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Individuals and Unit-Specific Living History Events

The Trenton Barracks in the eighteenth century was a crossroads of military use and civilian management. Today, the OBM has expanded our living history programming to represent both of those realities. We are seeking living history interpreters and recreated regiments to join our interpretive staff in bringing those stories to life throughout the year.

OBM’s Focus

Our primary interpretive focus is the American Revolution (typically early war). The OBM’s parade ground, barracks rooms, and officers house were restored to use as living history spaces. These spaces allow us to recreate particular historic moments and events or demonstrate the period skills and trades required to keep the barracks in working order.

We bring these spaces to life by accurately representing the diversity of people of the Trenton Barracks during the war, including:

  • Continental Army soldiers, officers, and civilians following the army
  • Trentonians and New Jerseyians (male and female, enslaved and free) who governed, managed, and supplied the Barracks
  • Travelers, foreign and domestic, who visited Trenton

There are also opportunities for events focused on both the German and British forces who were in Trenton and at the Barracks. Besides the American Revolution, living history events related to other relevant time periods throughout the Old Barracks’s history (such as the French and Indian War, WWI Red Cross/Homefront, etc.) will be considered.

Living history volunteer interpreters should supply their own clothing and accessories. All reproductions must meet our Accuracy Guidelines. Anyone not adhering to the Accuracy Guidelines will be asked to change the item(s) or they will be unable to participate. The OBM has some equipment, clothing, and accessories available to lend for onsite use in certain circumstances.

Event Proposals

We try to ensure that all living history events are specific to experiences at the Old Barracks or Trenton. If you are interested in suggesting a public living history event for any period in the OBM’s history, please submit an interpretive plan (including an annotated research document and a list of necessary reproductions) for review. If you are interested in proposing a unit-specific event and/or training (often referred to as a “school of the…”), please submit a proposal, including any aspects that might be accessible to the public.

Please be aware that day-long events are preferred, but overnight events may be possible.

While the interpretation can include broader contexts, all living history programs should be focused on the Trenton Barracks, Trenton, or related period military sites.

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Living History & Reenacting at the Old Barracks

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Annual Battles of Trenton Reenactment

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