{"id":11038,"date":"2025-01-02T13:50:05","date_gmt":"2025-01-02T18:50:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/newsrel\/?p=11038"},"modified":"2026-03-19T09:59:32","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T13:59:32","slug":"25_0001","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/newsrel\/25_0001\/","title":{"rendered":"Murphy Administration Readies For America\u2019s 250th Anniversary With Battle Of Princeton Re-enactment On January 5 And Installation Of Enhanced Interpretive Displays (25\/P001)"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text css=””]FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<\/strong>
\nJanuary 2, 2025[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

Contact:<\/strong> Vincent Grassi (609) 984-1795
\nLawrence Hajna (609) 984-1795
\nCaryn Shinske (609) 984-1795<\/p>\n

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MURPHY ADMINISTRATION READIES FOR AMERICA\u2019S 250TH ANNIVERSARY WITH BATTLE OF PRINCETON RE-ENACTMENT ON JANUARY 5 AND INSTALLATION OF ENHANCED INTERPRETIVE DISPLAYS<\/strong><\/h3>\n

(25\/P01) TRENTON <\/strong>\u2013 As part of preparations for America\u2019s 250th anniversary in 2026, Princeton Battlefield State Park<\/a> will host its annual re-enactment of the Battle of Princeton<\/a> on Sunday, Jan. 5, allowing attendees to learn about one of the fiercest battles of the American Revolution and interact with 10 newly installed interpretive displays throughout the park, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced today.<\/p>\n

Spectators will experience a guided narration of the battle as British and American re-enactors fire muskets and cannons on the same land where the actual battle took place on January 3, 1777. Following the battle, the interior of the historic Thomas Clarke House<\/a> will be open for tours. Visitors will also be guided by 10 new interpretive displays at various locations on the battlefield.<\/p>\n

\"battlefield\"\u201cThe Battle of Princeton is a powerful milestone that highlights New Jersey\u2019s pivotal role in our nation\u2019s history,\u201d said Governor Murphy<\/strong>.\u00a0\u201cOver the next two years, we\u2019re excited to showcase how New Jersey continues to be a beacon of innovation, carrying forward the revolutionary spirit ignited 250 years ago. I\u2019m proud to kick off this celebration right here in the Garden State.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cWe are thrilled to celebrate our nation\u2019s 250th anniversary with the re-enactment of the Battle of Princeton,\u201d said Lieutenant Governor Way who oversees the New Jersey Historical Commission in her role as Secretary of State<\/strong>.\u00a0\u201cNew Jersey played a pivotal role in our nation\u2019s founding story. I\u2019m delighted to see efforts underway to highlight our state\u2019s rich history and significant contributions to the American Revolution.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Murphy Administration is fully committed to preparing for the nation\u2019s 250th<\/sup> anniversary as efforts to tell the Garden State\u2019s part of the story gear up,\u201d said Commissioner LaTourette<\/strong>. \u201cInvestments have been made statewide, and work is ongoing to improve historic sites and enhance our ability to educate the public by holding events that highlight the significance of New Jersey\u2019s part in shaping the country\u2019s history.\u201d<\/p>\n

The re-enactment will begin at 9:45 a.m. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early as parking on-site is limited. Free shuttle buses from the Princeton Train Station<\/a> are available for those arriving by public transportation or parking off-site.<\/p>\n

\u201cNew Jersey\u2019s role in the American Revolution was integral to our nation\u2019s founding, and the re-enactment of the Battle of Princeton offers a profound way to connect with that history,\u201d said John Cecil, Assistant Commissioner for State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites<\/strong>. \u201cAdditionally, new interpretive displays enhance the experience at Princeton Battlefield State Park, where history is not only preserved but also available to learn, contemplate and fully appreciate the significance of this pivotal moment in the American Revolution.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Battle of Princeton was one of the fiercest of the American Revolution, marking the conclusion of the pivotal \u201cTen Crucial Days<\/a>,\u201d a period of intense troop movements and battles, including three key confrontations, beginning with Gen. George Washington\u2019s famous crossing of the Delaware River on December 25, 1776.<\/p>\n

To commemorate the soldiers who fought and died at the Battle of Princeton, a memorial wreath-laying ceremony will close out the re-enactment.<\/p>\n

The re-enactment is hosted in partnership with the Princeton Battlefield Society<\/a>. Tickets and additional information about the re-enactment can be found on the Princeton Battlefield Society website. Tickets are $10 each for those aged 15 and over – preregistration is recommended but not required as tickets can be purchased upon arrival. All proceeds from the ticket sales will be donated to the Princeton Battlefield Society.<\/p>\n

\"interpretiveInterpretive Enhancements at Princeton Battlefield<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Through a partnership with the American Battlefield Trust<\/a> and the Princeton Battlefield Society, Princeton Battlefield State Park in November unveiled 10 new interpretive signs which are distributed throughout the park. The new exhibits were funded by the New Jersey Historic Trust.<\/p>\n

The signage will be complemented by the installation of two \u201cbattle windows\u201d in early 2025, which apply elements from the Battle of Princeton to a pane of glass that overlays the present-day view of the state park, allowing viewers to better grasp how the battle unfolded on the landscape. One battle window applies extracted elements from a well-known James Peale painting, and a second highlights the British perspective from a custom illustration by historical illustrator Dale Watson. A bronze patina map table will also be installed depicting the battlefield\u2019s topography.<\/p>\n

Princeton Battlefield is also included on the new Liberty Trail NJ app<\/a>, available for free download through Google Play and the Apple Store, as well as an online web app. The new app from the American Battlefield Trust includes 360-degree virtual tours, narrative text, historical illustrations, original artwork, battle maps and videos with experts.<\/p>\n

Statewide Historic Site Improvements<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

In 2022, the Murphy Administration made a $25 million investment toward New Jersey\u2019s Revolutionary War historic sites in preparation for 250th<\/sup> anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026.<\/p>\n

The investment supports restoration and capital improvements to:<\/p>\n