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Morven Museum & Garden 55 Stockton Street
(609) 924-8144
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Events04/09/2026: The Declaration in Script and Print, Morven Museum & Garden Join us for the next program in the Generation Declaration series, “The Declaration in Script and Print,” with John Bidwell, Curator Emeritus at the Morgan Library. The Declaration of Independence became a work of art during the nineteenth century. New printing technologies helped to produce copiously ornamented facsimile editions illustrated with portraits, autographs, and patriotic emblems, some touted as precious relics, others aimed at the bottom of the market. In this talk drawing from his new book, The Declaration in Script and Print: A Visual History of America’s Founding Document, graphic arts historian John Bidwell will illustrate the widespread influence of Declaration prints and broadsides on American popular culture.. 04/11/2026: Live History Weekend at Morven Morven Museum & Garden presents "In Time," an interactive mystery theatre experience with Live History USA. Visitors travel through the historic mansion solving a mystery with help from characters from Morven's past. Dates/Times: Saturday and Sunday, April 11–12, 10 am–4 pm (approximately 45 minutes) 04/16/2026: Morven's Grand Homes and Gardens: 'Freedom at Home' Series Middleton Place with Brandon Stone The fourth and final program in the 2026 Grand Homes and Gardens series, Freedom at Home: Telling the Full Story of America’s Founding Homes & Gardens, featuring Middleton Place in Charleston, South Carolina with speaker Brandon Stone, Director Research and Preservation. 04/16/2026: April Afternoon Tea with the Secret Tea Room, Morven Museum & Garden Travel back in time with an enchanting afternoon Cream Tea service in Morven’s historic Garden Room. Experience a tea service within the walls of an over 200-year old mansion overlooking the museum’s gardens. Seatings offered at 12:00 p.m. and 2:15 p.m. 04/17/2026: April Afternoon Tea with the Secret Tea Room, Morven Museum & Garden Travel back in time with an enchanting afternoon Cream Tea service in Morven’s historic Garden Room. Experience a tea service within the walls of an over 200-year old mansion overlooking the museum’s gardens. Seatings offered at 12:00 p.m. and 2:15 p.m. 04/19/2026: Earth Day Celebration Trashion Show, Morven & Sustainable Princeton Walk the runway in the second annual Trashion Show, turning everyday items like paper bags, broken umbrellas, and plastic utensils into wearable works of art. Prizes will be awarded in three age categories. Registration Deadline: Friday, April 3 04/19/2026: Earth Day Celebration 2026, Morven & Sustainable Princeton Join Sustainable Princeton and Morven Museum & Garden for a free afternoon of sustainable outdoor fun, with crafts, activities, a book and puzzle swap, clothing drive, raffle prizes, and more. Date/Time: Sunday, April 19, 12–4 pm (rain or shine) 04/29/2026: The Ingenious Mr. Hopkinson: A Life in Words & Musick, Morven Museum & Garden Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street Francis Hopkinson, a member of the Continental Congress and a signer of the Declaration of Independence, was also an inventor, designer, accomplished poet, and multi-talented musician, credited as the first native composer of the United States. This lecture/performance, led by The Practitioners of Musick’s John Burkhalter, will include a rich and diverse selection of music, the same repertory owned and enjoyed by Hopkinson in printed and manuscript copies that survive to this day. 05/02/2026: 250th Exhibition Premiere & Founding Feast Benefit, Morven Museum & Garden This year, Morven’s annual spring fundraiser takes on special significance. In honor of America’s Semiquincentennial, the 250th Exhibition Premiere & Founding Feast will take the place of our traditional Morven in May, marking the opening of a landmark exhibition exploring New Jersey’s vital role in our nation’s founding. This signature evening will offer guests a first look at Five Independent Souls: The Signers from New Jersey, a landmark exhibition that reflects on the lives, legacies, and enduring impact of the state’s five signers of the Declaration of Independence. 05/14/2026: New Jersey Women’s Revolutionary Experiences, Morven Museum & Garden As we commemorate the 250th anniversary of American Independence, this presentation will explore the varied experiences of New Jersey women during the era of the American Revolution. For many New Jersey women, the home front and battlefields remained inextricably connected throughout the war. Attention to women’s experiences brings to light the complex, contested, and prolonged nature of the American Revolution in New Jersey. This program is offered in a hybrid format offering both in-person and virtual access. A Zoom link for virtual attendees will be shared via email following registration. The program will be recorded and a recording shared with all registrants after the event. 10/03/2026: Princeton 1776 Fest, Morven Museum & Garden Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street 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. News03/17/2026: New Spring Programs at Morven Museum & Garden Solve a mystery at the museum—plus returning favorites, live performances, and a free community celebration this spring
PRINCETON, NJ (March 17, 2026) — Spring at Morven Museum & Garden brings a vibrant season of programs celebrating history, creativity, and community. From immersive historical experiences and thought-provoking talks to annual traditions and a festive outdoor celebration, Morven invites visitors of all ages to explore the stories of America's past while enjoying the beauty of the historic property.
