubs”. The crawl will start at the Lobby Club, 17 East Front Street, and continue on to the Station Tapas & Bar, 1911 Smoke House Barbeque, and McManinmon’s Monument Pub, with one additional stop possible along the way. Revolutionary/Colonial garb is optional but welcomed. No fee; participants pay for food and drinks as they go. Don’t forget to tip your bartender/servers! For ages 21 and over only. 4:30 p.m.
Songs and Stories of the Revolution. Dressed in Colonial garb, performer Matthew Dodd uses stories and songs to take his audience back in time to the American Revolution. Trenton Free Public Library, 120 Academy Street. 6 to 7 p.m.
Friday, December 27
NJ State House Tours. Visit the home of the New Jersey State Legislature. Join a guided tour of the General Assembly and Senate chambers and discover the storied history of New Jersey’s State House. Advanced reservations required. Call 609-847-3150. 145 West State Street. 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m.
Petty’s Run Tour. Archeologist Richard Hunter leads a tour of the Petty’s Run Archaeological Site. Dr. Hunter’s team headed up the dig and research that lead to preserving the site as an “open classroom” that reveals hints to more than 300 years of human activity on this spot — including Benjamin Yard’s 1745 steel furnace. Petty’s Run site, NJ State House campus, 145 West State Street. 11 a.m.
Colonial Taverns of NJ: Libations, Liberty & Revolution with Michael C. Gabriele. Colonial taverns in N.J. formed a social network for Patriots and Loyalists alike during the Revolution. Join author Michael C. Gabriele as he explores these pubs and breweries, sharing stories about some of the luminaries whose breweries, pubs and taverns were often the main stage for the historic drama unfolding. This is a virtual presentation offered by the New Jersey State Library. Register online. Noon to 1 p.m.
Musket-firing Demonstrations. Join soldiers of the NJ Line of the Continental Army as they drill and fire their muskets on the Parade Ground of the Old Barracks Museum. Included in $10 museum admission fee. 101 Barrack Street. Noon and 2 p.m.
The Stars of 1776. Explore the night sky as it would have been seen in 1776 by George Washington and his troops, then stay for special Planetarium shows. Noon: Worlds Beyond Earth; 1 p.m.: One World, One Sky (does not include 1776 program); 2 p.m.: Dinosaurs of Antarctica; 3 p.m.: Big Astronomy. Show tickets are $10. New Jersey State Museum Planetarium, 205 West State Street.
Hidden History Tour. Stop in for a tour and learn how this site was pivotal to the Battle of Trenton. Find out what happened to the cannons under the poplars, discover catacombs under the church and visit the grave of David Brearley, founder of the Electoral College and signer of the Constitution. St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 140 North Warren Street. 1 p.m.
Make A Quill Pen & Write like John Hancock. Create your own piece of history! Fashion a quill pen and see if you can sign your name as well as John Hancock. Everyone gets a feather for their cap. St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 140 North Warren Street. 2:30 p.m.
Revolutionary Tea. Certified tea specialists Deborah and Michael Raab offer a special presentation on some of the history and rituals connected to the subject of “revolutionary tea parties,” and include a tea tasting. Trenton Free Public Library, 120 Academy Street. 2 to 3 p.m.
Colonial Ball. Mingle with the soldiers of the Battle of Trenton and learn their favorite dance steps while enjoying live music from the Colonial era. Period dress is neither discouraged nor required. Tickets, $40, must be purchased in advance. Trenton Masonic Temple, 100 Barrack Street. 7 to 10 p.m.
Saturday, December 28
Battle of Trenton Reenactment/First Battle. Immerse yourself in history while reenactors fight through the first battle of Trenton. The battle takes place along Warren and Broad Streets between the Trenton Battle Monument (350 North Warren Street) and Mill Hill Park (corner of Front and Broad streets). 11 a.m.
Puppet Show: The Trouble With Trenton. An interactive, historical look at amazing American history presented by marionettes and rod puppets — with lots of help from the audience. The show presented by Tucker Tales includes live music, important props, and plenty of “revolting” action. Rain location: First Presbyterian Church, 120 East State Street. Warren Street Plaza (Corner of Warren & Hanover streets). Noon and 2 p.m.
