Patriots Week marks annual celebration of Trenton’s Revolutionary past. Trenton's Patriots Week 2024 returns with historic battle reenactments, a Colonial Ball, lectures, music, tours and family-friendly activities.
Held annually from December 26 – 31, Patriots Week attracts thousands of visitors to enjoy historical tours, films, art, living history events and more; most activities are free. Browse the schedule below.
Thursday, December 26
NJ State House offers Tours
10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. & 2 p.m.
145 W. State St.
Visit the home of the NJ State Legislature. Join a guided tour of the General Assembly and Senate chambers and discover the storied history of New Jersey’s State House. Advanced reservations required. Call 609-847-3150.
Trenton Battlefield Walking Tour
10 a.m. - noon.
The 10-block interpretive walk brings to life the two battles of Trenton. Broad and Warren Sts. are once again “Queen” and “King” Sts. as Washington’s shivering troops approach from two directions to strike and defeat the German regiments. Tour includes stops at the historic Trenton Battle Monument and the Assunpink Creek in Mill Hill Park.
Musket-firing Demo
12 p.m., 2 p.m.
Old Barracks Museum, 101 Barrack St.
Join soldiers of the NJ Line of the Continental Army as they drill and fire their muskets on the Parade Ground of the Old Barracks Museum.
The Stars of 1776
12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m.
New Jersey State Museum Planetarium, 205 W. State St.
Explore the night sky as it would have been seen in 1776 by George Washington and his troops, then stay for special Planetarium shows.
Hidden History Tour
1 p.m.
St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 140 N. Warren St.
Stop in for a tour and learn how this site was pivotal to the Battle of Trenton. Find out what happened to the cannons under the poplars, discover catacombs under the church and visit the grave of David Brearley, founder of the Electoral College and signer of the Constitution.
Make A Quill Pen & Write like John Hancock
2:30 p.m.
St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 140 N. Warren St.
Create your own piece of history! Fashion a quill pen and see if you can sign your name as well as John Hancock! Everyone gets a feather for their cap.
Jacob Francis: A Free Black Man’s Experiences
2:30 p.m.
The 1719 William Trent House, 15 Market St. [free parking available in adjacent parking lot]
Larry Kidder, author of “The Revolutionary World of a Free Black Man: Jacob Francis, 1754-1836,” shares details about Francis’ experiences as a soldier in the Continental Army and Hunterdon militia.
Surviving the Winters: Housing Washington’s Army During the American Revolution
4 p.m.
Trenton Masonic Temple, 100 Barrack St.
Author Steven Elliott presents an illustrated talk based on his recent book which was recently awarded the 2024 Harry M. Ward American Revolution Round Table of Richmond Book Award. Dr. Elliott is a staff historian with the U.S. Army Military History Institute and a lecturer at Rutgers-Newark.
Revolutionary Pub Crawl
4:30 p.m.
The Lobby Club, 17 E. Front St.
This year’s Pub Crawl starts at The Lobby Club and moves on to Station Tapas & Bar, McManimon’s Monument Pub, Coopers Riverview and 1911 Smoke House Barbeque. Revolutionary/Colonial garb is optional but welcomed! No fee, just pay for your own food and drink as you go.
Songs and Stories of the Revolution
6-7 p.m.
Trenton Free Public Library, 120 Academy St.
Dressed in Colonial garb, performer Matthew Dodd uses stories and songs to take his audience back in time to the American Revolution.
Friday, December 27
NJ State House offers Tours
10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. & 2 p.m.
145 W. State St.
Visit the home of the NJ State Legislature. Join a guided tour of the General Assembly and Senate chambers and discover the storied history of New Jersey’s State House. Advanced reservations required. Call 609-847-3150.
Petty’s Run Tour
11 a.m.
meet at Petty’s Run site to the left of the NJ State House campus, 145 W. State St.
Archeologist Richard Hunter leads a tour of the Petty’s Run Archaeological Site. Dr. Hunter’s team headed up the dig and research that led to preserving the site as an “open classroom” that reveals remains of more than 300 years of human activity on this spot – including Benjamin Yard’s 1745 steel furnace.
