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Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution

Happy Birthday, America!

Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Revolutionary War and the signing of the Declaration of Independence with us! There will be dozens of events and programs hosted throughout the year to recognize, honor, and celebrate this historic milestone, including the contributions of all Americans.

Check this page throughout the year for an updated list of events!

Revolution 250 Events and Exhibitions

presented by The New Brunswick Free Public Library & the New Brunswick Historical Society

Lenape: Here, then Where? Their Legacy

Saturday, March 28th | 2:00pm - 3:30pm | New Brunswick Free Public Library

A presentation about the legacy of Lenape, presented as part of the library's celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

East Jersey Old Town Village & Cornelius Low House Museum (Piscataway, NJ)

Opening Weekend

Sat., April 11th - Sun., April 12th | 10:00am - 4:00pm | East Jersey Old Town Village

Kick off the historical season (April-October) with a free, family-friendly celebration featuring historical reenactments, 18th century music, traditional trades, childrens crafts, food trucks and more.

Exhibit Opening Reception - Caught in the Crossfire: Divided Loyalties in Middlesex County

Sun., April 26th | 12:00pm - 4:00pm | Cornelius Low House Museum

The Middlesex County Division of History and Historic Preservation will tell the county's story in the American Revolution through a new exhibition at the Cornelius Low House Museum. Explore never-before-exhibited artifacts, archival materials, interactive displays, and commissioned artwork. The exhibition runs from April 11, 2026, to December 31, 2028.

Union Muster

Sat., May 2nd - Sun., May 3rd | 10:00am - 4:00pm | East Jersey Old Town Village

Experience Civil War-era life through reenactments, musket and artillery demonstrations, live 19th century music, children's crafts, and food trucks honoring the legacy of the 80,000 New Jersey soldiers who served.

History Day

Sat., May 16th | 10:00am - 4:00pm | East Jersey Old Town Village & Cornelius Low House Museum

Spend the day immersed in history, featuring exhibits, living-history reenactors, music, children's crafts, and food. Local, state, and national organizations will also table under the history tent on the center green to show off 250th events in their communities.

A Revolutionary Celebration: Independence Day on the Raritan

Sat., July 4th | 8:00am - 4:00pm | East Jersey Old Town Village

Celebrate Independence Day at East Jersey Old Town Village. This free, family-friendly event begins with a Revolutionary Celebration 5k run, followed by a fun day featuring historical stories, patriotic -themed music, fife-and-drum performances, historical weapons demonstrations, and food vendors.

American Repertory Ballet

AMERICANA

Fri., May 1st - Sun., May 3rd | New Brunswick Performing Arts Center

Cue the fireworks! American Repertory Ballet's 2025/26 season finale at NBPAC will shine bright with AMERICANA. AMERICANA is a vibrant mixed-repertoire performance that celebrates the spirit of our country in honor of its 250th anniversary. This dynamic program features two iconic works by George Balanchine - Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux and an excerpt from Stars and Stripes, with music by John Philip Sousa. Plus, two World Premieres by ARB Company Dancer Michelle Quiner and ARB's acclaimed Artist in Residence, Ethan Stiefel, will have audiences jumping to their feet with patriotic pride.

New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra Spring Salon Series

Two Series of Music Inspired by American History

The Revolutionary War in New Jersey

Sun., May 3rd | 2:00pm | Zimmerli Art Museum

Funded in part by Middlesex County (NJ), the second group of salons this season will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and the ideals that drove the Founding Fathers and their compatriots to action. Celebrate that momentous event with an exciting program that will include works by Shield, Cage, and even a work commissioned by the Composers Guild of New Jersey for the NBCO that will highlight New Jersey's role in the Revolution. A noted Revolutionary War historian, Arthur Lefkowitz, will describe both significant and less well-known events that took place in New Jersey. Reservations Required.

America in Music

Wed., May 13th | 12:00pm | First Reformed-New Brunswick

The season's first and third Salons of the Spring season will feature works by American composers and evocative of American themes. Join us for an inspiring program that will include works by Higdon, Barber, Ives, Dvořák, and more!

State Theatre New Jersey Special Screening

"1776"

Fri., July 3rd | 5:00pm | State Theatre New Jersey

Join State Theatre for an epic screening of "1776", a film adaptation of the Broadway musical detailing the events that took place leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Stay tuned for more details!

Learn more about the 250th Anniversary of the Revolutionary War and related events from Revolution NJ at www.RevNJ.org.

Past Events:

Black History Month Event: An African American Patriot's Experience

Saturday, Feb. 14th | 2:00 - 3:30 PM | New Brunswick Free Public Library

Steven Thomas will wear the uniform of an American Patriot piper & present the history of the challenges and choices facing African Americans on all sides: American, British, neutral, enslaved and free, North and South, at the time of the Revolution.

Why Did Hessian Soldiers Fight with the British?

Saturday, March 14th | 2:00 - 3:30 PM | New Brunswick Free Public Library

A presentation on Hessian soldiers during the American Revolution, part of the library's celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.