The spring lineup continues Morven's yearlong commemoration of America's 250th anniversary, with illustrated lectures and performances that explore the lives, ideas, and contradictions of the nation's founding era. Highlights include the Generation Declaration speaker series and the new Signer Stories series, including a musical evening exploring the life of Francis Hopkinson—New Jersey signer of the Declaration of Independence credited as the first native composer of the United States. Also new this year is an immersive Live History Weekend, where visitors solve a mystery in the mansion with help from characters in Morven's past.
Seasonal traditions return to Morven, including the museum's annual online plant sale fundraiser, elegant Afternoon Teas with The Secret Tearoom, and a free Earth Day Celebration presented in partnership with Sustainable Princeton.
"Spring is always an exciting time at Morven, when our gardens begin to bloom and our programs bring together history lovers, families, and the community," said Rhonda DiMascio, Executive Director of Morven Museum & Garden. "This season's events reflect the creativity and curiosity that define Morven—whether visitors are exploring the stories behind the Declaration of Independence, celebrating sustainability on Earth Day, or discovering the beauty of local gardens."
Other highlights include the annual Princeton Garden Tour, where stunning private gardens open for one day to support Morven Museum & Garden and the Historical Society of Princeton.
Registration is now open at morven.org/events. Details on the full slate of spring programs are below.
CALENDAR LISTINGS
Annual Plant Sale Sale dates: Through Monday, April 6
Grand Homes & Gardens Blending history, architecture, and horticulture, this series explores the residences and landscapes of the Declaration's signers while sharing the stories of the people who lived and worked there—including enslaved people, families, and servants. Upcoming Programs: Dates/Times: Thursdays, March 26 and April 16, 6:30 pm (doors open at 6 pm for refreshments)
The Declaration in Script in Print Date/Time: Thursday, April 9, 6:30 pm Register at morven.org/events
Live History Weekend at Morven Dates/Times: Saturday and Sunday, April 11–12, 10 am–4 pm (approximately 45 minutes)
Afternoon Tea with The Secret Tearoom Dates/Times: April 16 and 17; May 21 and 22; September 24 and 25; October 15 and 16; November 5 and 6; seatings at 12 pm and 2:15 pm
Earth Day Celebration Trashion Show Registration Deadline: Friday, April 3
Earth Day Celebration 2026 Date/Time: Sunday, April 19, 12–4 pm (rain or shine)
The Ingenious Mr. Hopkinson – A Life in Words & Musick Date/Time: Wednesday, April 29, 6:30 pm
250th Exhibition Premiere & Founding Feast Date/Time: Saturday, May 2, 6–9 pm
New Jersey Women's Revolutionary Experiences Date/Time: Thursday, May 14, 6:30 pm Presented in partnership with the William Trent House Museum Register at morven.org/events
Slavery and the Declaration of Independence: The Deleted Clauses Date/Time: Sunday, May 17, 2 pm
Princeton Garden Tour 2026 Date/Time: Saturday, June 13, 11 am–4 pm Details at princetonhistory.org
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About Morven Museum & Garden:
Today, Morven Museum & Garden welcomes visitors to explore this layered history through exhibitions, programs, and historic gardens. The museum, located at 55 Stockton Street in Princeton, NJ, is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am-4 pm. The gardens are open daily until dusk. Learn more at morven.org. 02/16/2026: Morven Museum & Garden 2026 Exhibitions and Public Programs 02/07/2026: Morven's Grand Homes & Gardens Series March 5 - April 16
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