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WILLIAM M BROWN
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By Mary Beth Schwartz
On July 4, 1776, pints of ale and Huzzahs! were mostly enjoyed by the signers of the Declaration of Independence. The first public readings were at noon on July 8 in Easton and Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, and Trenton, New Jersey. As the news spread via couriers on horseback, which took about a month, the musket fire, shooting cannons, ringing church bells, bonfires, and parades spread across the Colonies, along with the occasional mock funeral for King George III. In New York, his statue was pulled down, beheaded, and melted into ammunition for the Continental Army.
The annual tradition of fireworks did not take off until the official anniversary on July 4, 1777. All celebrations were centered around the number 13 for the number of Colonies. Ships in the river were decorated with bright streamers, troops performed drills, and the Colonists lit up towns with candles in their windows. There were official dinners, parades, and lots of music. In 1778, General George Washington would mark the holiday by giving his soldiers double rations of rum to boost morale.
Now fast forward with me in time to July 4, 1976, the year of the Bicentennial. In Philadelphia, one million people gathered to celebrate the 200th anniversary of American independence. President Gerald Ford spoke at Independence Hall. Queen Elizabeth II presented a gift from Great Britain, The Bicentennial Bell, which was cast by the same London foundry that made the Liberty Bell. The Centennial Bell, created to mark 100 years of independence, rang 13 times. It hangs in the steeple of Independence Hall. The bell was cast using four melted cannons: the British and American from the Revolutionary Way, and the Union and Confederate from the Civil War. Dozens of tall ships appeared on the Delaware River. There was a massive parade that lasted more than five hours.
Back in Trenton, New Jersey, I was watching the festivities unfold on the television. Normally our local parade on the Fourth of July would include kids on decorated bikes, marching bands, floats, firetrucks, and the Shriners in their miniature cars. Lots of candy thrown to scrambling kids. We had a great cookout that year, and I remember the spectacular firework display in Washington Crossing.
That little kid in Trenton is now a mom to a family of her own. For our 250, my goal is to provide a guide to celebrating America 1776 style for all families to enjoy. You will find historic events for Bucks County and its countryside, New Jersey’s Hunterdon County and Mercer County, as well as national activities courtesy of America250. So, grab your tri-cornered hat—let’s celebrate our Stars and Stripes.
BUCKS COUNTY & COUNTRYSIDE
Andalusia Historic House, Garden, and Arboretum
Through November 13: Radical Americana: Sophie Glenn & Jody Graff
Through November 13: Revolutionary Family: The Biddles & American Independence
1237 State Road, Andalusia, PA. www.andalusiapa.org
America Celebrates 250th Celebration
July 3: Day 1 includes reenactors and educational events. Events start at 1 p.m. The day concludes at 9:30 p.m. with a fireworks and air drone show with patriotic music.
July 4: Day 2 includes a pub crawl, reenactors, and live music. Events start at 2 p.m.
July 5: Day 3. Freedom parade, bell ringing, a Dragon Boat race with Patriots, color guard ceremonies, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, and singers from the Bucks County Playhouse and Music Mountain performing God Bless America. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. New Hope, PA and Lambertville, NJ. www.americacelebrates.org
Annual Tri-Municipal Fourth of July Parade
July 4: 9:30-11 a.m. Deck out your floats, bikes, strollers, or sneakers in red, white, and blue and help us fill the streets with energy, patriotic pride, and community fun.
New Britain Township, PA. www.chalfontborough.com.
Bristol Cultural & Historical Foundation
June 28: Community Band Concert
August 16: Peach Social
October 17: 50th Annual Historic Bristol Day featuring historic house tours, artisan vendors, live entertainment, and much more. Honoring the founding of Bristol in 1681. Bristol, PA. www.bristolhistory.org.
Byers Choice
To commemorate America’s 250, Byers Choice presents its commemorative collection, including a Revolutionary Drummer, Revolutionary Patriot, and Lady Liberty figurines. They have brought back customer favorites such as Betsy Ross and Uncle Sam. A recent special release included John Adams and a Declaration of Independence Signing Table. Collectors are encouraged to stay tuned for at least three more commemorative product releases to be unveiled throughout 2026. 4355 County Line Road, Chalfont, PA. www.byerschoice.com.
