-
princeton-america-250.jpg
-
drumthwacket-historic-virginia-hall-0023.jpg
-
wth-slider-8-22.jpg
-
hsp-site-updike-farmstead.jpg
-
mcpc-historic-watson-house.jpg
-
mcpc-history-of-trenton-tunnel-at-roebling-park.jpg
-
mcpc-howell-living-history-farm-02.jpg
-
mcpc-old-farmstead-at-baldpate-mountain.jpg
-
mcpc-roebling-mansion-staircase.jpg
-
morven-historical-sights-2854.jpg
-
nassau-church-historic-4489b.jpg
-
oneill-t-1-14.jpg
-
rockingham-historic-house-front.jpg
-
wash-crossing-rev-war-graves.jpg
-
wash-crossing-rock-wall-and-house.jpg
-
wash-crossing-the-hibbs-house-and-garden-back-cover.jpg
-
jhynes-parks-6518.jpg
Princeton NJ Historical Sites Announcements
Princeton 250th Celebration Events
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 Feel free to scroll to the bottom of the page for a list of resources regarding local historical references.
June 7, 2026 - Hoist a Flag in the Pursuit of Happiness; American Folklore as told by the Princeton Storytelling Circle, 11-12:30pm.
With Flag Day and the 4th of July just around the corner, come experience folklore and cultural heritage tales as part of a celebration of America's Semiquincentennial (250th Anniversary). Please bring portable chairs for seating. Princeton Storytelling Circle members will present a variety of stories to enrich your appreciation of an amazing American legacy. Come early for freshly brewed coffee and homemade treats at May's Café in the Barden (Botanical Art Garden)!
The Barden Gazebo, Herrontown Woods, 600 Snowden Lane, Princeton, NJ 08542
Click here for more information
June 7, 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!
June 10, 2026 - Heritage Lecure - Behind the Lines: Female Followers of the Continental Forces, 7:30pm.
Join us on June 10th at 7:30 PM via Zoom as we mark the semiquincentennial with a fresh perspective on the American Revolutionary War, one that centers the often-overlooked women who supported the Continental Army camp. Who were these women and why did they follow the army? Historian Samantha Allison's presentation illuminates the vital role of female camp followers: the women who marched alongside military units, performing the essential labor that sustained the army's daily operations. The presentation also explores how military authorities navigated the presence of female followers. Officers sought to balance the practical necessity of support services with the demands of discipline and logistics, revealing a complex relationship between these women and the army.
June 13, 2026 - Founders Day at The Old Barracks Museum, 11-3pm
Trenton, New Jersey- Save the date to celebrate history and preservation! The Old Barracks Museum is proud to announce the first annual Trenton Barracks Founders Day on June 13, 2026, from 11 AM to 3 PM. This event will be free thanks to our sponsor, Hunter Research. This family-friendly event promises a day filled with fun and entertainment for the entire community. Guests can enjoy a bubble show (11 AM and 1 PM), face painting, balloon animals, and food trucks, including Gita's Mobile Cafe, Memos Foodtruck, and Rainbow Snow. There will also be a rousing musical performance by the Blawenburg Band from 2 to 3 PM, entitled "Listening to the Revolution: 250 Years of American Music." https://barracks.org/event/founders-day/
June 14, 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!
June 14, 2026 - Concert: Freedom Rewind with B.K. Rivers and Friends, Palmer Square, 2-3:30pm.
Freedom Rewind is a high-energy show celebrating America’s 250th by rocking back to 1976, the year of the Bicentennial and a defining moment in American music. Celebrate America’s birthday and Flag Day by cranking up the volume and kicking it back 50 years to 1976, the year of the Bicentennial and some of the greatest rock and pop anthems ever made. Sure, we could play music from 1776, but let’s be honest, fifes and harpsichords don’t hit quite like Fleetwood Mac, AC/DC, The Who, Boston, or The Eagles.
