Trenton’s history will come to life during 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 week begins with the legend of Washington’s spy, followed by other historical lectures and special museum tours. The full list of events for the first day of Patriots Week can be found below.
Washington’s Spy: Unsung Hero or Urban Legend?
Tuesday, Dec. 26 11 a.m.
First Presbyterian Church, 120 East State Street, Trenton
John Honeyman, Washington’s Spy: Unsung Hero or Urban Legend? The story of John Honeyman, the Griggstown, New Jersey butcher and cattle dealer who, according to legend, became a spy for General George Washington in the months leading up to the game-changing victory in the First Battle of Trenton, has intrigued and befuddled historians for more than one hundred years.
This presentation will lay out the genesis of the story, explore the findings on each side of the Honeyman mystery, and ultimately invite attendees to
join in the search for more primary evidence that can support or debunk the legend of Washington’s spy at Trenton. Free. www.barracks.org
‘1776’ Interactive Screening
Tuesday, Dec. 26 12 noon
New Jersey State Museum, 205 West State Street, Trenton
Come in costume if you wish and join a play-along screening of “1776” where you can sing your favorite songs, sign the Declaration of Independence, and more. Pre-purchased tickets are encouraged. Visit www.patriotsweek.com for more info and ticket prices.
Songs of the Revolutionary Era
Tuesday. Dec. 26 2 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church, 120 East State Street, Trenton
Bombardments! Battles! Patriotism! Soldiers and Sailors! Brave Lasses! Folk singers Stacy Flora Roth and Bob Dupre explore the Yankees’ side of the American Revolution through songs, ballads, odes and hymns of the day. Free.
Who Lies There?
Tuesday, Dec. 26 3 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church, 120 East State Street, Trenton
The First Presbyterian Churchyard is the final resting place of many of Trenton’s most notable Revolutionary War figures. Come meet these fine personages and pay your respects at their gravestones and memorials. Tour led by Pastor John Allen and
Trenton archaeologist Richard Hunter. Free.
Larry Kidder ‘Trenton’s People at the Crossroads of Revolution’
Tuesday, Dec. 26 5:30 p.m.
Trenton Free Public Library, 120 Academy Street, Trenton
During the American Revolution, Trenton was on a main road connecting the New England and southern states fighting for independence. This brought a lot of action to the town and it became the location of an important Continental Army supply depot and a hospital. This talk will tell the stories of Trenton residents that reflect how the revolution affected civilians as well as military people and the many ways they contributed in large and small ways to the revolution’s successful outcome. Larry Kidder is a retired history teacher and historian/author. His most recent book is Crossroads of the Revolution: Trenton, 1774-1783. Free. www.trentonlib.org
Annus Mirabilis — a Musical celebration of the year of miracles
Tuesday, Dec. 26 7 p.m.
Old Barracks Museum, 101 Barrack Street, Trenton
The Practitioners of Musick perform a selection of music written to celebrate the victories of the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War with a focus on Trenton’s involvement in each. For tickets: www.barracks.org.
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