SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27th

“They Are Indeed a Very Useful Corps”

Saturday, December 27th 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

The story of America’s riflemen in the Revolutionary War begins with their formation in 1775. Author Michael Cecere shares the key lessons from his book, They Are Indeed a Very Useful Corps: American Rifleman in the Revolutionary War and reveals first person accounts of the riflemen. Cecere will specifically examine the roles of riflemen in Princeton and Trenton and will be available to sign books after the presentation.

First Battle of Trenton

Saturday, December 27th 11:00 a.m. to Noon

Follow the action from the symbolic first cannon shot fired at the current site of the Battle Monument, down Warren Street to a final skirmish in Mill Hill Park. In just a few hours on the day after Christmas, the rebel forces—exhausted, dressed in rags, ill from the cold and lack of sleep and decent food—had accomplished the impossible by inflicting a crippling blow to the world’s greatest army. If you arrive early, head to the Old Barracks as troops muster and prepare for battle.

Tavern Lunch at the Sign of the Dove

Saturday, December 27th 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Savor the tastes of the 18th century at the Sign of the Dove. The First Presbyterian Church will continue to recreate the tavern experience in its Fellowship Hall with special guest, Richard Hunter of Hunter Research Inc. to guide diners through a journey of downtown Trenton using visual presentation aids. A $12 donation is requested.

The Trouble with Trenton: A Puppet Show

Saturday, December 27th Shows at 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.

A “mini” historical look at an amazing piece of our history presented with marionettes & rod puppets (and lots of help from the audience). Show includes live music, large puppets & props, and plenty of “revolting” action, courtesy of Tucker’s Tales Puppet Theatre.

NJN Film: N.J. Legacy Series
Royal Rule and Religious Revival

Saturday, December 27th 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The reunion of New Jersey did not solve its problems; land ownership continued to be disputed, resulting in widespread rioting. At the same time, a religious revival known as the Great Awakening spread throughout the British colonies, resulting in the founding of what we know today as Rutgers and Princeton universities and the inclusion of African and Native Americans. In challenging established church authorities, the revival helped pave the road to the American Revolution.

The Colonial African American Experience

Saturday, December 27th 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Presenting a forum on the Colonial African American Experience, Chris Densmore of Swarthmore University Library and Carol Walz Docent of the Woolman House in Mt. Holly will focus on conditions of African Americans in the Colonies and the Quaker efforts at abolition.

Before The 2nd Battle

Saturday, December 27th 2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Join the soldiers for a commemorative ceremony paying tribute to ancestors who battled for Trenton more than 225 years ago. Richard Patterson of the Old Barracks delivers a speech and guides the soldiers in a musket rally before retreating to the Assunpink Creek for the Second Battle of Trenton.

Second Battle of Trenton

Saturday, December 27th 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Reenactment begins at the

After its commencement on East State Street, Mill Hill Park is the scene of much of the action for the Old Barracks-orchestrated reenactment of the Second Battle of Trenton. Three times British General Charles Cornwallis ordered his men to take control of the Assunpink Creek Bridge, and three times they failed. Soon after, the American troops escaped by back roads toward Princeton. Years later, Cornwallis conceded that he lost the war when Washington gave him the slip in Trenton.

Post-Reenactment Happy Hour

Saturday, December 27th 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The Archives Lounge at

Come celebrate the post-battle victory and warm up with good food and drink with the sounds of the Fife and Drum Corps in the air. Centrally located to many of the Patriots’ Week events, the Marriott also has rooms available for $76 per night bookable through
www.patriotsweek.com.