For some of us, the holiday season is all about family gatherings and presents under the tree. For others it is a religious event celebrating the birth of the baby Jesus. And no doubt there are more than a few who are more concerned with Christmas office parties and the consumption of copious amounts of alcohol. There is, however, a fairly large percentage of New Jerseyans who celebrate what might just be the turning point in the Revolutionary War. And it all happened here in New Jersey in the cold December campaigns during the winter of 1776 – 1777.
Thanks to the Old Barracks Museum in Trenton, history comes alive this month. Welcome to Patriots Week, December 26-31.
In Trenton, the American Revolution isn’t some abstract concept from the dusty past, it is a living breathing part of the city, which has shaped its streets and buildings, and how people live even today. Recognizing this, the Trenton Downtown Association commemorates Trenton’s unique and pivotal role in the American Revolution with Patriots Week, its comprehensive celebration of the life and times of Revolutionary War-era Trenton. Patriots Week is held annually during the week between Christmas and New Year’s, and attracts thousands of visitors to the city to enjoy art music, literature, battlefield re-enactments, and living history events.
Here are a few highlights of this weeklong event:
Friday, December 29 at 1 PM
Revolutionary Music: The Signals, Calls, and Camp Duties at Historic Trenton Masonic Temple across the street from the Old Barracks Museum
A lecture and musical demonstration comparing the fife and drum calls and camp duties used by the New Jersey Regiments and Philadelphia Battalions.
Friday, December 29 at 7 PM
Colonial Ball at Historic Trenton Masonic Temple across the street from the Old Barracks Museum
The Colonial Ball is your chance to mingle with the soldiers of the Battle of Trenton and learn their favorite dance steps.
Saturday, December 30 at 11 AM
Battle of Trenton Reenactment
Follow the action of the Battle of Trenton on the streets where the actual Battle took place! Meet at the Old Barracks Museum and follow the troops as they march to the Battle of Trenton Monument to begin the battle towards Mill Hill Park.
Saturday, December 30 at 3 PM
Battle of the Assunpink Reenactment
Experience the Battle of the Assunpink Creek (January 2, 1777) as it is reenacted in Mill Hill Park. Meet at the Old Barracks Museum and follow the troops as they march off to meet the British on the banks of the Assunpink Creek just three blocks away.
Merry Christmas and a hearty salute to the troops. Then and now.
