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  Feel free to scroll to the bottom of the page for a list of resources regarding local historical references.

January 25, 2026 - Slavery and the Declaration of Independence: The Deleted Clauses, Morven Museum & Garden

Morven’s new series Generation Declaration  launches with Organization of American Historians (OAH) Distinguished Lecturer Holly Brewer, Burke Professor of American History and Associate Professor at the University of Maryland, discussing the Declaration’s deleted clauses, notably those that complained about the actions of the English king related to slavery

Date:               Sun, Jan 25, 2-3:30 pm

Location:        Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ 08540

Tickets:          $20 general admission/$15 Morven Members/$10 student (with valid ID) at

morven.org/events

February 1, 2026 - "The Other Crossings,” Program - 2pm., Old Library by Lake Afton

The “Other Crossings,” a program about the many crossing of the Delaware River in December 1776, will be presented by author and historian William (Larry) Kidder on Sunday, February 1 at 2 p.m. It will be held at the Old Library by Lake Afton, 46 West Afton Avenue in Yardley and is sponsored by the Yardley Historical Association. Most people have at least heard about General George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas night 1776, but there is much more to the story. Larry Kidder will share the history of the almost daily Delaware River crossings by Washington’s troops during the month leading up to the famous crossing and several crossings after the Battle of Trenton. Local militia troops stationed in the Yardley area played a significant role in these crossings as did the Yardley ferry. This expanded story will allow a better understanding of what made the Christmas crossing so important and the victory at Trenton possible. The public is invited to this free program. No reservations are needed. Seating will be first come.

February 17, 2026 - New Jersey in the Revolutionary War, Lawrence Branch

This presentation covers the period 1763 to 1789 (from the end of the French and Indian War to the establishment of the US Constitution). It explores the critical role our state (and particularly central Jersey) played in our nation's founding: from the Ten Crucial Days to the Battle of Monmouth Courthouse to the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the ratification of the Constitution. Co-sponsored with the Historical Society of West Windsor. Please visit events.mcl.org to register to receive the link to the program.

February 19 - 21, 2026 - Morven Museum & Garden

Men W/O Shoes: A Student-Led Tribute to Forgotten Heroes February 19–21, 2026 At least fourteen Black men fought alongside General George Washington to secure a crucial victory in the Battle of Princeton. Students from Foundation Academies in Trenton have been engaged in research to uncover the identities of these men. The project, which grew from a collaboration with the Princeton Battlefield Society, culminates at Morven with a striking art installation of student-created works that reflect the resilience, sacrifice, and legacy of Black soldiers in war. https://www.morven.org/250#calendar

March 8, 2026 - Lecture: Pre-Revolutionary Land Fraud and Corruption in Hopewell Valley - 2pm.

This lecture, “Pre-Revolutionary Land Fraud and Corruption in Hopewell Valley” covers Colonel Daniel Coxe’s land speculation which disenfranchised legal land deeds in today’s Ewing, Lawrence, and Hopewell communities from 1703 to 1760. His royal authority forced settlers to abandon or repurchase their properties. This talk is being given by public historian Richard M. Durham, who serves as an Advisor with the Ewing Township Historic Preservation Society.

This venue is fully accessible located in classroom #113 in the Education Building of The College of New Jersey.

Click here for more information

March 11, 2026 -

Heritage Lecture: Lydia Darragh, A Heroine of the American Revolution, 7:30pm.

Join Delaware River Greenway Partnership on March 11 at 7:30 PM via Zoom as Robert N. Fanelli presents “Lydia Darragh, A Heroine of the American Revolution.” Who is Lydia Darragh? She is famed for eavesdropping on British General William Howe’s staff as they planned a surprise attack, then sneaking through the lines to give warning to American soldiers. Her actions are said to have saved George Washington’s army from a devastating ambush as it lay starving and freezing on the barren hills of Whitemarsh at the end of 1777. But did the secret she brought to the Patriots really prevent their defeat? Why would a professed pacifist choose to risk her life by intervening in military affairs? Who was the mysterious intelligence officer she met between the lines? Was her story even true?

Free Registration: https://shorturl.at/0dKuk

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

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/