Patriots' Week, Dec. 27- Jan1st
The largest Revolutionary festival in the country right in the heart of Trenton, NJ

 Patrtiots' Week
New... 
 

Patriots 5k Run

12/31 9:00 a.m. Begins at the Old Barracks Museum 101 Barrack St.  

Run in the spirit of George Washington and the Continental Army to commemorate the 235th Anniversary of the Battles of Trenton! Destination Trenton and the Patriots' Week Committee proudly present the inaugural Patriots' 5K Run. The course is through the streets of historic downtown Trenton where the Continental Army clashed with Hessian troops.

The run begins and ends at the Old Barracks Museum where runners will be surrounded by soldiers preparing for the Battle of Trenton reenactment. After the run, runners and their families are invited to watch the Battle of Trenton which begins at 11:00 AM, and to participate in other Patriot Week activities. Click here https://www.runtheday.com/app/find/register/500 for Patriots' Week information. Runners are encouraged to wear Patriots or Battle of Trenton themed costumes. $25 Registration Fee, $15 Under 14 Race t-shirt for those that register by December 20th. 

 

Lunch with the Soldiers

12/31 12 to 2p.m. Masonic Temple Front & Barrack St.  

Join the reenactors as they take a break between battles to enjoy lunch at the historic Masonic Temple. The lunch will be roast beef, potatoes, and mixed vegetables.  Coffee and water will also be available. Meet and talk with the men who put on the Battles of Trenton which are the most important Battles of the Revolutionary War.  Tickets are $15pp and must be purchased in advance. Limited to 50 people. To purchase tickets visit http://lunchwithsoldiers.eventbrite.com

Revolutionary Pub Crawl 

12/29 7:30 p.m.

The tavern in Colonial America was not only a lodging place for travelers, but where people went to enjoy a drink, get the latest news and discuss politics and religion.  It was also a place where history was made.  Years after the Revolutionary War, the French Arms Tavern in Trenton served as the capitol of the United States, and meeting place of the Congress of the Confederation from November 1 to December 24, 1784. Join us in raising a glass to these social hubs of the past, the role they played in shaping our country's history and their influence on how we socialize today. For the Revolutionary Pub Crawl we will begin at the Trenton Marriott (1Lafayette St.), then head over to Checkers (14 South Warren St.), then to Eleven Front Bar and Grill (11 Front St.), Settimo Cielo (17 East Front St.),Joe's Mill Hill Saloon (300 South Broad St.) and end at Trenton Social (449 South Broad St).

Bus Tours... (Limited Seating)

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Bus Tour: Washington's Crossing

12/30 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.Trenton Visitors Center 102 Barrack St. 

This bus trip sets the stage for the 10-Days Campaign with a walking tour of Washington's Crossing on both the New Jersey and Pennsylvania sides, including across the bridge, -- it can get cold -- to develop a dramatic narrative of this world-famous event. The Capital City Tours bus then follows the route of General Washington's troops as they approach the city for their surprise attack. This tour will be guided by Ralph Siegel of Trenton Battlefield Tours. It is Part 1 of a 3-part tour package covering the 10-Days Campaign. (Special Patriots Week Only Pricing) Tickets are $20 per person for the bus tour.  Tickets may be purchased online at http://washingtonbustour.eventbrite.com or by calling 609.777.1770.

Bus Tour: Battle of Princeton
12/30 1 to 4 p.m.Three hour bus trip meets at the Trenton Visitors Center, 102 Barrack St. for a brief walk to Mill Hill Park before boarding the Capital City Tour bus for Princeton.Trip features important sites on the approach to the battlefield, walking tour of the battlefield and finishes at the refurbished Princeton Battle Monument. Bus returns to the Trenton Visitors Center. It is Part 3 of a 3part tour package covering the 10-Days Campaign. (Special Patriots Week Only Pricing) Tickets are $20 per person for the bus tour.  Tickets may be purchased online at http://princetonbattlebustour.eventbrite.com or by calling 609-777-1770.

Old Favorites... 

 

Patriots Week Battle Scene
  
Colonial Ball
12/29 from 7 to 10 p.m. Masonic Temple, Front and Barrack Streets 
Dance under the direction of Dancemaster Neil  DeMarino to the live accompaniment of "Rules of Civility" (Ridley and Anne Enslow on fiddle and hammered dulcimer). Light refreshments will be served. Ladies are encouraged to wear long skirts so as to better work with the dance moves. Admission $15. Reservations Required. Call (609) 396-1776 to reserve.
 
Battles of Trenton Reenactments      
12/31. 1st Battle Reenactment start at 11 a.m. at the Battle Monument, corner of North Broad & Warren streets. 2nd Battle Reenactment starts at 3 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 120 East State St.
Follow the action from the symbolic first cannon shot fired at the current site of the Battle Monument, down Warren Street to Front Street to a final skirmish on the field located adjacent to the Old Barracks Museum on Barrack Street.  In just a few hours on the day after Christmas, the rebel forces-exhausted, dressed in rags, ill from the cold and lack of sleep and decent food-had accomplished the impossible by inflicting a crippling blow to the world's greatest army.  