Craven Hall Historic Site
October 17: Annual Crooked Billet 5K. This fundraiser supports Craven Hall and Craven Hall and the John Fitch Steamboat Museum. Newtown and Street Roads, Warminster, PA. www.craven-hall.org.
Doylestown Historical Society
Ongoing: Walking Tours
Through December 2026: Early Doylestown Guided Tour
Through December 2026: Meet and Greet Lectures
Through December 2026: Story and Book Reading
Through December 2026: Town Crier Reenactments
July 2: Celebrate July Fourth with holiday fun and music from the Central Bucks Community Band. Doylestown, PA. www.doylestownhistorical.org.
Easton Heritage Day
July 11: Featuring a full day of historical and cultural programming, Heritage Day plans to ring in the 250th anniversary with its most ambitious slate of programming yet. There will be dozens of historical partners and reenactors to create a lively and immersive experience meant to inform people of all ages of how impactful the city and region have been to America. Anchored by a theatrical performance that concludes with a reenactment of the reading of the Declaration of Independence at noon in Centre Square, history truly comes alive on Heritage Day. And for many Eastonians, they’ll appreciate that the Easton’s Farmers’ Market returns (for one weekend) to Centre Square, its original location when it began in 1752. Easton, PA. www.heritageday.org.
Fonthill Castle
July 4: Fourth of July event includes crafts, a children’s bike parade, wheelbarrow and sack races, live music, and lots of family-friendly fun. 12-4 p.m. Court Street and Route 313, Doylestown, PA. www.mercermuseum.org/visit/fonthill-castle.
Gather Place Museum
June-August: America’s 250th Anniversary Summer 2026 Programs
June-August: The Underground Railroad—Bucks County & Beyond
188 South Canal Street, Yardley, PA. www.gatherplace.org.
Historic Fallsington Day
October 10: This annual community event includes tours of the museum buildings, historical demonstrations, live music, crafts, a book sale, food, and participation from local vendors. 4 Yardley Avenue, Fallsington, PA. www.historicfallsington.org.
Historic Langhorne Association
Ongoing: Walking Tours
June 13: Strawberry Festival
October 26: The Revolutionary War Burial Site in Langhorne. Soldiers from the First and Second Battles of Trenton and the Battle of Princeton were buried here between December 1776 and May 1777. For generations, the site’s history survived only through local stories, until a 1992 archaeological excavation confirmed the legend, uncovering the remains of 166 American soldiers. Military historian Michael Jesberger shares the remarkable story of this rediscovery. 160 West Maple Avenue, Langhorne, PA. www.historiclanghorne.org
Mercer Museum
Through December 31: The Doan Gang: Outlaws of the Revolution
84 South Pine Street, Doylestown, PA. www.mercermuseum.org
Michener Museum
June 27-January 10: The Crossing: Picturing the American Revolution
September 5-February 28: Abstractions of Nature: Quarries and Industry in Pennsylvania Impressionism
138 South Pine Street, Doylestown, PA. www.michenerartmuseum.org
Moravian Pottery and Tile Works
The Tile Works will be featuring tiles and mosaic images that include the America 250 theme. There is a Washington crossing tile, a circular butter mold, and a Washington Crossing brocade, which features Washington in the boat. If you plan on touring the Tile Works, there will be large patriotic mosaic murals on display throughout 2026. 130 East Swamp Road, Doylestown, PA. www.thetileworks.org
Newtown Historic Association
