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JON S. CORZINE |
VIRGINIA S.
BAUER |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Contact:
Karen Wolfe |
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Historic Trenton Comes Alive for Patriots Week 2006: Trenton—Revolution is in the air as the 2006 Patriots Week (December 26-30) celebration continues the tradition of honoring Trenton’s unique role in securing victory in the American Revolution. This victory ushered in the values of a new, free democratic republic that flourish to this very day. Providing Revolutionary War historians, enthusiasts and casual observers of all ages the perfect opportunity to relive America's quest for independence, Patriots Week doubles as the ideal time to experience all that Trenton has to offer, whether your pleasure is Revolutionary era historic sites, art, music and much more. "As the stewards of New Jersey’s $36 billion tourism industry, it’s our responsibility to remind Americans of every generation of our vital presence in the growth and development of the American experience,” says Virginia S. Bauer, CEO & Secretary of the New Jersey Commerce, Economic Growth & Tourism Commission. “This begins with our role in the American Revolution, and as the turning point in the Colonial fight for independence.” Produced by the Trenton Downtown Association and the Old Barracks Museum, Patriots Week will take place at various locations throughout historic Trenton. As a result of the vast educational and family-oriented appeal of Patriots Week, the Trenton Downtown Association also was a recipient of a 2006 New Jersey Commerce, Economic Growth and Tourism Cooperative Marketing Grant to advance the Garden State’s unique attractions for visitors. “In a few short years, Patriots Week has established itself as one of region’s true must-see historical events,” said Nancy Byrne, Executive Director of the Office of Travel & Tourism. “It provides a wealth of events that will leave visitors not only with a deeper understanding of this momentous time in American history, but with memories that they’ll cherish for years.” Highlights of Patriots Week 2006: The Public Reading of “The American Crisis” (December 26, 10:30 - 11am at the Old Barracks Courtyard) – The traditional kick-off for Patriots Week, gather as a re-enactor reads Thomas Paine’s “The Crisis,” an essay written shortly before the Battle of Trenton that helped rally Americans to the cause of the Revolution. Contemporary Patriot’s Lecture: Mayor David Dinkins (December 26, 11:15am –12:15pm at the Masonic Temple, Ionic Room) – Native Trentonian, 106th Mayor of New York City and current Columbia University professor, David N. Dinkins is this years special guest lecturer on the study of the ideals of the American Revolution as they guide us today. Washington’s Decision: The Story of George Washington’s Decision to Reaccept Black Enlistments in the Continental Army, December 31, 1775 (December 26, 12:30 – 1:30pm at the Masonic Temple Library) – Author Patrick Charles will explore the factors that led to Washington reaccepting the black soldier in the Continental Army. First American Army: The Untold Story of George Washington and the Men Behind America’s First Fight for Freedom (December 27, 1:15 – 2:15 pm at the Masonic Temple Library) – Dr. Bruce Chadwick offers an intimate look at the American Revolution through the eyes of the enlisted men through the eyes of individual soldiers. These interlocking stories of ordinary Americans are drawn from the subject’s letters and never-before-quoted journals. The Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence (December 28, 9:30 – 10:00am at the Declaration Mural, 23 S. Warren St.) – This reading will take place at the large outdoor mural depicting the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence – which took place in Trenton and will be read by a Thomas Jefferson re-enactor from the acclaimed American Historical Theatre. Trenton Battlefield Walking Tour (December 28, 10:00am – 12:00pm (Beginning at Café Ole, 126 S. Warren St.) – 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. The Capitol Steps (December 28, 8:00 – 9:30pm at the Trenton Marriott at Lafayette Yard) – The only group in America that attempts to be funnier than Congress, the Capitol Steps is a troupe of current and former Congressional staffers who take a satirical look at serious issues on Capital Hill, the Oval Office and around the world. Tickets may be purchased at www.patriotsweek.com or by calling 1-877-PAT-WEEK. Ten Crucial Days Bus Tour (December 29, 9:00 – 11:00 am beginning at the Trenton Marriott) – This educational 90-minute excursion is a tour of the rebels’ routes from Washington’s Crossing to Trenton. This tour stretches north to Pennington and Princeton through downtown Trenton itself. Second Battle of Trenton Reenactment (December 20, 3:00 – 4:00 pm beginning at the First Presbyterian Church, 120 E. State St.) – Mill Hill Park is the scene for much of the action of the Second Battle of Trenton. This reenactment will trace British General Charles Cornwallis’ repeated inability to seize the Assunpink Creek Bridge, allowing the American escape by backroads toward Princeton. This eventually lead to George Washington’s victory at Trenton and sowed the seeds for the American triumph in the Revolutionary War. Patriots Week is also distinguished by its selection of programs designed specifically for children of all ages. This includes Children’s Colonial Camp on December 26-30 where children will make candles, clothing and soap, play Colonial games and learn about the 18th century through live music, traditional dance, food and more. While Revolutionary War Era sites, sounds and history may be the main attraction, that doesn’t mean that visitors can’t revel in all that Trenton and the surrounding area has to offer in the present day. The Trenton Marriott at Lafayette Yard provides not only offers first-class accommodations, but is also home to a fine dining experience any day of the week at The Archives – the hotel’s premier restaurant. Meanwhile, only minutes away, is Chambersburg – a collection of some of the finest restaurants anywhere in the Garden State. A short drive will bring you to beautiful and historic Princeton, renowned for its art, theatre, history and shopping. The greater Princeton area is home to such fine hotels such as the Nassau Inn, the Doral Forrestal, the Hyatt Regency, a wealth of entertainment venues like the historic McCarter Theatre and the finest dining options in Mediterra and so many more. And, of course, the Princeton area is home to some of the best shopping options you’ll ever find – in New Jersey or elsewhere. To learn more about the 2006 Patriots Week celebrations – including full schedules and additional information on every one of the weeklong events (the majority free and open to the public) visit www.patriotsweek.com. For a free copy of the State of New Jersey’s Travel Guide published by the New Jersey Commerce, Economic & Tourism Growth Commission, call 1-86-NJFIRST-9 (1-866-534-7789) or visit our home on the web to learn more about other things to see and do in New Jersey at www.visitnj.org. |
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