Middlesex County Celebrates the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution with an Array of Events

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MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ - Middlesex County is proud to unveil a robust slate of events commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. As a region where influential people, places, and pivotal moments shaped America's fight for independence, the County invites residents and visitors to explore its Revolutionary legacy through immersive arts, culture, and history programming over the next two years.

Additionally, to encourage independent exploration, residents and visitors can access the Middlesex County History Guide, which features Revolutionary-era stories, self-guided activities, and highlights of historic landmarks throughout the County.

"The 250th anniversary of America is more than a milestone; it is an opportunity to reflect on the bold vision of the individuals who built this nation - many of whom lived in or traveled through Middlesex County on their journey to independence," said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. "Today, we honor that legacy by building a County where everyone can thrive. I encourage all residents to join our events, explore the history in their hometowns, and continue learning about America's remarkable heritage."

"The 250th anniversary is a moment for our community to unite in honoring our nation's diverse history, and I'm thrilled that we can do so in the very places where that history unfolded," said Middlesex County Commissioner Chanelle Scott McCullum, Chair of the Economic Development Committee. "From vibrant events and reenactments at East Jersey Old Town Village to our many historic landmarks, there are countless opportunities to experience and celebrate the lives that shaped America. I hope everyone will come out, explore, and be inspired by the rich history right here in Middlesex County."

MIDDLESEX COUNTY'S 250TH ANNIVERSARY PROGRAMMING

Saturday, April 11-Sunday, April 12 | 10 am-4 pm

Opening Weekend at East Jersey Old Town Village and Cornelius Low House Museum

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

Sunday, April 26 | noon-4 pm

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

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, Caught in the Crossfire: Divided Loyalties in Middlesex County. Explore never-before-exhibited artifacts, archival materials, interactive displays, and commissioned artwork. Light refreshments will be served. The exhibition runs from Saturday, April 11, 2026, to Sunday, December 31, 2028.

Saturday, May 2-Sunday, May 3 | 10 am-4 pm

Union Muster at 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.

Saturday, May 16 | 10 am-4 pm

History Day at East Jersey Old Town Village and Cornelius Low House Museum

Spend the day immersed in history at East Jersey Old Town Village and the Cornelius Low House Museum, 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.

Saturday, July 4 | 8 am-4 pm

A Revolutionary Celebration: Independence Day on the Raritan

Celebrate Independence Day on the banks of the Raritan River 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.

250TH ANNIVERSARY PARTNERSHIP EVENTS

Saturday, March 28 | 2-3:30 pm

Lenape: Here, then Where? Their Legacy

Presented by the New Brunswick Free Public Library, enjoy this free event in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room, presented as part of the library's celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, along with our Revolution 250 exhibit showcasing the events and people that have made up the history of New Brunswick.

Saturday, April 11-Sunday, April 12 | 10 am-4 pm

Public History Class with Rutgers University

At Opening Weekend at East Jersey Old Town Village, meet Rutgers Public History Program students as they share their research projects on objects and topics of the American Revolution.

Monday, May 25-Sunday, July 5

Thinkery & Verse's Liberty Madness

This free, family-friendly theatrical production explores the fraught relationship between Benjamin Franklin and his son William during the Revolution. Using shadows, illumination, storytelling, and live music, the show brings to life the people who lived through the conflict 250 years ago. Performances will be held in Perth Amboy, New Brunswick, and at East Jersey Old Town Village.

2026 Summer and Fall

Bus Tours of Historic Revolutionary War Sites in Middlesex County

In partnership with Preservation New Jersey, bus tours will depart from East Jersey Old Town Village to visit historic Revolutionary War sites throughout the County.

Saturday, June 6 | 1-2 pm

Travelling Slavery Exhibit: Lest We Forget

Presented by the Monroe Township Historic Preservation Commission at the Monroe Township Public Library, the Lest We Forget exhibit features slave artifacts, Jim Crow-era objects, bill-of-sale documents, and much more.

Friday, July 3 | 5-8 pm

Screening of 1776 at State Theatre New Jersey

Join State Theatre New Jersey for a movie screening of 1776, a film adaptation of the Broadway musical detailing the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Wednesday, August 26 | 2-3:30 pm

Free Summer Concert Series: Bravura Youth Orchestra

Enjoy the sounds of the Bravura Youth Orchestra featuring 250th patriotic favorites, which the whole family will love at Thompson Park. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy an afternoon of music honoring the nation's history and spirit!

As Middlesex County marks this milestone, the celebration extends far beyond County-hosted events. This year, the Arts Institute of Middlesex County awarded more than $160,000 in grants to 30 municipal and nonprofit organizations supporting programming that commemorates the American Revolution through local history, cultural engagement, and education.

For more information on 250th anniversary events and programs throughout Middlesex County, visit middlesexcountyculture.com. To learn more about Middlesex County's role in the American Revolution, visit middlesexcountynj.gov/250.

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