August 8: Newtown Celebrates 250. An action-packed day of exciting and educational events throughout Newtown. The day will include a Revolutionary-era skirmish outside the Bird in Hand, an Edward Hicks reenactor at Newtown Friends Meeting House, a Civil War band at the Newtown Theatre, a reenactment of the Doan Gang’s robbery of the Bucks County Treasury, historical displays at the Half-Moon Inn, antique firetrucks and equipment at the Newtown Fire House Museum, lobby exhibits at the First National Bank & Trust Company, Hessian prisoners and graveyard tours at the Old Presbyterian Church, and more. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
September 21: The Life and Times of Captain Daniel Bray: From Waterman to Militia (1741 to 1840) presented by Daniel McAuliffe
October 3: Historic Newtown Market Day
October 22: The Newtown Treasury presented by Matt Bielicki
Half-Moon Inn, 105 Court Street, Newtown, PA. www.newtownhistoric.org
Peddler’s Village
July 4: Red, White, and Blueberries BBQ Bash
August 1-2: Peach Festival
September 7-October 25: Scarecrows in the Village
November 7-8: Apple Festival
Route 202 and Street Road, Lahaska, PA. www.peddlersvillage.com
Pennsbury Manor
June 21, July 19, August 16, September 20: Open Hearth Cooking
July 4: Open to the Public
July 5, August 2, September 6: Historic Trade Demonstrations
July 12, August 9: Living History Theater
August 30: Animals at Pennsbury Manor
400 Pennsbury Memorial Road, Morrisville, PA. www.pennsburymanor.org
Philadelphia Celebrates 250
Through January 3: The Declarations Journey (Museum of the American Revolution)
Through July 5: A Nation of Artists (Philadelphia Museum of Art)
Ongoing: New exhibits at the National Constitution Center (America’s Founding, Governing the Nation)
June 19-July 4: Wawa Welcome America
1. June 27: Patriotic Concert & Fireworks on the Delaware River Waterfront
2. July 2: Red, White, and Blue To-Do in the Historic District
3. July 3: 38th Annual Liberty Medal Ceremony at Independence National Historical Park for Pope Leo XIV
4. July 3: Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade
5. July 4: Concert and Fireworks on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA. www.visitphilly.com
Quakertown Community Day
July 4: This annual festival at Quakertown Memorial Park includes live music, a car show, family-friendly activities, and a pancake breakfast. The day ends with a fireworks spectacular. Quakertown, PA. www.facebook.com/QuakertownCommunityDay
Summerseat
Ongoing: Open Houses and Walking Tours
June 14: Flag Day Ceremony
July 4: Reading of the Declaration of Independence at noon, followed by USA Birthday Celebration. Hillcrest Avenue and Legion Avenue, Morrisville, PA. www.historicsummerseat.com
Valley Forge: 50/250 Celebration
July 3-5: Retreat to Valley Forge over the Fourth of July weekend in 2026 and celebrate the 50th anniversary of Valley Forge National Historical Park and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Special programs and events are scheduled for the three days. Valley Forge, PA. www.nps.gov/vafo
Washington Crossing Historic Park
Ongoing: Monthly Living History, Lecture Series
July 4: Independence Day Celebration featuring military encampments, living history demonstrations, fife and drum performance, food trucks, musket and artillery demonstrations, and fireworks over the Delaware River. Readings of the Declaration of Independence will occur throughout the evening. 4-9:30 p.m.
July 12: Rebels and Redcoats Car Show
September 25-November 7: Lantern Tours
December 13: First Crossing Reenactment
December 25: Annual Christmas Day Crossing
1112 River Road, Washington Crossing, PA. www.washingtoncrossingpark.org
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NJ
Hunterdon County will celebrate the 250 with parades. The official Hunterdon County 250th Parade will take place on June 14 on Flemington’s Main Street. Lots of planning is in the works to make the parade the best yet. Lebanon will hold their annual parade on July 4. This small-town celebration includes patriotic displays, followed by an afternoon of music, games, and fare at Holjes-Sheppard Memorial Park.
