Why You’re in The Right Spot to Celebrate America 250 — and What You Can Do About It

Sunday, September 15, 2025 — shots are fired on the Princeton Battlefield. Young soldiers rush at each other, bayonets and shotguns in hand. They fight tirelessly through the morning, excited by the prospect of glory. Yet, as noon passes, they grow weary. Seeking energy and sustenance, they throw down their weapons and collapse in the grass with cups of Kona Italian Ice and homemade Girl Scout apple pie.

This happens every year. Hundreds of children and families congregate to celebrate Young Patriot’s Day. Boasting impressive artillery demonstrations, educational literature, 18th-century trinkets, and a reenactor the spitting image of Benjamin Franklin, The Princeton Battlefield Society allows young individuals a chance to immerse themselves in the rich history of Princeton and the American Founding.

Growing up in Princeton, I was always familiar with the events happening at the Battlefield. And when I published a children’s book on The Federalist Papers at the end of my senior year of high school, I was able to become an active participant in their celebrations of American history. 

But, as I was recently sitting in my booth, chatting with a couple of professors about Hamilton, Federalist No.1, and the local efforts to remember historical Princeton, we came to a troubling realization. 

Princeton students don’t come to these events. In fact, they don’t even know they are happening. 

The town of Princeton was a pivotal playing ground in the American Founding, and we as students of this great university must make every effort to celebrate that. But if you don’t believe me, here are just three of my go-to Orange Key Tour Guide fun facts as proof . . .

1. George Washington led American troops to a decisive victory at the Battle of Princeton on January 3, 1777. The Princeton Battlefield State Park is now one of the best- preserved Revolutionary War sites, and is less than two miles from Princeton’s campus.
2. Princeton University was a hotspot for Founding Fathers. James Madison, influential author of The Federalist Papers and fourth President of The United States, graduated from Princeton in 1771. John Witherspoon, the only active clergymen to sign The Declaration of Independence, was the University President from 1768-1794. Aaron Burr Jr. (yes, the one that shot Hamilton) graduated Princeton at the age of 16 in 1772. As for Alexander Hamilton himself? Well, he rejected Princeton for Columbia. Imagine |
3. For 4 months and 8 days, Nassau Hall was the Capitol Building of the United States. In 1783, in response to mutiny, Continental Congress relocated from Philadelphia to Princeton, NJ. Nassau Hall, being the largest building in colonial America, was an obvious choice. It was during this period of time that The Treaty of Paris was signed, recognizing the United States as an independent nation. (*I personally like to claim that this is evidence The United States was actually founded in Princeton . . . but that might just be a local bias*)

Hopefully that convinces you that our town is worth celebrating. Especially with the 250th anniversary of The United States just around the corner, understanding Princeton’s role in the Founding has never been more timely. Princeton is the place to be for America 250, and I’m here to show you how and who you can celebrate with.

The Princeton Battlefield Society

The Princeton Battlefield Society preserves the Princeton Battlefield and offers educational events and experiences for the public throughout the year. Here are a few ways you can join them to celebrate America 250!

• January 4, 2026, 9:30am – 12:00pm – Experience The Battle of Princeton: An excited, narrated program of The Battle of Princeton with over 350 reenactors, including artillery and horsemen, followed by a memorial wreath-laying ceremony.
• September 2026 – Young Patriot’s Day: A program intended to educate families and young children on the importance of the American founding. Reannactments, educational booths, and some traditional 18th century exhibitions!
• Revolutionary Sundays: Every Sunday from May through October, The Princeton Battlefield Society will host battle reviews, special presentations, and full walking tours of the Battlefield specifically designed to celebrate America 250.

Morven Museum and Garden

The Morven Museum and Garden is the site of New Jersey’s first governor’s mansion. Today, Morven hosts several events throughout the year including educational lectures, tours, and themed exhibitions. The following are events specific to the celebration of America 250:

• 250th themed Walking Tours
• 18th Century Tavern Culture Exhibition

• March 26, 2026 — Musical Program on Frances Hopkinson:, a composer and signer of the Declaration of Independence.

• October 3, 2026 — Princeton 1776 Fest: A community celebration featuring live music, living history interpreters and craftspeople, special exhibitions, food and drink.

Historical Society of Princeton

The Historical Society of Princeton serves to share the legacy of Princeton through historical exhibitions, tours, collective stewardship initiatives, lectures, and various other public programs. To find a full and updated calendar of upcoming events, click on the link above!

2026 is upon us and with it comes the celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary. You are in a prime spot to celebrate. And now you know how to make it happen!

Image Credit — Wikimedia Commons

Abigail Readlinger

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