PRINCETON NJ Announcement

Princeton 250th Celebration Events

February 16, 2026

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  Feel free to scroll to the bottom of the page for a list of resources regarding local historical references.

 

 

July 5, 2026 - America250 Walking Tour, Historical Society of Princeton, 2pm

What happened in Princeton during the Revolution? Visit locations occupied or ransacked by the British in 1776; homes of signers of the Declaration and members of the Continental Congress; taverns, where Patriots and Loyalists mingled, debated, and plotted; and a site where the Battle of Princeton was fought. Tour starts at the Princeton Battle Monument, 1 Monument Drive Princeton. Tickets are $25 per person. Available dates: June 28 and July 5 at 2:00 pm.

Click here for more information

 

July 8, 2026 - Trenton Heritage Week - 250th Annual Proclamation of the Declaration of Independence, 12-7pm

250th Annual Proclamation of the Declaration of Independence will take place at noon -- the same site and time as the very first reading of the Declaration outside of Philadelphia in 1776. A second reading at 6 pm will coincide with readings taking place in every state and territory of the U.S., and will be followed by a free concert by the 55 musicians of the Blawenburg Band, including a composition entitled "The Battle of Trenton," composed by James Hewitt in 1792 and dedicated to George Washington.

12 Noon: Official reading at 23 South Warren Street, Trenton, NJ, 1 PM: History Fest250 – on Warren Street, 3 PM: Walking Tour of Historic Downtown Trenton,

6 PM: International Proclamation of the Declaration of Independence, 6:30 PM: Blawenburg Band Colonial Concert

Click here for more information

 

July 8, 2026 - Summer Reading Soirée, "A Founding Mother: A Novel of Abigail Adams", Morven Museum & Garden, 6:30pm

The authors discuss and sign copies of "A Founding Mother: A Novel of Abigail Adams" at this annual gathering featuring refreshments, giveaways and more. Tickets are $20; proceeds benefit the library. A popular library tradition since 2016, the annual Summer Reading Soirée features sparkling beverages, sorbet, sweet treats, as well as door prizes and giveaways. Attendees have the opportunity to mingle with library staff and fellow book lovers, share favorite recent reads and discover new titles to add to their summer reading lists. The soirée also offers a chance to stroll through the beautiful grounds of Morven Museum & Garden. Tickets for this special event, held on the grounds of Morven Museum & Garden, are $20 and include a copy of "A Founding Mother." Tickets are limited to 125 attendees.

Click here for more information

 

July 9, 2026 - Poetry Circle: America 250 Poetry Reading and Discussion, Lawrence Headquarters Branch, 6:30-8pm.

2751 Brunswick Pike Lawrenceville, NJ 08648  609-883-8292

Join us for a special Poetry Reading and discussion as we explore the many voices that shape our nation. We'll share poems such as Walt Whitman's "I Hear America Singing," Langston Hughes's "I, Too," Maya Angelou's "America," Philip Freneau's "The American Soldier," Stephen Dunn's "The Sacred," and Gregory Djanikian's "Immigrant Picnic." We will also honor our Poetry Circle presenters, who have led discussions for over a decade, at this special occasion. Librarian Sharon will lead this session.Sponsored by the Friends of the Lawrence Library. Registration is requested.

Click here for more information

 

July 11, 2026 - Unearthing History, One Page at a Time: Revolutionary War Pension Files, 10-11:30am.

Hopewell Branch 245 Pennington-Titusville Road Pennington, NJ 08534  609-737-2610

Through a collaboration between the National Archives and the National Park Service, this archive contains valuable details about Revolutionary War veterans and their families. You may find copies of marriage or other family records, information pertaining to military activities or details about soldiers' lives, along with letters, diaries, or family trees. Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop; a limited number are available on site. Registration is requested.

 

July 12, 2026 - Revolution Sundays - Princeton Battlefield Tour, Princeton Battlefield Society, 1pm.

Revolutionary Sundays offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore the Ten Crucial Days, the Battle of Princeton, and the people whose lives were shaped by the American Revolution. In celebration of the Nation’s 250th Anniversary, the Princeton Battlefield Society is pleased to offer a series of themed interpretive programs from May through October. These programs feature knowledgeable Historical Interpreters who bring both military and social history to life. Join us and become part of the American Revolution — register today for Revolutionary Sundays!

More Info/Schedule

 

July 12, 2026 - Alive in Ewing: Guided Tours Recognizing Revolution-Era Soldiers & Citizens

July 12 & 21, with guided tours at 2:00, 3:00, & 4:00p.m. The Ewing Township Historic Preservation Society (ETHPS) at the Ewing Church Cemetery - 101 Scotch Road, Ewing

Tours in the revolution-era section of the Ewing church cemetery talking about their lives in the 1700s. Features historian and author, Larry Kidder, and Ewing observer columnist, Helen Kull as tour guides. Accessibility accommodations, such as designated accessible parking spaces in front of the sanctuary, and folding chairs in the Revolutionary War section, are available

Free and open to the public  Phone: (609) 883-2455. Email: info@ethps.org   Website: www.ethps.org

 

July 15, 2026 - African Americans During the Revolutionary Era With Speaker Dr. Lindsey Swindall, 7pm.