www.explorehunterdonnj.com
MERCER COUNTY, NJ
Historic Princeton
Ongoing: America250 Walking Tour (Historical Society of Princeton)
Through October: Revolutionary Sundays (Princeton Battlefield Society)
Through July 12: Nursery of Rebellion: Princeton and the American Revolution. This exhibition will offer the chance to see the library’s original copies of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, wartime correspondence, military artifacts, and much more. (Princeton University Library)
September 10-October 1: Princeton and the American Revolution: A Four-Part Series (Updike Farmstead)
December 27: The Battle of Princeton Reenactment (Princeton Battlefield Society)
Princeton, NJ. www.experienceprinceton.org
Hopewell Valley Historical Society
July 4: Titusville Baby Parade
September 12-13: Heritage Week
November 18: The British are Here! The Occupation of Hopewell Valley 1776 (lecture)
December 12: Reopening of the Hopewell Museum
Pennington, NJ. www.hopewellvalleyhistory.org
Morven Museum and Garden
Through January 27: Five Independent Souls: The Signers from New Jersey
July 4: Fourth of July Festival
September 4-February 28: Voices in Print: New Jersey Black Women Printmakers Shaping the American Narrative
October 3: Princeton 1776 Fest
55 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ. www.morven.org
The New Jersey State Museum
Through February 27: Spirit of ’76: The Bicentennial
Through January 10: The Power to Change: Revolutionary Stories from the New Jersey State Archives. 205 West State Street, Trenton, NJ. www.nj.gov/state/museum
Old Barracks Museum
June 13: Trenton Barracks Founders Day
July 4: America250 Celebration and Grand Reopening
September 18: Tavern Night
October 23: All Barracks Eve
November 11: James Selkirk's Revolutionary War by Author Robb K. Haberman
December 26: Battles of Trenton Reenactment and Puppet Show, followed by the
Colonial Ball. 101 Barrack Street, Trenton, NJ. www.barracks.org
Trenton Heritage Week
July 4: Cultural Heritage Parade and Festival. The parade begins at City Hall at noon. There will be a wreath laying ceremony at the Trenton Battle Monument. The Democracy Day Multicultural Festival at Mill Hill Park takes place from 1-6 p.m.
July 5: Community and Reflection. United in Prayer starts the day at 1 p.m. at St. Michael's Episcopal Church. At 2 p.m. will be a Heritage Churches of Trenton Walking Tour. You can then celebrate America’s Potluck at the Old Barracks at 3 p.m. End the day at the William Trent House. At 4 p.m. there will be a reading of Frederick Douglass' 1852 speech with songs of the period.
July 6: Museum and History Day. Explore Trenton's historic institutions with free and discounted access throughout the day. There will be New Jersey State House tours (reservations required). You can view living documents at the New Jersey State Library.
July 8: 250th Annual Proclamation of the Declaration of Independence. The day includes an official reading at noon, followed by History Fest250, Walking Tour of Historic Downtown Trenton, International Proclamation of the Declaration of Independence, and Blawenburg Band Colonial Concert.
Trenton, NJ. www.trentonnj.org
Trenton Thunder Fireworks
July 4: Red, White, and Boomer
August 6: America at 250
Firework displays follow Trenton Thunder games. Trenton Thunder Ballpark, 1 Thunder Road, Trenton, NJ. www.mlbdraftleague.com/trenton
Washington Crossing Park Association
June-August: Summer Sunday Lecture Series
July 4: Commemoration of Independence Day. There will be readings of the Declaration of Independence periodically throughout the afternoon. Visit the new construction for the park. In the evening there will be a patriotic concert.
August 8: Outwater’s Militia Encampment
December 13: Annual Washington’s Landing in New Jersey event, coinciding with the Washington Crossing Historic Park First Crossing.
355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville, NJ. www.wcpa-nj.com
AMERICA250
Ongoing: Volunteer for a local organization through America Gives
July 1: American Frontier Celebration and Broadcast Special (Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, Medora, North Dakota)
July 2: Time Capsule Dedication (Independence Hall, Philadelphia)
July 3: Giving 4th Broadcast Benefit Show (Times Square, New York City)
July 4: America’s Block Party. Join the celebration with your own block party.
July 5: American Day of Reflection
www.america250.org
BioMary Beth Schwartz is a freelance features writer from Hunterdon County, New Jersey. She enjoys traveling back in time on weekend adventures with her family.