FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26th

Ten Crucial Days Bus Tour

Friday, December 26th 9:00 a.m. to Noon

This educational excursion includes a walking tour of Washington’s Crossing on both the New Jersey and Pennsylvania sides as well as a bus ride along the rebels’ route from Washington’s Crossing to Trenton. The tour follows the route of General Greene’s division, which entered Trenton from north by the Pennington (current Route 31) and Princeton (current Route 206) Avenues. The bus will follow the army’s path.

This tour will be guided by Ralph Siegel of Trenton Battlefield Tours.

Reservations required for tour and breakfast. Tickets are $15 per person for the bus tour. Boxed breakfasts from the Marriot will be available for $10 per person and need to be reserved in advance. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling 1-877-PAT-WEEK.

The Public Reading of “The American Crisis”

Friday, December 26th 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

“These are the times that try men’s souls.” So begins “The American Crisis,” Thomas Paine’s essay, written shortly before the Battles of Trenton, which helped rally Americans to the cause of the Revolution. Gather in the Old Barracks Courtyard to hear Thomas Paine read “The Crisis,” for the traditional kick-off for Patriots’ Week.

While the crowds gather to hear “The Crisis,” Spiced Punch, a dynamic musical quartet accompanied by guitar, fife and penny whistle, sings Colonial-era songs of love, war and holiday cheer.

The Patriots’ Podium Lecture on the American Revolution

Friday, December 26th 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The American Revolution – in New Jersey and other colonies – was a bloody conflict pitting neighbor against neighbor in a civil struggle played out within the context of Atlantic imperial politics. This talk, sponsored by the New Jersey Education Association, will provide background to the events commemorated by Patriots’ Week. The presentation will be delivered by the winner of the Patriot’s Podium contest selected from New Jersey public school teacher applicants.

NJN Film: N.J. Legacy Series
The Two New Jerseys

Friday, December 26th 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

After the English conquest of New Netherland, King Charles II of Britain granted the former Dutch territories to his brother James, Duke of York, who divided the colony into New York and New Jersey. James gave New Jersey to his friends, who sold their shares to other investors, known as proprietors. In 1676, the colony was divided into East and West Jersey. From the outset, the two New Jerseys were beset with problems. In 1702, the proprietors asked the crown to take over the government, reuniting New Jersey.

Difficult Decisions: Taking Sides in Revolutionary New Jersey

Friday, December 26th 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The Battle of Trenton was an important but brief episode during the Revolutionary War in New Jersey. The war itself came to the colony in the fall of 1776 and continued until early in 1783. For seven long years, many NJ residents were forced to take sides and make difficult decisions about where their loyalty stood. Maxine Lurie, a professor of history at Seton Hall University, will examine some of the dilemmas of those caught in the middle, providing insight into the turmoil of the Revolution and putting patriotism into perspective.

Tales of the Marbleheaders

Friday, December 26th 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Rowing 2,400 troops, cannons, horses and baggage across an ice choked river through a raging blizzard was one of the most daring military operations in history. It was only achieved through the skill and valor of Col. John Glover and his Marbleheaders. Learn how these remarkable men lived and fought, what motivated them, and why Washington held them in such esteem. Learn exactly what happened on that fateful Christmas night in 1776. Presented by the modern day 14th Continental Regiment in full period costume and accouterments.

Ten Crucial Days Bus Tour

Friday, December 26th 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

See description on page 1.

Reservations required. Tickets are $15 per person. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling 1-877-PAT-WEEK.

Patriots’ Week Film Series: Ten Crucial Days—The Road to Liberty

Friday, December 26th 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Cross the icy Delaware River in Durham boats with General Washington and his troops. March with them through the night in the sleet and rain to Trenton to surprise the Hessians. Participate in the brilliant strategic move that turned the Revolutionary War around.

George Washington’s Leadership: A Press Conference

Friday, December 26th 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
2nd floor

Come meet George Washington in the flesh over this revolutionary press conference, open to guests and the press. Historical reenactor Dave Emerson from History on the Hoof discusses the importance of the Battles of Princeton and of honoring the sacrifices and ultimate victory of the Revolutionary Army.

Forum: On Religious Tolerance

Friday, December 26th 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Jay Worrall from the Arch Street Meeting House in Philadelphia will lead a forum on religious toleration and conflict in the 17th and 18th centuries. The forum will also include a panel discussion with local clergy members will provide insight into the conflicts from various religions standpoints. This program will be followed by light refreshments.

Save the 1807 Bell Dinner

Friday, December 26th 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Enjoy a candlelit dinner at the Sign of the Dove. The First Presbyterian Church will recreate a colonial tavern in its Fellowship Hall to raise money to make its historic bell ring again. Seasonally appropriate tavern food will be served to the accompaniment of period music. Listen to and interact with indentured, orphan boy Isaac Watts during and following dinner.

A $30 donation will go towards the refurbishing of the 1807 Hedderly Bell. Reservations required. To make reservations, visit www.Old1712.org.

Colonial Ball

Friday, December 26th 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Step back in time and learn 18th century dancing with the Germantown Country Dancers in the stately Masonic Temple. The ball will feature dance instruction, a traditional opening dance, period music, and dancing with callers. Both members of the general public and reenactors in period dress will attend this lantern-lit, gala affair. Period garb, or formalwear, is encouraged, but not required.
Reservations required. Admission is $15 per person, which includes a coupon to a downtown Trenton restaurant good through Patriots’ Week. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling 1-877-PAT-WEEK.