Hopewell Valley Historical Society at the Hopewell Presbyterian Church - 80 W Broad St, Hopewell

Dr. Lindsey Swindall will explore the sometimes-overlooked issues of how the American Revolution impacted people of African descent and how they participated in the Revolutionary movement. Individual contributions will also be examined with special attention to African Americans in New Jersey.

Free and open to the public

Email: info@hopewellvalleyhistory.org

Website: www.hopewellvalleyhistory.org

 

July 16, 2026 - Summer Jazz Concert: Ambiance Duo with Dennis Ionata, Lawrence Headquarters Branch, 7pm.

2751 Brunswick Pike Lawrenceville, NJ 08648  609-883-8292

Celebrate Independence Day and America's 250th Anniversary with a patriotic, relaxing evening of jazz. Enjoy the warm, swinging sound of Ambiance Duo—Bob Smith (clarinet) and Debbie Smith (bass), performing together for over forty-five years—joined by trumpeter Dennis Ionata. The program features beloved American classics including: God Bless America, America the Beautiful, and The Star Spangled Banner, along with jazz favorites like When You're Smiling, All of Me, and Blue Skies. Sit back and enjoy timeless melodies and all American jazz. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lawrence Library. Registration is requested.

 

July 19, 2026 - When The Declaration of Independence Was News, Morven Museum & Garden, 2-3:30pm.

Join us for the next program in the Generation Declaration series, “When the Declaration of Independence Was News,” with Historian of the Declaration of Independence Emily Sneff.

When the Declaration of Independence Was News focuses on the nation’s founding document at the moment of its creation in 1776, before anyone knew what the legacy of the Declaration would be or if the United States would win the war against Great Britain. It explores how the Declaration was communicated to people in the new nation and around the Atlantic world and reveals the stories of the many people involved in the process of declaring independence, from printers to soldiers to diplomats to translators. This program will be offered in a hybrid format, offering both in-person and virtual tickets.

Click here for more information

 

 

July 21, 2026 - George Washington's Ten Crucial Days, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Hickory Corner Branch 138 Hickory Corner Road East Windsor, NJ 08520 609-448-1330

Drawing from his book Winning the Ten Crucial Days, historian David Price explores the decisive 1776-1777 winter campaign, revealing how leadership, geography, weather, and artillery converged to secure General George Washington's victory and alter the course of the Revolutionary War. Registration is requested.

 

 

July 26, 2026 - Revolution Sundays - Princeton Battlefield Tour, Princeton Battlefield Society, 1pm.

Revolutionary Sundays offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore the Ten Crucial Days, the Battle of Princeton, and the people whose lives were shaped by the American Revolution. In celebration of the Nation’s 250th Anniversary, the Princeton Battlefield Society is pleased to offer a series of themed interpretive programs from May through October. These programs feature knowledgeable Historical Interpreters who bring both military and social history to life. Join us and become part of the American Revolution — register today for Revolutionary Sundays!

More Info/Schedule

 

July 30, 2026 - Listening to the Revolution: 250 Years of American Music, Morven Museum & Garden, 6pm.

Grab a blanket, some lawn chairs and the whole family for a musical evening marking the 250th anniversary of the United States at the home of a signer of the Declaration of Independence and New Jersey’s first Governor’s Mansion. The Blawenburg Band will conclude their tour of performances called “Listening to the Revolution: 250 Years of American Music” with a free concert on Morven’s front lawn. We hope to see you there! The event is free to attend. Please pre-register to let us know that you’re coming. The weather date is Friday, July 31.

Click here for more information

 

July 31, 2026 - Book Talk with Brooke Barbier: A Revolutionary Take on Cocktails & History, 5pm.

Step back in time to the candlelit taverns of 1776 and the years before as public historian Brooke Barbier examines the surprising role that alcohol played in shaping the nation! In her latest book, Cocked and Boozy: An Intoxicated History of the American Revolution, Barbier uncovers how a good pour influenced politics, relationships and the colonial economy. Pairing great stories with great libations, each chapter concludes with an eighteenth-century cocktail recipe, so thirsty readers can sip along. Join us at the Nassau Inn for an evening of unexpected history, storytelling and spirited sips!

Click here for more information

 

August 2, 2026 - Revolution Sundays - Princeton Battlefield Tour, Princeton Battlefield Society, 1pm.

