If you’re a resident of the Capital City, chances are, you’ve likely wondered where the name Trenton came from. And while all of us were taught about the Founding Fathers of America, were you ever taught about the founders of our very own community? When we take the opportunity to explore local and regional history, we unleash the opportunity to know more about how our communities were founded, the values they were built upon, and how those decisions led us to where we are today. As residents of Trenton, we are a fortunate bunch – the roots of our community lie deep, dating all the way back to the 1600s. Before there was America, there was Trenton, and now is your opportunity to learn more about the man behind the place we all call home.
On Sunday, December 10th, you and your family are invited to a fascinating discussion hosted by the 1719 William Trent House Museum, “The Life and Times of William Trent of Inverness”. This educational afternoon will be hosted virtually on Zoom, beginning at 1pm. Your host for the afternoon will be Dr. Jim Mackay, who will be calling in live from Scotland to share more about the life and times of William Trent. This webinar is the perfect opportunity to bundle up, get cozy, and learn more about the fascinating history of the namesake behind the Capital City. If you are interested in being a part of this day of discovery, you can tune in by visiting the following link: Zoom – Trent House. This event is completely free to participate in, so be sure to invite the whole family to come along and learn.
William Trent was a merchant and entrepreneur hailing from the port of Inverness, Scotland. Trent came to prominence in the time of Cromwell’s occupation and continued to reap success over the course of his life. Trent went on to marry Issobell Stewart, the daughter of another prominent Inverness merchant. Together, the two built a family, going on to have seven children together. One of William and Issobell’s sons, also named William, joined forces with two of his brothers to come to the states and establish a trading company of their own. After arriving in the states, in 1719, William bought 1,000 acres of land at the Falls of Delaware. The homestead that Trent established still stands today, now serving as a beloved cultural destination for hundreds of visitors each year.
For more information on this and other upcoming events at the William Trent House Museum, please check out their website, linked here: Trent House – Home. Likewise, if you have any questions or would like additional information on the upcoming webinar, please contact the Trent House team at (609) 989-3027 or on their online contact form, linked here: Contact Us – Trent House. From the shores of Inverness to the banks of the Delaware River, the tale of Trenton’s namesake is certain to leave you feeling more deeply rooted in the life and legacy of our community’s beginnings.
