SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28th

Colonial Church & Colonial Wedding

Sunday, December 28th 10:00 a.m. to Noon

Experience a colonial era worship service and colonial wedding. Pastor John Allen of the historic First Presbyterian Church will portray the Reverend Elihu Spencer, who was pastor of the Church before the American Revolution. Pastor Spencer will preach a shortened sermon from the period and lead the congregation in worship as was done in colonial times. Reenactors Gwendolyn Lynn Strawn and Edward Bishop Moyer will renew their wedding vows during the service. An 18th century wedding reception will follow immediately in the Church’s Community Room.

Street Fair

Sunday, December 28th 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Come and experience food, arts, crafts and more at this one of a kind street fair at the center of downtown Trenton. Taking place on Barracks Street, the street fair features outdoor entertainment, samples from staple Trenton establishments and a festival atmosphere where visitors can embrace the holiday spirit while taking in the best that Trenton has to offer.

New Archeological Discoveries of Historic Trenton: The Petty’s Run Excavation

Sunday, December 28th 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Travel backwards in time with Ian C. Burrow of Hunter Research Inc. as he peels back the layers of history along the historic stream known as Petty’s Run — see the remains of a colonial iron and steel works and a 19th-century paper mill come gradually to light as archaeological excavations progress in the patch of ground between the State House and the Old Barracks. Travel forwards in time to visualize the new Capital State Park taking shape over the next few years — imagine these industrial ruins restored and interpreted, a draw for tourists visiting our unique state capital where heritage comes alive.

Limited to 15 people. Call 1-877-PAT-WEEK to register.

Concert: The Fifes & Drums of the Old Barracks

Sunday, December 28th Noon to 1:00 p.m.

Come and indulge in one hundred plus years of military music of the eighteenth century. The Fifes and Drums of the Old Barracks perform a concert of English, French, Hessian and American marches dating from 1692 to 1809. Narration by Richard Patterson, Old Barracks Museum Director.

Reservations required. Admission is $10 per adult, $5 per child, discounts available on tickets to multiple Old Barracks events. See page 19 for details on Old Barracks packages. Purchase tickets at (609)396-1776.

The Trouble with Trenton: A Puppet Show

Sunday, December 28th 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.

Meet Hannah Till

Sunday, December 28th 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Meet Hannah Till, a cook for George Washington, and hear what it was like to be enslaved during the Revolution. Hannah Till is interpreted by Ajena Rogers of the Valley Forge National Historical Park and the African American Interpretation section of the National Association of Interpretation.

Walking Tour: Trenton Battlefield

Sunday, December 28th 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Meet at

This 10-block interpretive walk narrates the events of the two battles of Trenton. Broad and Warren Streets turn back to Queen and King Streets as Washington’s shivering troops approach from two directions to strike the Hessian forces with shock and awe. On the tour, you will
• Walk in the footsteps of Stark’s and Mercer’s attacks
• Site the guns at the twin artillery positions manned by Capt. Thomas Forrest and Lt. Alexander Hamilton
• Walk the ground where Lt. James Monroe’s squad launched their famous attack on the German guns and see where Col. Johann Rall was mortally wounded.
• Stand at the base of Washington’s Mill Hill defense, where the general set his plan for his daring, nighttime flank maneuver.

The tour will be led by Ralph Siegel of Trenton Battlefield Tours. Limited to 100 people. Please register by calling 1-877-PAT-WEEK.

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

Sunday, December 28th 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.

Colonial Songs, Singing Games and Dances

Sunday, December 28th 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Get ready to bounce those limberjacks and set to your partner! History on the Hoof’s Stacy Roth and music therapist/concert trumpeter Flora Newberry present their favorite rhymes, riddles, rounds, ditties and dance tunes from the 17th and 18th centuries. Fun for kids and adults. Lots of audience participation.

Oh, Freedom: Blacks on the Battlefront and in the Aftermath of the Revolutionary War in New Jersey

Sunday, December 28th 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

From her study of African American artifacts and depictions from the Revolutionary War, Olivia Carpenter, of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, will give an overview of the dynamics surrounding the black soldiers who fought for freedom for both the Americans and the British during the war. This traveling exhibit will go on display at several state historic sites as well as partner historic and education sites statewide.
Exhibit opens November 18th.

The Treaty of Paris & the True Birthday of the United States

Sunday, December 28th 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

On January 14th, 1784, the Continental Congress ratified the Treaty of Paris, legally ending the American Revolutionary War and establishing the United States as a sovereign nation. Historian and author Dr. Robert Selig discusses the implications of this treaty for the United States as well as for her allies and foes in the struggle for independence.

Concert: The Music of Ben Franklin

Sunday, December 28th Shows at 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Ben Franklin, after hearing a concert given on wine glasses in England, invented his own instrument called the armonica, a series of glass bowls on a spindle rotated by a fly wheel and foot pedal. Played by Marie Antoinette, used by Dr. Mesmer to deepen a hypnotic trance, and composed for by Mozart and Beethoven, the armonica suddenly lost its popularity in the mid-19th century when people began to believe that it drove performers mad and evoked spirits of the dead because of its eerie sound. Enjoy a rare performance in an intimate setting with nationally acclaimed armonica virtuoso Cecilia Brauer on this haunting and forgotten instrument.

Reservations recommended. Limited to 25 people. Admission is $30 per person and includes madiera, claret and cheese. Discounts available on tickets to multiple Old Barracks events. See page 19 for details on Old Barracks packages. Tickets may be purchased by calling (609)396-1776.

Colonial Feast: A Most Agreeable Consort for Life-

The Love Letters of George & Martha Washington

Sunday, December 28th 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The Lafayette Ballroom,

Have you ever wanted to discover the secret thoughts of George Washington? How did Martha feel about her husband during his long absences from home? What was the nature of Mount Vernon family life? The historic play from the American Historical Theater follows the lives of George and Martha through the letters they wrote to each other whilst he was away from Mount Vernon. Come join George and Martha Washington and learn about the promise that the President made to his wife, a promise that he broke. You might be surprised!

Reservations required. Standard admission is $40 per person. Premiere admission (including front tier seating and a private reception before the show) is $75 per person and goes to support all Patriots’ Week programming. Price includes tax and gratuity. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling 1-877-PAT-WEEK.