This year marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States. The Historical Society of Princeton (HSP) is excited to participate in this Semiquincentennial celebration, a multi-year, nonpartisan initiative honoring the nation’s history, diversity, and resilience. We have a variety of exhibitions, programs, and community events planned to educate and reflect on the past, while looking toward the future.
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming up:
Princeton’s Taverns: On the Road to Revolution (opening May 2026) is a new outdoor exhibition for Dohm Alley (next to Starbucks on Nassau Street) exploring the role of taverns in the town’s early history. More than places to eat, drink, and sleep, these everyday spaces served as centers of conversation, exchange, and civic life in Revolutionary-era Princeton and offer a lens for thinking about what spaces serve that role today.
America250 Walking Tour (starting in May 2026)
What happened in Princeton during the Revolution? Visit locations occupied or ransacked by the British in 1776; homes of signers of the Declaration and members of the Continental Congress; taverns, where Patriots and Loyalists mingled, debated, and plotted; and a site where the Battle of Princeton was fought.
Francis Hopkinson: Signer, Lawyer, Composer
When: April 29, 2026 at 6:30 pm
Where: Morven Museum & Garden
Lecture/performance exploring the musical contributions of lawyer and composer Francis Hopkinson, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
“Ten for the Semiquin” with West Windsor Arts Council (July 2026)
A special art exhibition to celebrate New Jersey’s role in the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding. Eleven artists are paired with local museums or historical sites to create new artwork exploring the relevance of the people and places in today’s America, and reflecting the cultural richness of our region. These new works will be exhibited in the main gallery of the West Windsor Arts during the summer of 2026. HSP is paired with artist Laura Warne, who sketched HSP’s historic farmhouse for our America250 logo.
Fourth of July Jubilee
When: July 4, 2026
Where: Morven Museum & Garden
A free festival featuring music, speakers, artmaking, community partners, food, and more—all exploring what it means to be an American and community member for different generations of people, past and present.
Princeton 1776 Fest
When: October 3, 2026 (rain date Oct. 4)
Where: Morven Museum & Garden
This free community celebration 250 years in the making will include live music, living history interpreters and craftspeople, special exhibitions, and food and drink. Co-sponsored by HSP, Morven, Princeton Battlefield Society, and Daughters of the American Revolution.
