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[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” css=”.vc_custom_1761580226350{margin-top: 30px !important;}”][vc_column]Celebrating the United States' 250th Anniversary
Throughout 2026, New Jersey’s state parks, forests and historic sites will celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary with a variety of public programs and events. Join in on the fun as we explore New Jersey’s history and learn how the events, challenges, and ideas of the past continue to shape the nation today. From guided First Day Hikes to Revolutionary War reenactments and themed programs, there is truly something for everyone.New Jersey State Parks is a proud partner of RevolutionNJ, a partnership between the New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC), a division of the New Jersey Department of State, and the nonprofit Crossroads of the American Revolution Association to plan the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in New Jersey.
Upcoming Events
Celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary with events and programs hosted by New Jersey State Parks.
About
2026 marks the 250th, or Semiquincentennial, anniversary of the United States. This historic milestone is an opportunity to reflect on the 250 years of history that has shaped the nation following the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. With celebrations planned across the state and the nation, all are invited to join in on commemorating this symbolic year.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1767035761397{margin-bottom: 100px !important;}”]
NJ State Parks Celebrate 250 Challenge
Celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026 by getting outdoors with the New Jersey State Parks Celebrate 250 Challenge. This yearlong challenge encourages visitors of all ages and abilities to explore New Jersey’s 41 state parks, 11 state forests, five recreation areas, and 50+ historic sites and districts while building healthy habits and honoring this milestone year. Learn more about the New Jersey State Parks Celebrate 250 Challenge.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” css=”.vc_custom_1766507160555{margin-top: -50px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_separator border_width=”3″ css=”.vc_custom_1766507186434{margin-top: -50px !important;}”]
Investing in New Jersey’s Historic Sites
In preparation for the United States’ 250th anniversary, New Jersey has made a major investment in the restoration of historic sites throughout the state. In 2022, Governor Phil Murphy announced a $25 million investment towards New Jersey’s Revolutionary War historic sites using funds from the federal American Rescue Plan. Additional improvements have been made possible through a variety of state and federal funding and grants.
These projects include:
Along with general visitor amenity improvements, further efforts are being made to restore the various historic buildings located within the park, including the Johnson Ferry House, the Stone Barn and Bear Tavern. A National Historic Landmark update, funded by Semiquincentennial grants administered by the National Park Service, will ensure that the legacy of this world-famous historic site will be preserved for generations to come.
Learn more about the improvements being made to Washington Crossing State Park. [/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Trenton Battle Monument” tab_id=”1766505828027-0b654dd5-26a6″][vc_column_text css=””]A feasibility assessment is underway for visitor access to the top of the monument, which commemorates the American victory in a pivotal Revolutionary War battle. Additional assessments are being made for ADA access into the base of the monument. Improvements are also being made to the site’s landscaping, lighting and interpretation. [/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Princeton Battlefield State Park” tab_id=”1766511868875-9e082a56-8061″][vc_column_text css=””]Restoration work is in progress in order to preserve the site of one of the fiercest battles of the Revolutionary War. Upgrades are being made to improve the ADA accessibility of public restrooms, parking areas and the pathways into the Thomas Clarke House. Additional projects include the restoration of the iconic Colonnade and the implementation of new entrance, wayfinding and interpretive signage.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Monmouth Battlefield State Park” tab_id=”1766511903441-c679cb28-7b0d”][vc_column_text css=””]New entrance, wayfinding and interpretive signs are being installed throughout the park to help educate visitors about one of the longest battles of the Revolutionary War. Additionally, a preservation and interpretation plan for the Craig House (circa 1734) is under development, and lighting improvements are being made throughout the parking areas. [/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Proprietary House in Perth Amboy” tab_id=”1766511933996-f16f04cd-b21e”][vc_column_text]To help preserve the only remaining royal governor’s mansion still standing from the original 13 colonies, efforts are being made to restore the ballroom, repave and repair the parking lots, and improve ADA accessibility. [/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Indian King Tavern in Haddonfield” tab_id=”1766511968803-d448360d-b292″][vc_column_text css=””]The American public house where New Jersey officially became a state in 1777 is undergoing work to improve ADA accessibility into the building, upgrade the HVAC system and create a new educational classroom. Additionally, a feasibility assessment is underway for ADA-compliant public restrooms to be built at the site. [/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Wallace House in Somerville” tab_id=”1766511998766-86eb9679-1882″][vc_column_text css=””]Crucial structural and exterior restoration is underway to preserve the house that once served as George Washington’s headquarters during the Revolutionary War. Additional projects include the creation of ADA-compliant pathways and accessibility improvements to the house. A preservation plan and a historic landscape plan are being developed to guide future restoration work on the grounds. [/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Boxwood Hall in Elizabeth” tab_id=”1766512030178-9ecc7d2a-bcd4″][vc_column_text css=””]Restoration work is in progress to make accessibility improvements to this historic home, allowing visitors to explore its connection to many important Revolutionary War figures. Projects include the construction of a new ADA-compliant ramp and new restroom facilities. [/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Rockingham in Kingston” tab_id=”1766512064968-559a4c6c-5748″][vc_column_text css=””]The historic house, which served as General George Washington’s final wartime headquarters, received a full exterior restoration. Projects included window and gutter repairs, roof and siding replacement, painting and structural work on the front porch. The adjacent stone building, which houses public restrooms and the museum gift shop, was also restored. Additional improvements include new pathways, an upgraded entrance, and updated wayfinding and interpretive signage.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]
Beyond 2026
In addition to the celebrations occurring in 2026 to commemorate the Semiquincentennial anniversary of the United States, many more events from the Revolutionary War will reach their 250th anniversaries through 2033. One example is the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Princeton, which will occur at Princeton Battlefield State Park on January 3, 2027. Keep an eye out for these ongoing celebrations in the years to come!
OFFICIAL SITE OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY


