PRINCETON NJ Announcement

Princeton 250th Celebration Events

July 13, 2025

Nestled in the heart of American history and innovation, Princeton is proudly celebrating its 250th anniversary—a remarkable milestone for a town that has long stood at the crossroads of tradition, intellect, and community spirit. This year’s celebration is a vibrant tribute to Princeton’s rich past and dynamic present, featuring a series of exciting events that bring together residents, visitors, and alumni alike. From historical reenactments and art exhibitions to lively parades and community festivals, Princeton 250 is more than a commemoration—it’s a joyful reflection of the town’s enduring legacy and its bright future ahead. 

We will be updating this list all year long so please check back. Also, all events can be found on our Events Calendar.  Feel free to scroll to the bottom of the page for a list of resources regarding local historical references.

 

December 7, 2025 - 

General George Washington Presents “The Dark Days of the American Revolution” 

As the days keep getting darker in early December, it is a perfect time to hear “General Washington” talking about the Dark Days of the American Revolution. Join us as we kick off the semiquincentennial at Summerseat House, General Washington's Headquarters, on December 7th at 2:00 p.m. Sam Davis, portraying Washington, will bring that time in history to life, sharing details of the daring Battles of New York, Trenton (first and second), and Princeton. Summerseat House, located at 130 Legion Avenue in Morrisville, PA, is most famous as the Headquarters of General George Washington from December 8th to 14th, 1776. The well-known directive, "That all the boats and watercraft should be secured or destroyed," was issued by Washington while he was staying at Summerseat. This is a free event, but registration is required.

Click here for more information

 

Princeton History Walking Tour - 2-4pm. Historical Society of Princeton

Princeton Battle Monument, 1 Monument Drive, Princeton

Enjoy a walk around downtown Princeton and the University campus as you learn about historic sites in the area, including Nassau Hall, University Chapel and Palmer Square. Hear some of the classic history and lesser-known stories of Princeton’s diverse past. Tickets are $20. Advance purchase is required; use the form below. Tour starts in the courtyard of the Princeton Battle Monument (GPS address: 1 Monument Drive).

Please note: Space on this tour is limited to 25. Tickets are required for all participants. Questions? E-mail: eve@princetonhistory.org   

https://princetonhistory.org/events/princeton-history-walking-tour-235/

 

December 14 & 25, 2025 - Washington Crossing Reenactment 

Step back in time this December as General Washington's daring Delaware River crossing is brought to life during two spectacular reenactments at Washington Crossing Historic Park, located at 1112 River Road Washington Crossing, PA 18977 at the intersection of Routes 532 and 32. Thousands will gather on the banks of the river to witness this defining moment of the American Revolution, an enduring holiday tradition now in its 73rd year. The Friends of Washington Crossing Park will host two opportunities to experience the Crossing this season: the First Crossing on Sunday, December 14, and the Christmas Day Crossing on Thursday, December 25. Both events feature hundreds of reenactors in full Continental Army dress, bringing the 18th century to life with military drills, fife and drum music, and the dramatic river crossing in replica Durham boats. Click here for more information

 

Princeton History Walking Tour - 2-4pm. Historical Society of Princeton

Princeton Battle Monument, 1 Monument Drive, Princeton

Enjoy a walk around downtown Princeton and the University campus as you learn about historic sites in the area, including Nassau Hall, University Chapel and Palmer Square. Hear some of the classic history and lesser-known stories of Princeton’s diverse past. Tickets are $20. Advance purchase is required; use the form below. Tour starts in the courtyard of the Princeton Battle Monument (GPS address: 1 Monument Drive).

Please note: Space on this tour is limited to 25. Tickets are required for all participants. Questions? E-mail: eve@princetonhistory.org   

https://princetonhistory.org/events/princeton-history-walking-tour-236/

 

December 21, 2025  - 

Princeton History Walking Tour - 2-4pm. Historical Society of Princeton

Princeton Battle Monument, 1 Monument Drive, Princeton

Enjoy a walk around downtown Princeton and the University campus as you learn about historic sites in the area, including Nassau Hall, University Chapel and Palmer Square. Hear some of the classic history and lesser-known stories of Princeton’s diverse past. Tickets are $20. Advance purchase is required; use the form below. Tour starts in the courtyard of the Princeton Battle Monument (GPS address: 1 Monument Drive).

