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  Feel free to scroll to the bottom of the page for a list of resources regarding local historical references.

October 15, 2025 - Mary Tanner Lecture, Lawrence Historical Society, Free. 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Lawrence High School, 2525 Princeton Pike, Lawrence. www.thelhs.org. "American Revolution 250 - Aaron Burr and the Hamilton Musical" presented by Rick Feingold, who discusses Aaron Burr, the man versus the musical. Using audio excerpts from the musical, Feingold explores the life of this most controversial Founding Father and Mercer County resident. Was he really a villain? Register via EventBrite. 

October 23, 2025 - Screening of "The American Revolution" - 

Join us on Thursday, October 23, at 7:00 PM at Washington Crossing Historic Park for an exclusive advance screening of The American Revolution, the highly anticipated new PBS documentary series from Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt. This six-part series explores America’s fight for independence through the diverse voices of those who lived it, and several segments were filmed right here at the Park.

The evening will feature a curated 45-minute reel introduced by Director Sarah Botstein, followed by a panel discussion with filmmakers and living-history interpreters. Together, they will discuss how documentaries and reenactments bring the Revolutionary era to life and connect audiences to stories that go beyond the written record.

Tickets are $20 for members of Friends of Washington Crossing Park and Princeton Battlefield Society, or $40 for general admission. Seating is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot today.

October 28, 2025 - David Center Lecture – “The Painter’s Fire: A Forgotten History of the Artists Who Championed the American Revolution”

Discover the untold story of artists who fought for American independence. Presented by historian Zara Anishanslin and hosted in partnership with the David Center at the American Philosophical Society. This lecture traces the remarkable lives of Robert Edge Pine, Prince Demah, and Patience Wright, creatives who wielded paintbrushes, portraits, and wax to challenge monarchy and ignite revolutionary ideals. Explore how art, politics, and patriotism intertwined in the struggle for liberty. Attend in person at the Visitor Center Auditorium or virtually on Zoom. Registration is required, log-in information will be provided upon sign-up.

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

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

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

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

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