The Stars of 1776. Explore the night sky as it would have been seen in 1776 by George Washington and his troops, then stay for special Planetarium shows. Noon: Worlds Beyond Earth; 1 p.m.: One World, One Sky (does not include 1776 program); 2 p.m.: Dinosaurs of Antarctica; 3 p.m.: Big Astronomy. Show tickets are $10. New Jersey State Museum Planetarium, 205 West State Street.
The Spoils of Victory. Following the 1st Battle, follow the victorious Continental soldiers back to the Old Barracks Museum to see them strip equipment, gear, and souvenirs from captured Hessian soldiers, before crossing the Delaware back to Pennsylvania. Included in $10 museum admission fee. Old Barracks Museum, 101 Barrack Street. 1 p.m.
Make A Quill Pen & Write like John Hancock. Create your own piece of history! Fashion a quill pen and see if you can sign your name as well as John Hancock. Everyone gets a feather for their cap. St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 140 North Warren Street. 2:30 p.m.
Trenton 1775: A Colonial Town Caught in the Revolution (walking tour). In 1775 Trenton was a young community of only 500 souls. The Continental and British armies each brought 1500 fighting men to town, overwhelming Trenton’s small spaces, limited accommodations, and modest supplies of food, water, and wood. Historian Dr. Sharon Holt and attorney Marc A. McKithen lead visitors on an 8 block walking tour of colonial Trenton, introduce the people living here in 1775, their amusements, loyalties, fears, and tribulations. Tour concludes in the historic Trenton Friends Meetinghouse for refreshments and a chance to ask questions. Trenton Friends Meetinghouse, 142 East Hanover Street. 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Cemetery Tour. Archeologist Richard Hunter of Hunter Research leads a tour of Trenton’s 1st Presbyterian Church cemetery visiting the graves of American Revolutionary War veterans, including that of Col. Johann Rall, killed in the First Battle of Trenton in December 1776. First Presbyterian Church, 120 East State Street. 1 p.m.
Hogmanay! A Scottish Celebration of the New Year! Welcome to the Scottish celebration of the New Year — celebrated in honor of William Trent, founder of Trenton, who immigrated from Scotland. Bagpipers start off the program while visitors learn an authentic Colonial recipe for shortbread while enjoying hot cider and other treats. End your visit by lighting your wishes for 2025. The 1719 William Trent House, 15 Market Street. 2 p.m.
Battle of Trenton Reenactment/ Second Battle. The second battle takes place between State Street and Mill Hill Park beginning with a short commemorative ceremony at the 1st Presbyterian Church (120 East State Street). The majority of the reenactment takes place in Mill Hill Park, corner of Front and Broad Streets. 3 p.m.
Assunpink Firewalk & Reading of Thomas Paine’s The American Crisis. Enjoy live traditional music, warm drinks and cookies on the park’s Iron Bridge, followed by the dramatic lighting of 13 torches along the banks of the historic Assunpink Creek and a dramatic reading of Thomas Paine’s “The American Crisis.” Mill Hill Park, corner of Front and Broad streets. 4 to 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 29
The Stars of 1776. Explore the night sky as it would have been seen in 1776 by George Washington and his troops, then stay for special Planetarium shows. Noon: Worlds Beyond Earth; 1 p.m.: One World, One Sky (does not include 1776 program); 2 p.m.: Dinosaurs of Antarctica; 3 p.m.: Big Astronomy. Show tickets are $10. New Jersey State Museum Planetarium, 205 West State Street.
Hidden History Tour. Stop in for a tour and learn how this site was pivotal to the Battle of Trenton. Find out what happened to the cannons under the poplars, discover catacombs under the church and visit the grave of David Brearley, founder of the Electoral College and signer of the Constitution. St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 140 North Warren Street. 1 p.m.
Make A Quill Pen & Write like John Hancock. Create your own piece of history! Fashion a quill pen and see if you can sign your name as well as John Hancock. Everyone gets a feather for their cap. St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 140 North Warren Street. 2:30 p.m.
Music Lafayette Might Have Heard in Trenton, Dec. 1784. John Burkhalter and Donovan Klotzbeacher, the Practioners of Musik, share music and commentary of works performed during the time Lafayette visited Trenton in 1784 when the town briefly served as the new Nation’s capital. The 1719 William Trent House, 15 Market Street. 2:30 p.m.
