With more than a dozen events being held 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.
Battles of Trenton Walking Tour
Wednesday, Dec. 28 10 a.m. to noon
Sunrise Luncheonette, 26 South Warren St., 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 a.m. but come early to the Sunrise Luncheonette at 9 a.m. for questions and discussion. Free.
State House Civics Tours
Tuesday, Dec. 27 held every hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
New Jersey State House, 125 W. State St., Trenton
The New Jersey State House, home to the legislative and executive branches of state government since 1792, is one of the state’s most important public buildings. Visitors will walk in the footsteps of Abraham Lincoln and Woodrow Wilson to discover the building’s rich past and architectural history. Visitors will also learn about New Jersey’s legislative process and how to participate in the shaping of public policy. Free. 609-847-3150.
Good Old Colony Times
Wednesday, Dec. 28 noon
New Jersey State Library – Level 2 Reading Room, 185 West State S., Trenton
A humorous – and perhaps occasionally sober – look at issues that fascinated folks of early America. Join historical interpreters and balladeers Stacy Roth and Bob Dupre for songs and anecdotes celebrating love, courtship, marriage, sex, work, current events and politics in the 17th and 18th centuries. Presented in the attire of the age. Free. www.njstatelib.org.
State House Behind-the-Scenes Tour
Tuesday, Dec. 27 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
New Jersey State House, 125 W. State St., Trenton
A 90 minute behind-the-scenes peek of the New Jersey State House, one of the oldest continuously operating capitol buildings in the nation. From timbers that date back to 1792 to contemporary art rarely seen by visitors, the tour takes you from the basement to the attic and places in between. Tour is geared for adult audiences. Must be able to climb steep stairs, and flat shoes are recommended. Reservations required. Free.
Reservations required. 609-847-3150.
Holiday Maker Space
Tuesday, Dec. 27 noon to 2 p.m.
New Jersey State Museum, 205 West State St., Trenton
Learn about New Jersey toy history and innovations in connection to the newest exhibit, Toy World. Families can design and construct a toy from their own imagination, accept a Lego design challenge or create a simple colonial era toy to take home. Included in admission fee (suggested donation). Projects change daily. www.statemuseum.nj.gov.
Civil War Flag Unveiling
Wednesday, Dec. 28 noon
New Jersey State Museum, Galleries at 225 West State St., Trenton
Enjoy a gallery talk and ceremony unveiling the latest rotation of historic flags from the NJ Civil War Flag Collection, one of the largest collections of its kind in the nation. Free. www.statemuseum.nj.gov.
“John Hart: Portrait of a Patriot” lecture by Dave Hart
Wednesday, Dec. 28 5:30 p.m.
Trenton Free Public Library Community Room, 120 Academy St., Trenton
Author and Trenton Historical Society Trustee Dave Hart will talk about John Hart, a public official and politician in colonial New Jersey who served as a delegate to the Continental Congress and also signed the Declaration of Independence. A video trailer for the upcoming documentary will also be shown. Free. www.trentonlib.org.
“The Trial of Abraham Hunt”
Wednesday, Dec. 28 7:30 p.m.
1867 Sanctuary in Ewing, 101 Scotch Road, Ewing
A staged reading with actors in costume, script in hand, followed by a talk back with the playwright, director and historian Larry Kidder to discuss the events and the play. Light refreshments will be served. Tickets available online or by calling 800-838-3006.
Holiday Planetarium Shows
Tuesday, Dec. 27 1 a.m., noon and 1:00 p.m.
New Jersey State Museum Planetarium, 205 West State St., Trenton
Celebrate Patriots Week with a visit to the New Jersey State Museum’s Planetarium. The shows include a live demonstration of the sky set to Dec. 25, 1776. Learn about the constellations and planets that occupied the sky on the stormy evening when George Washington crossed the Delaware. $7 adult; $5 for children 12 and under. www.njstatemuseum.nj.gov.
The 1719 William Trent House Museum
Wednesday, Dec. 28 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
15 Market Street, Trenton
Open for tours. Take a tour of the country estate owned by William Trent, who the city of Trenton is named after. $5-adults; $4-students and seniors. www.williamtrenthouse.org.
Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie Mansion
Wednesday, Dec. 28 noon to 4 p.m.
Parkside Avenue, Cadwalader Park, Trenton
The Trenton City Museum will have a special exhibit focused on a Trenton painter and caricaturist, “William E. Pedrick (1868-1927), Survey of the Artist” On display will be his Revolutionary War paintings, Washington Crossing the Delaware, Battle of Trenton, Redcoats at the Barracks, and Council of War. Free; Donations accepted. www.ellarslie.org.
George Bradshaw Exhibit of Etchings
Tuesday, Dec. 27 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Trenton Free Public Library Community Room, 120 Academy St., Trenton
Visit the Trenton Free Public Library and see the George Bradshaw exhibit of etchings, all week in “L” Gallery during open Library hours. Free. www.trentonlib.org.
Old Barracks Museum Tours
Tuesday, Dec. 27 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 101 Barrack St., Trenton
Explore the New Jersey State Museum
Tuesday, Dec. 27 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
New Jersey State Museum, 205 West State St., Trenton
Bring the whole family to the new, fun-filled exhibition Toy World. Exploring the unknown history of toy manufacturing in the Garden State, the exhibit features toy soldiers, model trains, tinplate mechanical toys, dolls, space toys and more, all developed and produced by New Jersey companies. Suggested Admission: $5-adults; $4-students and seniors. www.statemuseum.nj.gov.
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