This high-energy concert features unforgettable hits from the artists that defined a generation. It’s not a history lesson …it’s a time machine, and the destination is pure sonic nostalgia. Taking the stage is local band B.K. Rivers along with some added guests to create "Freedom Rewind," a powerhouse tribute band ready to rock the soundtrack of '76.
Click here for more information
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
June 19, 2026 - Great Ladies of Jazz, Princeton Festival, 7pm.
The Great Ladies of Jazz stars Capathia Jenkins and Aisha de Haas as they pay tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Judy Garland, Ginger Rogers, among others. This evening will feature many of the greatest hits from the Great American Songbook. Lucas Waldin returns to conduct the Princeton Symphony Orchestra.
Click here for more information
June 20, 2026 - The Crossing, Hopewell Valley Stage, 3 and 8pm
A sweeping new musical that reimagines George Washington`s Crossing of the Delaware, spotlighting the diverse, often overlooked voices of the Continental Army. The Crossing honors the courage and resilience of ordinary people whose choices shaped a nation. This event features a "revolutionary" concessions and drink menu and a post-show dialogue with creators and historians. This is a co-production by Hopewell Valley Stage and TenCrucialDays.org. Tickets start at $35. 3:00pm + 8:00pm.
Click here for more information
June 20, 2026 - The Bacon Brothers @The Princeton Festival, 7pm.
For The Bacon Brothers, music is all about exploration. The siblings, Kevin Bacon (known worldwide as an A-list Hollywood actor) and Michael Bacon (celebrated as an Emmy-winning composer), have spent the better part of three decades creating their own mix of folk, rock, soul, and country music. They call that diverse sound "forosoco," and it's taken them around the world, from headlining gigs in Japan to American performances at iconic venues like Carnegie Hall, the Grand Ole Opry and Gruene Hall.
Click here for more information
June 21, 2026 - AMERICA at 250! The Princeton Festival - 1-3pm.
Celebrate America's 250th Birthday with the Princeton Festival! America 250 flags and red, white, and blue pom-poms will be given out to the first 150 to enter the grounds.
1:15pm-2:15pm – Princeton Storytelling Circle members tell stories of folklore and heritage that celebrate our shared legacy as Americans. Friends of Washington Crossing Park Interpretive Specialist Alex Robb will be sharing information about Washington Crossing, the "Ten Crucial Days" of the Revolutionary War, traditional garb, and the lives of Washington's troops on site from 1-3pm. Snowcones available from Rainbow Snow. Quilting Exhibit in Stockton Education Center – Harriet Powers: American Icon (1837–1910), featuring the Princeton Sankofa Stitchers Modern Quilt Guild. Face Painting and Balloon Animal Artists from Princeton Events Co!
Click here for more information
June 21 , 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!
June 21, 2026 - American Fanfare, The Princeton Festival, 3pm.
The Princeton Symphony Orchestra pulls out all the stops for this celebration of America's semiquincentennial, presented in partnership with the Municipality of Princeton. Showcasing music by some of the country's top composers with themes of Americana, the past, present, and future of American music comes alive. The concert caps an afternoon of family-centered activities amid the historic grounds of Morven Museum & Garden. Come early to get in on the fun!
Click here for more information
June 22, 2026 - Author: Jeffrey A. Denman, Princeton Public Library, 6-7pm.
Historian and author Jeffrey A. Denman presents his new book, "Philadelphia Quakers and the American Revolution." Registration requested, but not required.
About the book (from the publisher): Discover the history of Philadelphia's Quakers as they rose to power and prosperity and fell into peril. Fleeing political upheavals in England for settlement in the New World, Quakers rose to unprecedented economic and political power in the Pennsylvania colony. However, the failure of the Quaker-dominated government to provide for defense in the wars from the 1730s into the 1760s was the beginning of their downfall. By the Revolution, their fortunes had waned, and they were brutally suppressed by their political foes. Seventeen influential Friends and three others were exiled to Virginia without so much as a hearing, and Quaker farms and businesses were subject to depredations. Labeled dissenters by Loyalist and Patriot alike, they stood their ground, alone and isolated.