Musket-firing Demo
12 p.m., 2 p.m.
Old Barracks Museum, 101 Barrack St.
Join soldiers of the NJ Line of the Continental Army as they drill and fire their muskets on the Parade Ground of the Old Barracks Museum.
The Stars of 1776
12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m.
New Jersey State Museum Planetarium, 205 W. State St.
Explore the night sky as it would have been seen in 1776 by George Washington and his troops, then stay for special Planetarium shows.
Hidden History Tour
1 p.m.
St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 140 N. Warren St.
Stop in for a tour and learn how this site was pivotal to the Battle of Trenton. Find out what happened to the cannons under the poplars, discover catacombs under the church and visit the grave of David Brearley, founder of the Electoral College and signer of the Constitution.
Revolutionary Tea
2-3 p.m.
Trenton Free Public Library, 120 Academy St.
Certified tea specialists offer a special presentation on some of the history and rituals connected to the subject of ‘revolutionary tea parties’ and include a tea tasting!
Make A Quill Pen & Write like John Hancock
2:30 p.m.
St Michael’s Episcopal Church, 140 N. Warren St.
Create your own piece of history! Fashion a quill pen and see if you can sign your name as well as John Hancock! Everyone gets a feather for their cap.
Patriots’ Scrabble
6 p.m.
Classics Books & Gifts, 4 West Lafayette St.
Scrabble for all skill levels. Bonus points for playing “patriot,” “republic,” “declaration” or “constitution.” Penalties for playing “loyalist,” “monarchy,” “colonial” or “empire.”
Saturday, December 28
Make Your Own Tricorn Hat
10 a.m.
Trenton City Museum in Cadwalader Park, 299 Parkside Ave.
What is a Tricorn hat? Join arts educator Janis Purcell for a brief illustrated talk and learn more about this iconic symbol of the American Revolution; then use materials provided by the Museum to create and decorate your own Tricorn hat.
Battle of Trenton Reenactment/First Battle
11 a.m.
Warren and Broad Sts.
Immerse yourself in history while reenactors fight through the first battle of Trenton. The battle takes place along Warren and Broad Sts. between the Trenton Battle Monument (350 N. Warren St.) and Mill Hill Park (corner of Front and Broad Sts).
Puppet Show: The Trouble with Trenton
12 p.m., 2 p.m.
Warren St. Plaza (Corner of Warren & Hanover Sts.)
An interactive, historical look at amazing American history presented by marionettes and rod puppets – with lots of help from the audience! The show includes live music, important props and plenty of “revolting” action.
The Stars of 1776
12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m.
New Jersey State Museum Planetarium, 205 W. State St.
Explore the night sky as it would have been seen in 1776 by George Washington and his troops, then stay for special Planetarium shows.
1st Presbyterian Church Open House and Tours
12-4 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church, 120 E. State St.
Trenton’s First Presbyterian Church was a key site during the British occupation 1776-77 and the two history-making Battles of Trenton. Explore this National Historic Register property and learn about its relation to the founding of the Nation. Refreshments available.
The Spoils of Victory
1 p.m.
Old Barracks Museum, 101 Barrack St.
Following the 1st Battle, follow the victorious Continental soldiers back to the Old Barracks Museum to see them strip equipment, gear and souvenirs from captured Hessian soldiers, before crossing the Delaware back to Pennsylvania.
Make A Quill Pen & Write like John Hancock
1 p.m.
St Michael’s Episcopal Church, 140 N. Warren St.
Create your own piece of history! Fashion a quill pen and see if you can sign your name as well as John Hancock! Everyone gets a feather for their cap.
Trenton 1775: A Colonial Town Caught in the Revolution
1-2:30 p.m.
Trenton Friends Meetinghouse, 142 E. Hanover St.