Monday, December 30
NJ State House Tours. Visit the home of the New Jersey State Legislature. Join a guided tour of the General Assembly and Senate chambers and discover the storied history of New Jersey’s State House. Advanced reservations required. Call 609-847-3150. 145 West State Street. 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m.
Alexander Hamilton & the 24 Cannons at the Battle of Trent Town. A crucial ingredient to General Washington’s success in the December 26, 1776 battle is the American cannon and how artillery commander Hamilton deployed the cannon which, unlike muskets, could fire in rain, sleet or snow. The discussion features an 8 x 10 map offering a birds-eye view of the action. Presented by David and Nick Bosted. Trenton Free Public Library, 120 Academy Street. Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Hidden History Tour. Stop in for a tour and learn how this site was pivotal to the Battle of Trenton. Find out what happened to the cannons under the poplars, discover catacombs under the church and visit the grave of David Brearley, founder of the Electoral College and signer of the Constitution. St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 140 North Warren Street. 1 p.m.
Quakers: Choose a Side! The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) believed in the renunciation of war. This tenet was sorely tested with the onset of the American Revolution. How did the Trenton Quakers feel about Philemon Dickinson, a slave-owning Quaker who fought in the Battle of Trenton as a general in the Colonial army? How did they react when the British Dragoons took over their meetinghouse as a barracks? Did they continue to meet during the War? Learn more at the Trenton Meetinghouse, probably the oldest surviving House of Worship in Trenton. Trenton Meeting of Friends, 142 East Hanover Street. 2 p.m.
Make A Quill Pen & Write like John Hancock. Create your own piece of history! Fashion a quill pen and see if you can sign your name as well as John Hancock. Everyone gets a feather for their cap. St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 140 North Warren Street. 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday, December 31
NJ State House Tours. Visit the home of the New Jersey State Legislature. Join a guided tour of the General Assembly and Senate chambers and discover the storied history of New Jersey’s State House. Advanced reservations required. Call 609-847-3150. 145 West State Street. 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m.
Civil War Flag Gallery Unveiling. Join flag historian Dr. David Martin and the Museum’s director of cultural history Nicholas Ciotola for the history of five new Civil War troop flags being unveiled in the NJ State Museum exhibition, The Civil War Flag Collection of New Jersey. NJ State Museum, 205 West State Street. 10 to 11 a.m.
Hidden History Tour. Stop in for a tour and learn how this site was pivotal to the Battle of Trenton. Find out what happened to the cannons under the poplars, discover catacombs under the church and visit the grave of David Brearley, founder of the Electoral College and signer of the Constitution. St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 140 North Warren Street. 1 p.m.
Make A Quill Pen & Write like John Hancock. Create your own piece of history! Fashion a quill pen and see if you can sign your name as well as John Hancock. Everyone gets a feather for their cap. St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 140 North Warren Street. 2:30 p.m.
The Stars of 1776. Explore the night sky as it would have been seen in 1776 by George Washington and his troops, then stay for a special Planetarium show, Big Astronomy. $10. New Jersey State Museum Planetarium, 205 West State Street. 2:30 p.m.
Quakers: Choose a Side! The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) believed in the renunciation of war. This tenet was sorely tested with the onset of the American Revolution. How did the Trenton Quakers feel about Philemon Dickinson, a slave-owning Quaker who fought in the Battle of Trenton as a general in the Colonial army? How did they react when the British Dragoons took over their meetinghouse as a barracks? Did they continue to meet during the War? Learn more at the Trenton Meetinghouse, probably the oldest surviving House of Worship in Trenton. Trenton Meeting of Friends, 142 East Hanover Street. 2:30 p.m.
Annual Inter-Faith Peace Vigil. Join the Trenton Friends Meeting for its annual vigil for peace in the new year. Different faith leaders will speak briefly about their beliefs, then — similar to a Quaker meeting — those attending are invited to contemplate and speak if they feel called to do so. Light refreshments will be served. Trenton Friends Meetinghouse, 142 East Hanover Street. 4 p.m.
For more information, visit www.patriotsweek.com.
The range of Patriots Week events includes reenactments of the First and Second Battles of Trenton; a Colonial Ball, and an American and Trenton history lesson taught via puppet show.,
