Trenton’s Patriots 2024 returns with historic battle reenactments, a Colonial Ball, lectures, music, tours and family activities. Here’s what’s planned!

Schedule of Events:

Make Your Own Tricorn Hat (children’s workshop)
10 am FREE
Trenton City Museum in Cadwalader Park
299 Parkside Ave. [free parking available]
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.
Presented by the Trenton Museum Society

Battle of Trenton Reenactment/First Battle
11 am FREE
Warren and Broad Streets
Immerse yourself in history while reenactors fight through the first battle of Trenton. The battle takes place along Warren and Broad Streets between the Trenton Battle Monument (350 N. Warren St) and Mill Hill Park (corner of Front and Broad Streets).
Presented by the Old Barracks Museum

1st Rhode Island Regiment Display (Kwanzaa365)
11:30 am - 4 pm
Trenton War Memorial Building
1 Memorial Drive
Patriots Week attendees are invited to the Smith Family Foundation’s (SFF) Kwanzaa365 celebration to learn more about the African American soldiers and sailors who fought for American independence during the Revolutionary War in a featured display. Also, as part of the Kwanzaa programming that day, the SFF will be serving as a “warming station” for Patriots Week visitors who want to stop in and warm up with a hot drink.

Puppet Show: The Trouble with Trenton
12 pm, and 2 pm FREE
Warren Street Plaza (Corner of Warren & Hanover Streets)
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. Rain location: First Presbyterian Church, 120 E. State St. Presented by Tucker Tales.

The Stars of 1776
12 pm, 1 pm*, 2 pm, and 3 pm
[buy Planetarium tickets at the State Museum]
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. 12:00 PM - Worlds Beyond Earth; 1:00 PM (*does not include 1776 program) - One World, One Sky; 2:00 PM - Dinosaurs of Antarctica; 3:00 PM - Big Astronomy.

1st Presbyterian Church Open House and Tours
12 - 4 pm (open house) FREE
Tours: 12:30, 2:00, 2:30, 3:30pm
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 (donations gratefully accepted.) Presented by 120 East State

Make A Quill Pen & Write like John Hancock (children’s workshop)
1 pm FREE
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 (walking tour)
1 pm - 2:30 pm FREE
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 pm FREE
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 pm FREE
The 1719 William Trent House
15 Market St [free parking available in adjacent parking lot]
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. End your visit by lighting your wishes for 2025!

Alexander Hamilton & the 24 Cannon of Trent Town
2 pm FREE
Trenton City Museum in Cadwalader Park
299 Parkside Ave. [free parking available]
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. Presentation by David & Nick Bosted

Battle of Trenton Reenactment/ Second Battle
3 pm FREE
The second battle takes place between State Street and Mill Hill Park beginning with a short commemorative ceremony at the 1st Presbyterian Church (120 E State Street). The majority of the reenactment takes place in Mill Hill Park, corner of Front and Broad Streets.
Presented by the Old Barracks Museum

Assunpink Firewalk & Reading of Thomas Paine’s The American Crisis
4-6:30 pm FREE
Mill Hill Park, corner of Front and Broad Streets
Starting at 4pm, 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
Presented by the City of Trenton