Please note: Space on this tour is limited to 25. Tickets are required for all participants. Questions? E-mail: eve@princetonhistory.org   

https://princetonhistory.org/events/princeton-history-walking-tour-237/

 

December 26 - 31, 2025 - Patriots Week

Every year, from December 26 to 31, New Jersey’s Capital City presents Patriots Week, offering residents and visitors the chance to explore historic sites and relive pivotal moments of the American Revolution. This immersive experience brings history to life and celebrates Trenton’s unique role in shaping our nation’s journey to independence. For 2025, Trenton’s Patriots Week history and heritage partners are offering a robust lineup of events for people of all ages and backgrounds. A new walking tour this year offers visitors the chance to explore three Colonial Churches of Trenton. Also new this year is a tour of the city’s historic Battle Monument. The pop-up Tavern Talk returns, promising visitors an “afternoon of immersive history and beer.” Special author lectures, historic tours and musical programs are also on tap, while returning favorites including Battle of Trenton Reenactments, the Trouble with Trenton interactive puppet show, the Colonial Ball, Pub Crawl, special children’s programs and even a Hogmanay celebration offer something for everyone. MORE INFO

 

December 28, 2025

Princeton History Walking Tour - 2-4pm. Historical Society of Princeton

Princeton Battle Monument, 1 Monument Drive, Princeton

Enjoy a walk around downtown Princeton and the University campus as you learn about historic sites in the area, including Nassau Hall, University Chapel and Palmer Square. Hear some of the classic history and lesser-known stories of Princeton’s diverse past. Tickets are $20. Advance purchase is required; use the form below. Tour starts in the courtyard of the Princeton Battle Monument (GPS address: 1 Monument Drive).

Please note: Space on this tour is limited to 25. Tickets are required for all participants. Questions? E-mail: eve@princetonhistory.org   

https://princetonhistory.org/events/princeton-history-walking-tour-238/

 

2026

 

January 4, 2026 - Experience The Battle of Princeton - 9:30 - 12pm.

Step onto the historic ground where American independence was fought for and won. Each January, the Princeton Battlefield Society presents Experience the Battle of Princeton—a powerful, immersive reenactment of the pivotal Battle of Princeton, fought on January 3, 1777.

This annual event honors the courage, strategy, and sacrifice of the men who turned the tide of the American Revolution during the final hours of the Ten Crucial Days campaign. With hundreds of reenactors, narrated battle action, and opportunities to engage with living historians, it’s a must-see experience for visitors of all ages. Click here for more information

 

January 9 & 10, 2026 - Grand Opening Gather Place Gallery America 250

Designated as an America250PA Officially Recognized Program – Gather Place Museum: Celebrating 250 Years of American Resilience in Pursuit of Liberty, Justice & Equality. Come out for a special 2-day celebration as Gather Place Museum proudly unveils their America 250th themed Gallery of Exhibits, Programs & People in honor of Pennsylvania’s Semiquincentennial. This patriotic community engagement event serves as a wonderful way to launch their full year of activities held at the Gather Place Museum’s headquarters — the Historic 1877 African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in the Historic District of Yardley Borough. ?Click here for more information

 

 

January 19, 2026 - Allentown'sVillage Initiative's Dinner with the President

Visit with our first President (as portrayed by Sam Davis) while enjoying a complete colonial-style dinner. Soup or salad / Meatloaf, pot roast or turkey with stuffing / Green beans, corn and corn muffin / Cherry or pumpkin pie with ice cream. Seatings at 5 and 6:30. Click here for more information

 

April 15 - July 12, 2026 - 

“Nursery of Rebellion”: Princeton and the American Revolution - Princeton University Library 

Drawing on an array of PUL’s manuscript and rare book collections, this exhibition will commemorate the 250th anniversaries of U.S. independence and the Battle of Princeton, and showcase Princeton’s archival treasures from the revolutionary era alongside documents and artifacts that reveal local experiences of the American Revolution on campus and in the surrounding communities. Exploring the Revolution across lines of gender, class, race, allegiance, and status, the exhibition will offer visitors a range of perspectives on the Revolution’s ideals and contradictions, its anxiety and violence, and its achievements and tragedies. More Info/Hours

 

June 19 - 21, 2026 - Battle of Monmouth Reenactment

Each year the Friends of Monmouth Battlefield co-sponsors, with the State of New Jersey, an annual reenactment of the battle. The event commemorates the anniversary of the longest, hottest battle of the Revolution, fought on June 28, 1778. Hundreds of troops encamp at the park and recreate scenarios of the battle over the weekend. There are also numerous presentations and lectures, tours of the camps, and sutler area open to the public. A suggested donation of $10.00 per car is requested to help cover the cost of the event. A food vendor will be on site and handicapped parking is available. DETAILS

 

HISTORY LINKS WE LIKE

 

Historical Society of Princeton - https://princetonhistory.org/

Old Barracks Museum - https://revolutionarynj.org/sites/old-barracks/

Princeton Battlefield Society - https://pbs1777.org/

Princeton Battlefield State Park - https://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/princetonbattlefieldstatepark.html

Revolution NJ - https://www.revnj.org/

Rockingham Historic Site - https://www.rockingham.net/

Trent House Museum - https://www.williamtrenthouse.org/

Washington Crossing Historic Park - https://www.washingtoncrossingpark.org/