Saturday December 29th will feature a Reenactment of the First Battle of Trenton at 11 am, a Reenactment of the Second Battle of Trenton at 3 pm, and a new Trenton Tradition, The Assunpink Firewalk at 4 pm, along with many other events throughout the day. All events are free unless otherwise noted:
10:00 am Coffee House First Presbyterian Church of Trenton, 120 East State St.
Warm up at the Colonial Coffee House, hosted at one of Trenton’s oldest landmarks! Warm drinks, rebellious conversation, and respite from the elements are served all day. www.old1712.org Event ends at 5:00 pm and is free (Drinks for purchase).
11:00 am First Battle Reenactment Battle Monument to Mill Hill Park
See it live! Follow the Battle of Trenton from the Battle Monument down Warren Street to Mill Hill Park. Troops rally at the Old Barracks Museum prior to marching off to meet at the Battle Monument at 11:00 am. www.barracks.org Free.
Following the Battle Reenactment: The Spoils of Victory Old Barracks Museum, 101 Barrack St.
Follow the victorious Continental soldiers back to the Old Barracks Museum after the Battle to see them strip equipment, gear,and souvenirs from captured Hessian soldiers, before crossing the Delaware River back to Pennsylvania. Free with $5 Barracks admission (unlimited re-entry).
12:00 pm Puppet Show: The Trouble with Trenton Warren Street Plaza, 101 North Warren St. In case of weather: First Presbyterian Church, 120 East State St.
A “mini” historical look at some amazing American history presented with marionettes and rod puppets – and lots of help from the audience! The show includes live music, large puppets and props, and plenty of “revolting” action. www.barracks.org/puppet-shows.html event ends at 1:00 pm and is free.
12:30 pm Crossroads of the American Revolution Sign Unveiling 1719 William Trent House Museum, 15 Market St.
The Trent House Museum will unveil a new interpretive sign highlighting its role in the war for independence as part of the Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area Signage program. This sign along with many others around the state will point out the critical part New Jersey played in the American Revolution. The Trent House interpretive sign was made possible by First Bank and NJM Insurance Group. Stay afterwards for Hogmanay! Plenty of free parking in the rear. www.williamtrenthouse.org 609-989-3027 Event ends at 1:00 pm and is free.
1:00 pm Hogmanay! Scottish Celebration of the New Year 1719 William Trent House Museum, 15 Market St.
Welcoming in the 300th year since the construction of the 1719 William Trent House will be the celebration of Hogmanay in honor of Trent’s Scottish heritage. Come hear bagpipes, learn about Hogmanay traditions, meet George Washington,eat Scottish meat pasties and other seasonal treats, and send your wishes for 2019 up in smoke in a bonfire. Plenty of freeparking. www.williamtrenthouse.org 609-989-3027 Event ends at 2:00 pm and is free.
1:00 pm “A Cursed Country to Make War” Trenton Friends Meeting, 142 East Hanover St.
Dr. Friederike Baer, Associate Professor of History at Penn State Abington, leads a presentation and discussion about how Hessian soldiers experienced America. Event ends at 2:30 pm and is free.
1:30 pm Musket Demonstrations Old Barracks Museum, 101 Barrack St.
Soldiers of the 17th Regiment of Infantry will drill and fire their muskets on the Parade ground of the Old Barracks Museum .www.barracks.org Ends 2:00 pm Included with $5 Barracks admission (unlimited re-entry).
2:00 pm Puppet Show: The Trouble with Trenton Warren Street Plaza, 101 North Warren St. In case of weather: First Presbyterian Church, 120 East State St.
A “mini” historical look at some amazing American history presented with marionettes and rod puppets – and lots of help from the audience! The show includes live music, large puppets and props, and plenty of “revolting” action. www.barracks.org Event ends at 3:00 pm and is free.
2:15 pm “My Brave Fellows” Old Barracks Museum, 101 Barrack St.
With enlistments about to end, Washington’s officers compel the Soldiers of the Continental Army to stay on six more weeks beyond the end of their enlistments. Free with $5 Barracks admission (unlimited re-entry).
2:30 pm Mustering and Memorial Service for Second Battle Reenactment First Presbyterian Church, 120 East State St.
Gather at the First Presbyterian Church Cemetery for the memorial service for the fallen Hessian soldiers, and gather with the troops as they muster for the Second Battle Reenactment in Mill Hill Park.
3:00 pm Second Battle Reenactment Mill Hill Park, 165 East Front St.
See the action of the Battle of the Assunpink in Mill Hill Park! www.barracks.org. Free
4:00 pm Assunpink Firewalk Mill Hill Park, 165 East Front St. Gather on the Iron Bridge
Join Mayor Gusciora, friends, neighbors, and a colorful cast to usher in a new holiday tradition in the City of Trenton. As darkness falls watch 13 Continental Soldiers light 13 torches along the south bank of the Assunpink Creak and hear a dramatic reading of Thomas Paine’s “The American Crisis”. Event is free and will feature warm hot chocolate and music.
4:30 pm Whiskey & Rye: Dad’s Hat Distillery Demonstration & Tasting First Presbyterian Church of Trenton, 120 East State St.
Local distillers Dad’s Hat present their vintage process of distilling local rye into fine whiskey. Discussion and tasting. www.old1712.org Event ends at 6:30 pm and is free.
4:30 pm Images of the Motherland: Bilali Muhammad First Presbyterian Church of Trenton, 120 East State St.
This widely-acclaimed interactive living history program brings to life voices of people of African and African American descent. Featured: Bilali Muhammad, a young man from what is now Guinea. www.imagesofthemotherland.com Event ends at 6:00 pm and is free