In 1775 Trenton was a young community of only 500 souls. The Continental and British armies each brought 1500 fighting men to town, overwhelming Trenton’s small spaces, limited accommodations and modest supplies of food, water and wood. Historian Dr. Sharon Holt and attorney Marc A. McKithen lead visitors on a walking tour of colonial Trenton, introducing the people who lived here in 1775, their amusements, loyalties and fears. Tour starts and ends in the historic Trenton Friends Meetinghouse. Refreshments and conversation served at the end of the tour.
1st Presbyterian Church Cemetery Tour
1 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church, 120 E. State St.
Archeologist Richard Hunter of Hunter Research leads a tour of Trenton’s 1st Presbyterian Church cemetery visiting the graves of American Revolutionary War veterans, including that of Col. Johann Rall, killed in the First Battle of Trenton on December 26, 1776.
Hogmanay! A Scottish Celebration of the New Year
2 p.m.
The 1719 William Trent House, 15 Market St.
Welcome to the Scottish celebration of the New Year — celebrated in honor of William Trent, founder of Trenton, who immigrated from Scotland. Bagpipers start off the program while visitors learn an authentic Colonial recipe for shortbread while enjoying hot cider and other treats.
Alexander Hamilton & the 24 Cannon of Trent Town
2 p.m.
Trenton City Museum in Cadwalader Park, 299 Parkside Ave.
A crucial ingredient to General Washington’s success in the December 26, 1776, battle is the American cannon and how artillery commander Hamilton deployed the cannon which, unlike muskets, could fire in rain, sleet or snow. The discussion features an 8′ x 10′ map offering a birds-eye view of the action.
Battle of Trenton Reenactment/ Second Battle
3 p.m.
The second battle takes place between State St. and Mill Hill Park beginning with a short commemorative ceremony at the 1st Presbyterian Church (120 E State St.). The majority of the reenactment takes place in Mill Hill Park, corner of Front and Broad Sts.
Assunpink Firewalk & Reading of Thomas Paine’s The American Crisis
4-6:30 p.m.
Mill Hill Park, corner of Front and Broad Sts.
Enjoy live traditional music, warm drinks and cookies on the park’s Iron Bridge, followed by the dramatic lighting of 13 torches along the banks of the historic Assunpink Creek and a dramatic reading of Thomas Paine’s The American Crisis.
Sunday, December 29
The Stars of 1776
12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m.
New Jersey State Museum Planetarium, 205 W. State St.
Explore the night sky as it would have been seen in 1776 by George Washington and his troops, then stay for special Planetarium shows.
Hidden History Tour
1 p.m.
St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 140 N. Warren St.
Stop in for a tour and learn how this site was pivotal to the Battle of Trenton. Find out what happened to the cannons under the poplars, discover catacombs under the church and visit the grave of David Brearley, founder of the Electoral College and signer of the Constitution.
Make A Quill Pen & Write like John Hancock
2:30 p.m.
St Michael’s Episcopal Church, 140 N. Warren St.
Create your own piece of history! Fashion a quill pen and see if you can sign your name as well as John Hancock! Everyone gets a feather for their cap.
Music Lafayette Might Have Heard in Trenton, Dec. 1784
2:30 p.m.
The 1719 William Trent House, 15 Market St. [free parking available in adjacent parking lot]
John Burkhalter and Donovan Klotzbeacher, the Practioners of Musik, share music and commentary of works performed during the time Lafayette visited Trenton in 1784 when the town briefly served as the new Nation’s capital.
Monday, December 30
NJ State House offers Tours
10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. & 2 p.m.
145 W. State St.
Visit the home of the NJ State Legislature. Join a guided tour of the General Assembly and Senate chambers and discover the storied history of New Jersey’s State House. Advanced reservations required. Call 609-847-3150.
NJ State Library Tours
11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m.
185 West State St.
Take a tour of the NJ State Library and its collections, dating back to its founding in 1796. Highlights include rare books, maps and Genealogy and Jerseyana collections, brimming with fascinating resources related to the American Revolution and beyond!
Alexander Hamilton & the 24 Cannons at the Battle of Trent Town
12-1:30 p.m.
Trenton Free Public Library, 120 Academy St.
