ONGOING EVENTS

A Malapertness of Sutlers

Friday, December 26th through Sunday, December 28th

Visit 18th century sutlers at the Masonic Temple and purchase for yourself 18th century clothing and wares, including the finest in silk bonnets, linen goods, twill tape, sewing patterns and notions, period buttons, pewter mugs and plates, wooden bowls and toys.

Trenton: Crucial Crossroads

Tuesday, December 30th through Saturday, Janruary 3rd 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, Noon to 5:00 p.m.
On Extended View – Alcove Gallery N
Designed as both a history of Trenton and an orientation for visitors planning to visit historic sites in the city, the exhibition ranges for the beginnings of European exploration through colonial occupations to the more recent industrial and political history. Objects in the exhibition illustrate the changing face of Trenton and provide visitors with a historical context that will enhance visits to Trenton’s many historical sites, including the New Jersey State Capitol, the Old Barracks Museum, the Trenton Battle Monument, War Memorial Theater, Masonic Lodge, and 1719 William Trent House Museum.

Remarkable For His Industry: William. Richard’s Trade & Manufactory in Revolutionary Trenton

Daily tours, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

This exhibit uses the results of nearby archeological digs in 2000 as a window into the commercial life of Revolutionary Trenton, during mid-1760 to the mid-1780 through the businesses of entrepreneur William Richards. These various endeavors included; operating a commercial fishery, a masonry oven bread bakery business, a large store in Lamberton supplying the region with an array of supplies from clothing dyes, medicines, to world class stoneware pottery and coastal/ocean-going shipping operations. See how Trenton was trading world wide about the time of the famous battle.

Mural: The First Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence

Permanent installation.

“… (A)ll men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable Rights (among which) are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” The first time these words were heard in public was in Trenton, New Jersey, on July 8, 1776 at 10 a.m.
To commemorate this event, Patriots’ Week organizers, The Trenton Downtown Association, commissioned muralist Illia Barger of Stockton to depict this historic event in a
breathtaking mural.

Conflict Art Show

Tuesday, December 30th through Friday, Janruary 2nd
Noon to 6:00 p.m., Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

“Conflict” is an all media, juried art show organized by the Gallery 125. Some of the 52 chosen pieces highlight personal struggles and inner conflicts while others illustrate more
direct interpretations such as battle and war. Some demonstrate the juxtaposition of
disharmonious colors or elements, while others show the declining landscape and clashes with nature. The show runs through Jan. 3, 2009.

SITE TOURS

The 1719 William Trent House Museum Tours

Saturday through Wednesday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Step back in time to 1719 – before George Washington was born, before thoughts of revolution had begun, a time when New Jersey’s capitol city was a wilderness, a time when William. Trent, an immigrant from Scotland, built a large summer estate on the banks of the Delaware River. Visit his former mansion now restored to its former glory and furnished in accordance to Trent’s 1726 inventory. Learn insights into Colonial times and glimpse life as it was lived by the men, women and children who comprised the household, including servants and slaves. Conducted by Trent House staff.

Cost of tours is $3.00 for adults and $2.00 for children.

The Old Barracks Museum

Daily tours, 10: 00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Old Barracks is a State and National Historic Landmark built in 1758 by the colony of New Jersey as a winter quarters for British soldiers returning from fighting in the frontier regions in the French & Indian War. During the American Revolution, the Barracks was occupied at different times by British/Hessian Forces or the Continental Forces. Following the Battles of Trenton in 1776, the Barracks was steadily controlled by the Continental Army and used as an army hospital. The Old Barracks is a “living history” museum portraying the year 1777 with historical interpreters guiding visitors through the infirmary to learn about mandatory small pox inoculations and surgeries performed on soldiers in the Continental Army, into the squad rooms that soldiers occupied as living quarters, through the Officers House and the exhibit. Admission for tours is $8 for adults and $6 for students and seniors. Children 5 years old and under are free.

The First Presbyterian Church Tours

Friday, December 26th through Wednesday, December 31st
Come to the historic First Presbyterian Church, whose congregation was founded in 1712 and has been attended by Presidents John Adam’s and James Monroe, as well as the Marquis de Lafayette and Daniel Webster. The people buried in the churchyard include Colonel Johann Rall, the Hessian commander killed at the Battle of Trenton.

Masonic Temple Tours

Monday through Friday 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

One hour guided tours of the Historic Trenton Masonic Temple Lodge Rooms

State House Civics Tours

Friday, Dec. 26th, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., on the hour
Saturday, Dec. 27th 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., on the hour
Monday, Dec. 29th - Wednesday, Dec. 31st 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., on the hour

Explore the New Jersey State House, where the laws that affect all New Jersey residents are made. This tour takes visitors through this beautifully restored historic building—listed on both the national and state registers of historic places. Along the way, learn about the legislative process and the art and architecture of our State capitol. Conducted by State House Tour Office staff. Limited to 30. Call (609) 633-2709 for a reservation.

Hidden Treasures of the State House

Tuesday, December 30 and Wednesday, December 31 11:30 a.m. to 1:00p.m.

Join us for a behind-the-scenes peek at the New Jersey State House, the second-oldest continuously operating State capitol building in the nation. From timbers that date back to 1792 to contemporary art rarely seen by visitors, this tour will take you from the basement to the attic and everywhere in between. Conducted by State House Tour Office staff and Ian C. Burrow, Vice President and Principal Archaeologist, Hunter Research Inc.,
limited to 25 visitors. Call (609) 633-2709 for a reservation.