Patriots Week 2025: History Comes Alive
Today’s adventure was a full immersion into Trenton’s Revolutionary past, from quiet reflection to street-level action and spirited conversation. The day felt like stepping directly into a defining moment in American history and walking away with a deeper appreciation for the people who lived it.
I began at the Trenton Meetinghouse, believed to be the oldest surviving house of worship in Trenton. There, I learned about the Religious Society of Friends, better known as the Quakers, and how their commitment to peace was challenged during the American Revolution. We explored the complicated story of Philemon Dickinson, a Trenton Quaker who owned slaves and later fought as a general in the Battle of Trenton. The lecture, led by Fred Millner, Ph.D., brought these contradictions to life in a thought-provoking way and was the perfect start to the day.
From there, history spilled out onto the streets. Along Warren and Broad Streets, I watched reenactors bring the first Battle of Trenton to life between the Trenton Battle Monument and Mill Hill Park. Seeing the uniforms, movement, and sounds unfold where it actually happened made the past feel vivid and immediate, woven into the city as everyday life continued around us.
One of my favorite stops was Tavern Talks inside First Presbyterian Church. Sitting with reenactors in a casual, tavern-style setting made history feel incredibly personal. Over drinks, we listened as they debated loyalties, fears, and motivations of colonial citizens whose lives were being reshaped by the war for independence. It truly felt like stepping into a colonial tavern and being part of those conversations.
Beyond reenactments, Trenton offered hands-on experiences during Patriots Week. The brand-new Visitor Center was a must-stop, with activities like making cornhusk dolls, crafting games, trying on tricorn hats, and writing with a quill pen. It was also the perfect spot to warm up, ask questions, and get information for the day.
Another highlight was the New Jersey State Museum Planetarium, where I saw the night sky as George Washington and his troops would have in 1776. Seeing the same stars that guided Revolutionary soldiers made history feel alive and tangible.
The day also included a visit to Trenton’s First Presbyterian Church, a key site during the British occupation of 1776–77. Although currently closed for preservation, guided walk-throughs offered insight into its past and future as a community gathering space. We even saw tombstones dating back to 1745, hidden in the crawl space.
From historic meetinghouses to reenactments, conversations, and immersive experiences, touring Trenton the 1776 way was an unforgettable mix of history, community, and local charm.