The New Jersey State Museum is a proud partner of the Trenton Downtown Association's 2008 Patriots' Week Celebration.

Patriots' Week celebrates Trenton's unique and pivotal role in the American Revolution. Held annually during the week between Christmas and New Year's, Patriots' Week attracts thousands of visitors to enjoy art music, literature, battlefield re-enactments, and living history events. Patriots' Week is the most comprehensive effort ever undertaken to promote cultural tourism in Trenton and is the cornerstone of Trenton Downtown Association's heritage tourism imitative. Patriots' Week 2006 received an Award of Recognition from the New Jersey Historical Commission.

For more information and a complete schedule of all the events for Patriots' Week please visit http://www.patriotsweek.com

Patriots Week at the New Jersey State Museum

Exhibits

Trenton: Crucial Crossroads

Now open - on extended view

Museum Auditorium - Alcove Gallery

Designed as both a history of Trenton, New Jersey's capital city, and an orientation for visitors planning to visit historic sites in the city, the exhibition ranges from 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 an historical context that will enhance visits to Trenton's many significant historic sites, including the New Jersey State Capitol, the Old Barracks Museum, the Trenton Battle Monument, War Memorial Theater, Masonic Lodge and 1719 William Trenton House Museum.

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

On view through December 31

Museum Main Building

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.

NJN Film Series

Friday, December 26

Patriots' Week - NJN Film: N.J. Legacy Series

The Two New Jerseys

1:00 PM (30 minutes); Auditorium; free

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.

Patriots' Week - NJN Film:
Ten Crucial Days - The Road to Liberty

3:00 PM (30 minutes); Auditorium; free

Cross the icy Delaware River in Durham. boats with General Washington and his troops. March with them through the night in the sleet and rain to Trenton to surprise the Hessians. Participate in the brilliant strategic move that turned the Revolutionary War around.

Saturday, December 27

Patriots' Week - NJN Film: N.J. Legacy Series
Royal Rule and Religious Revival

1:00 PM (30 minutes); Auditorium; free

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 Rutgers and Princeton universities and in drawing in African and Native Americans. In challenging established church authorities, the revival helped pave the road to the American Revolution.

Sunday, December 28

Patriots' Week - NJN Film: N.J. Legacy Series
The Two New Jerseys

1:00 PM (30 minutes); Auditorium; free

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.

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

2:30 PM & 3:30 PM; Main Museum building; free

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.

 Monday, December 29

Patriots' Week - NJN Film: N.J. Legacy Series
The Republican Rebellion

1:00 PM (30 minutes); Auditorium; free

New Jersey was the Crossroads of the American Revolution, being strategically located between the British military headquarters in New York City and the Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia. This program examines protests in New Jersey against the Stamp Act and other British imperial measures, the passage of New Jersey's first state constitution in 1776, Washington's stunning victories over the British at the battles of Trenton and Princeton, and the effects of the Revolution on women and African-Americans.

Tuesday, December 30

Patriots' Week - NJN Film: N.J. Legacy Series
Royal Rule and Religious Revival

1:00 PM (30 minutes); Auditorium; free

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 Rutgers and Princeton universities and in drawing in African and Native Americans. In challenging established church authorities, the revival helped pave the road to the American Revolution.

 Wednesday, December 31

Patriots' Week - NJN Film: N.J. Legacy Series
The Republican Rebellion

1:00 PM (30 minutes); Auditorium; free

New Jersey was the Crossroads of the American Revolution, being strategically located between the British military headquarters in New York City and the Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia. This program examines protests in New Jersey against the Stamp Act and other British imperial measures, the passage of New Jersey's first state constitution in 1776, Washington's stunning victories over the British at the battles of Trenton and Princeton, and the effects of the Revolution on women and African-Americans.