A crucial ingredient to General Washington’s success in the December 26, 1776 battle is the American cannon and how artillery commander Hamilton deployed the cannon which, unlike muskets, could fire in rain, sleet or snow. The discussion features an 8′ x 10′ map offering a birds-eye view of the action.
Hidden History Tour
1 p.m.
St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 140 N. Warren St.
Stop in for a tour and learn how this site was pivotal to the Battle of Trenton. Find out what happened to the cannons under the poplars, discover catacombs under the church and visit the grave of David Brearley, founder of the Electoral College and signer of the Constitution.
Quakers: Choose a Side!
2:00 p.m.
Trenton Meeting of Friends, 142 East Hanover St.
The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) believed in the renunciation of war. This tenet was sorely tested with the onset of the American Revolution. How did the Trenton Quakers feel about Philemon Dickinson, a slave-owning Quaker who fought in the Battle of Trenton as a general in the Colonial army? How did they react when the British Dragoons took over their meetinghouse as a barracks? Did they continue to meet during the War? Learn more at the Trenton Meetinghouse, probably the oldest surviving House of Worship in Trenton.
Make A Quill Pen & Write like John Hancock
2:30 p.m.
St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 140 N. Warren St.
Create your own piece of history! Fashion a quill pen and see if you can sign your name as well as John Hancock! Everyone gets a feather for their cap.
Tuesday, December 31
Civil War Flag Gallery Unveiling
10-11 a.m.
New Jersey State Museum, 205 W. State St.
Join flag historian Dr. David Martin and the Museum’s Curator of Cultural History Nicholas Ciotola for the history of five new Civil War regimental flags being unveiled in the NJ State Museum exhibition, The Civil War Flag Collection of New Jersey.
NJ State House offers Tours
10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. & 2 p.m.
145 W. State St.
Visit the home of the NJ State Legislature. Join a guided tour of the General Assembly and Senate chambers and discover the storied history of New Jersey’s State House. Advanced reservations required. Call 609-847-3150.
NJ State Library Tours
11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m.
185 West State St.
Take a tour of the NJ State Library and its collections, dating back to its founding in 1796. Highlights include rare books, maps and Genealogy and Jerseyana collections, brimming with fascinating resources related to the American Revolution and beyond!
Hidden History Tour
1 p.m.
St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 140 N. Warren St.
Stop in for a tour and learn how this site was pivotal to the Battle of Trenton. Find out what happened to the cannons under the poplars, discover catacombs under the church and visit the grave of David Brearley, founder of the Electoral College and signer of the Constitution.
Make A Quill Pen & Write like John Hancock
2:30 p.m.
St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 140 N. Warren St.
Create your own piece of history! Fashion a quill pen and see if you can sign your name as well as John Hancock! Everyone gets a feather for their cap.
The Stars of 1776
2:30 p.m.
New Jersey State Museum Planetarium, 205 W. State St.
Explore the night sky as it would have been seen in 1776 by George Washington and his troops, then stay for a special Planetarium show.
Quakers: Choose a Side!
2:30 p.m.
Trenton Meeting of Friends, 142 East Hanover St.
The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) believed in the renunciation of war. This tenet was sorely tested with the onset of the American Revolution. How did the Trenton Quakers feel about Philemon Dickinson, a slave-owning Quaker who fought in the Battle of Trenton as a general in the Colonial army? How did they react when the British Dragoons took over their meetinghouse as a barracks? Did they continue to meet during the War? Learn more at the Trenton Meetinghouse, probably the oldest surviving House of Worship in Trenton.
Annual Inter-Faith Peace Vigil
4 p.m.
Trenton Friends Meetinghouse, 142 E. Hanover St.
Join the Trenton Friends Meeting for their annual peace vigil. There will be a brief introduction to Quaker ways and then silence. Following a 5:15 – 5:45 p.m. sing-along, visitors are invited to share a meal.
Capital Philharmonic Orchestra of New Jersey New Year’s Eve Concert
8 p.m.; tickets required
Patriots Theater Trenton War Memorial, 1 Memorial Dr.
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