Trenton Battlefield Walking Tour

12/29 from 10 a.m. to noon. Caf� Ole, 126 S. Warren St.
This 10-block interpretive walk narrates the events of the two battles of Trenton.  Broad and Warren Streets turn back to Queen and King Streets as Washington's shivering troops approach from two directions to strike the Hessian forces with shock and awe. Guests are welcome to gather starting at 9am for an informal lecture and question and answer session. The tour will be led by Ralph Siegel of Trenton Battlefield Tours. It is Part 2 of a 3-part tour package covering the 10-Days Campaign. To reserve call 609-777-1770. (Special Patriots Week Only Pricing) A $3 donation is requested.
Family
For the kiddies..

 

 Patriots Week Puppet Show

 

Puppet Show: The Trouble with Trenton
12/27 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. East Hanover Street and Warren Street
A "mini" historical look at an amazing piece of our history presented with marionettes & rod puppets (and lots of help from the audience).  Show includes live music, large puppets & props, and plenty of "revolting" action, courtesy of Tucker's Tales Puppet Theatre. Free Admission

Laser Nutcracker Special 3D Planetarium Show:
12/27,28, & 29 11a.m. & 1p.m. NJ State Museum Planetarium
This entertaining show captures the joyous spirit of the season with spectacular effects and brilliant laser light.  In addition to the classical music from Tchaikovsky's beloved ballet, the program includes Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and other favorites. The Planetarium will also have a 10 minute live demonstration of the sky set to December 25, 1776. Learn about the constellations and visible planets that occupied the sky on the stormy evening when George Washington crossed the Delaware. Suitable for general audiences.  General admission: $7 adult; $5 child (twelve and under) Visit www.newjerseystatemuseum.org or call 609-292-6464
 
Family Friendly Tour and Scavenger Hunt
12/29 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. State House 125 West State St.

Explore the New Jersey State House and discover all the things that make this building one of the most important public buildings in the entire state: beautiful architecture, a rich history, and the dynamic lawmaking process that occurs throughout the building's corridors.  At each stop, a tour guide will share exciting facts and stories.  Afterwards, families will have the opportunity to investigate the room and uncover the answers to a scavenger hunt.  This tour is appropriate for families with children 5 through 12 years of age.  Space is limited.  For more information, please call the New Jersey State House Tour office at

(609) 633-2709 Free Admission

  

Patriot Quiz Games:

12/29 3 to 4:00 p.m. NJ State Museum Auditorium 205 West State St.
Test your knowledge in colonial history.  This interactive program will use the format of popular game shows to both educate and entertain an audience of all ages.  The program highlights will include: "Will the Real Alexander Hamilton Please Stand Up?", "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?", "Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader?", "Patriot Jeopardy", and "Patriot Bingo," Special guest appearance by George Washington.  Valuable prizes will be provided by the American Institute for History Education. Free Admission 
For the complete Patriots' Week schedule, click here
 
For all other questions about Patriots' Week, call 
 Need a place to stay during Patriots' Week? Stay at the Trenton Marriott.

Daily Schedule

Music/Dancing

Patriots Week Music

Colonial Ball
 
The Fifes & Drums of The Old Barracks Concert
 
Period Musical program by John Burkhalter
 
Harpsichord played by Carl Nittinger

Films

Janice Meredith (1924) Silent Film Screening

Film Screening: Morristown: Where America Survived

Film Screening: Ten Crucial Days: Road to Liberty

Film Screening: Fireside Kitchen: Camp Followers' Meal

 Film NJ Legacy Series: The Republica Rebellion

Lectures/Readings

Patriots' Podium Lecture on the American Revolution

Tadeusz Kosciuszko: Hero of Two Revolutions by Dr. Joseph E. Wroblewski

African Americans in the American Revolution 

Trenton: A Novel; Talk with Authors John Calu and Dave Hart:

Trenton Masonry Talk  by Robert N. Stutz

Slavery during the American Revolutionary War: NJ's Perspective on it's Enslaved Africans talk led by Baye Kemit

 

Cultural & Spiritual Impact of the Revolution on Native Americans

Was Jinnie Jackson Waglum, Trenton's "Molly Pitcher?"

 

Casimir Pulaski: Campaigns in the Delaware Valley Talk by Dr. Joseph E.Wroblewski 

Tours/Walks

First Presbyterian Church Site Tours
 
Masonic Temple Site Tours
 
 Old Barracks Museum Tours
 
1719 William Trent House Tour
 
St. Michael's Church Site Tour
 
Trenton Battlefield Walking Tour
 
State House Civic Tours
 
Family Friendly Tour and Scavenger Hunt

Hidden Treasures Tour of the State House
  
Cemetery Walk  

Eat/Shop

 

Messy Klosets

101 South Warren St.

 

Queen Couture

230 East State St.

 

Friends Shop

205 West State St.

 

Classics Used & Rare Book

118 South Warren St.

 

Just A Little Something

40 West Lafayette St.

Wanna grab a bite after the battle re-enactments on Saturday?
 
Check out these places: 

Checkers
 14 S. Warren St.
 
Downtown Deli
118 South Warren St.

E.Front Cafe
13 East Front St.

Stace of Cakes
11 North Willow St.

Cafe International
241 East Front St.

and much more......

What about the rest of the week, you ask? Click here for a full list of shops and restaurants downtown.  

Free Weekend Parking

Free weekend parking from 5 p.m. Friday to 3 p.m. Sunday at the Liberty Commons garage (Front Street btwn Warren and Broad), and 5 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Monday at the Lafayette Yard garage (corner of Warren and Lafayette).

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