Click here for more information
June 28, 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
June 30, 2026 - Tyrants and Rogues: Understanding the Declaration of Independence - Revolution Up Close: A Public Lecture Series, 7-8pm
Princeton University - Robertson Hall 100 (Arthur Lewis Auditorium)
From an acclaimed historian, a revelatory account of the Declaration of Independence, centered not on the lofty preamble but on the specific grievances that make up the bulk of the document and that offer an entirely new view into the Revolutionary era. We think of the Declaration of Independence as timeless. We know the sacred phrases: “all men are created equal,” “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” “self-evident truths,” “certain inalienable rights.” These are some of the most important words human beings have ever written. And they are all from the Declaration’s preamble, which has inspired people for centuries, including generations of revolutionaries all over the world.
Click here for more information
July 3, 2026 - America Celebrates 250th Celebration Kickoff, 1-9:30pm
On Friday, July 3rd, experience 10 different performances and educational events on platform stages from both sides of the Delaware River. Actors portraying patriots from the Revolution will be discussing their role in the country's founding in addition to music and dance performances throughout the day. The evening ends with a spectacular fireworks display from two launch boats that will be complemented with 200 drones over the river with synced music through stadium speakers.
Click here for more information
July 4, 2026 - Grand Reopening Celebration, Old Barracks Museum, 10am.
Join the Old Barracks Museum as we celebrate July 4th and America’s 250th anniversary with our grand reopening. We are excited to welcome guests back to the museum and unveil the results of our year-long restoration. The official opening will be at 10:00 AM when we welcome local officials to help us swing open the gates. Visitors are invited to a preview of three new exhibits that highlight the site’s, as well as New Jersey’s, vital role in American history. We will also be displaying for the first time in decades George Washington’s Inaugural Flower Arch, the original historic arch that he passed under during his inaugural march through Trenton. The celebration will include a recreation of the arch, covered with hand-dyed wood flowers, each representing a donor. A group photo will be taken with the donors at 11:00 PM. The vocal duo “Liberty Tree” (Stacy Roth and Bob Dupre) will sing “Welcome Mighty Chief,” an ode written by Major Richard Howell to the tune of Handel’s “See the Conquering Hero Comes,” at 10:30 AM. Join us for a day filled with living history, celebration, and community as we honor our heritage and look to the future!
Click here for more information
July 4, 2026 - Jubilee at Morven - 12-3pm.
It’s the 250th anniversary of the Fourth of July! Come celebrate community, reflect on America’s past, and envision what’s next - all at the home of a signer of the Declaration of Independence and New Jersey’s first Governor’s mansion. Morven’s annual Fourth of July Festival is free and open to the public, featuring activities and artmaking with community partners; garden tours; music; food; a chance to sign the Declaration of Independence; and more.
Click here for more information
July 4, 2026 - Independence Day Celebration @Washington Crossing Historic Park
Join us at Washington Crossing Historic Park on Saturday, July 4, 2026, from 4 PM – 9:30 PM for an evening of history, community celebration, live music, and fireworks over the Delaware River as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding!
Please note: Admission is required; registration is recommended only for the 4–8 PM Living History Program. The evening concert and fireworks are free and open to the public; no registration is required to attend those portions of the event.
Step into Revolutionary America as you explore a military encampment, watch living historians demonstrate traditional crafts, participate in children’s activities and experience musket and artillery firing demonstrations. Readings of the Declaration of Independence will take place throughout the evening. As the living history program concludes, visitors are invited to enjoy live music along the waterfront, including a special fife and drum performance. The celebration will conclude with a festive fireworks display over the Delaware River (weather permitting).
Food trucks will be on site throughout the evening, offering food, snacks, and refreshments. The Friends of Washington Crossing Park will operate a concession stand serving hot dogs, chips, and beverages. All proceeds support educational programming at the park.
Click here for more information
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 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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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/