Revolutionary Sundays offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore the Ten Crucial Days, the Battle of Princeton, and the people whose lives were shaped by the American Revolution. In celebration of the Nation’s 250th Anniversary, the Princeton Battlefield Society is pleased to offer a series of themed interpretive programs from May through October. These programs feature knowledgeable Historical Interpreters who bring both military and social history to life. Join us and become part of the American Revolution — register today for Revolutionary Sundays!

More Info/Schedule

 

August 16, 2026 - Revolution Sundays - Princeton Battlefield Tour, Princeton Battlefield Society, 1pm.

Revolutionary Sundays offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore the Ten Crucial Days, the Battle of Princeton, and the people whose lives were shaped by the American Revolution. In celebration of the Nation’s 250th Anniversary, the Princeton Battlefield Society is pleased to offer a series of themed interpretive programs from May through October. These programs feature knowledgeable Historical Interpreters who bring both military and social history to life. Join us and become part of the American Revolution — register today for Revolutionary Sundays!

More Info/Schedule

 

September 6, 2026 - Revolution Sundays - Princeton Battlefield Tour, Princeton Battlefield Society, 1pm.

Revolutionary Sundays offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore the Ten Crucial Days, the Battle of Princeton, and the people whose lives were shaped by the American Revolution. In celebration of the Nation’s 250th Anniversary, the Princeton Battlefield Society is pleased to offer a series of themed interpretive programs from May through October. These programs feature knowledgeable Historical Interpreters who bring both military and social history to life. Join us and become part of the American Revolution — register today for Revolutionary Sundays!

More Info/Schedule

 

September 10, 2026 - Princeton and the American Revolution: A Four-Part Series, HSP

Updike Farmstead, 354 Quaker Road

When: Thursdays, September 10, 17, 24, and October 1 Time: 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm (one hour talk with Q & A)

Dive into the 250th anniversary with this comprehensive program highlighting several Revolutionary War events, culminating in the Battle of Princeton. Discussions will include the largest battle of the war, the Battle of Brooklyn, and its local implications; the “Ten Crucial Days;” and the summer of 1783, when Princeton served as the nation’s capital.  Click here for more information

 

September 13, 2026 - Revolution Sundays - Princeton Battlefield Tour, Princeton Battlefield Society, 1pm.

Revolutionary Sundays offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore the Ten Crucial Days, the Battle of Princeton, and the people whose lives were shaped by the American Revolution. In celebration of the Nation’s 250th Anniversary, the Princeton Battlefield Society is pleased to offer a series of themed interpretive programs from May through October. These programs feature knowledgeable Historical Interpreters who bring both military and social history to life. Join us and become part of the American Revolution — register today for Revolutionary Sundays!

More Info/Schedule

 

September 27, 2026 - Revolution Sundays - Princeton Battlefield Tour, Princeton Battlefield Society, 1pm.

Revolutionary Sundays offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore the Ten Crucial Days, the Battle of Princeton, and the people whose lives were shaped by the American Revolution. In celebration of the Nation’s 250th Anniversary, the Princeton Battlefield Society is pleased to offer a series of themed interpretive programs from May through October. These programs feature knowledgeable Historical Interpreters who bring both military and social history to life. Join us and become part of the American Revolution — register today for Revolutionary Sundays!

More Info/Schedule

 

October 3, 2026  - Princeton 1776 Fest - Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street

Rain Date - October 4

This free community celebration — 250 years in the making — will include live music, living history interpreters and craftspeople, special exhibitions, and food and drink. Co-sponsored by HSP, Morven, Princeton Battlefield Society, and Daughters of the American Revolution. Click here for more information

 

October 11, 2026 - Revolution Sundays - Princeton Battlefield Tour, Princeton Battlefield Society, 1pm.

Revolutionary Sundays offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore the Ten Crucial Days, the Battle of Princeton, and the people whose lives were shaped by the American Revolution. In celebration of the Nation’s 250th Anniversary, the Princeton Battlefield Society is pleased to offer a series of themed interpretive programs from May through October. These programs feature knowledgeable Historical Interpreters who bring both military and social history to life. Join us and become part of the American Revolution — register today for Revolutionary Sundays!

More Info/Schedule

 

October 18, 2026 - Revolution Sundays - Princeton Battlefield Tour, Princeton Battlefield Society, 1pm.

Revolutionary Sundays offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore the Ten Crucial Days, the Battle of Princeton, and the people whose lives were shaped by the American Revolution. In celebration of the Nation’s 250th Anniversary, the Princeton Battlefield Society is pleased to offer a series of themed interpretive programs from May through October. These programs feature knowledgeable Historical Interpreters who bring both military and social history to life. Join us and become part of the American Revolution — register today for Revolutionary Sundays!

More Info/Schedule

 

 

HISTORY LINKS WE LIKE

 

David Center for the American Revolution - https://www.amphilsoc.org/david-center-american-revolution

Historic Germantown - https://historicgermantownpa.org/2026-events-and-experiences/

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

Mercer 250 - https://250.mercercountynj.gov/

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/