In a first-person tour, your group will be sent back in time to 1777 where they will be recruited into General George Washington’s Army. A soldier will prepare them for the realities of soldier’s life, and even provide a live musket demonstration. They will be prepped for smallpox inoculation and learn about common 18th century medical practices. In Meet the Past the group meets with a witness to the Battle of Trenton who recounts the crossing, the march, and the battle.
In a third-person tour, your group will meet an historical interpreter who will be outfitted in 18th century clothing but speak with them in modern day terms. They will provide information about life as a soldier in General George Washington’s Army and give a live musket demonstration. They will go into the surgery room and learn about how smallpox inoculations were used to protect soldiers and how it evolved into a vaccine that has eradicated the disease. They will also see a squad room and learn about the role of the Battle of Trenton in the American Revolution.
Program Length: 45 min.
Suitable ages: 9+
Group Size: 15 – 40
Cost: $8 per student; 1 free adult for every 10 students; $10 per additional adults
Meet the Past + Guided Gallery Tour CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE
After your Meet the Past program, take a guided tour of the French & Indian War Gallery “All Is Threatened and Endangered”. Program Length: 1 hr 15 min. Suitable ages: 9+
Group Size: 15 – 30 Cost: $11 per student; 1 free adult for every 10 students; $12 per additional adults
A Call to Arms
Currently Unavailable Extend the excitement of the Meet the Past program by adding two workshops.
Uniforms & Clothing: Try on coats and hats to experience what it was like to be in uniform and learn about the different clothing worn by regiments and soldiers.
New Jersey Divided: Discuss the opinions of the Loyalists who remained faithful to the Crown and debate the choices faced by New Jersey colonists.
Child’s Play: Discover a selection of 18th-Century toys and try your hand at a game or two.
Patriots in Petticoats: Learn how 18th century women use the ideals of the American Revolution to express their patriotism, and, in some cases, advocate for their freedoms. Join an Old Barracks interpreter to hear about some revolutionary women who changed not only their world, but ours as well.
On His Majesty’s Service: Examine the other side of the story. Students gain perspective and learn about the experiences of British soldiers who fought in North America during the Revolution.
Fighting for My Freedom: Hear the experiences of an African American soldier during the American Revolution.
Of Arms and Men: Explore the lives of revolutionary soldiers through their uniforms, weapons, and equipment.
French & Indian War Gallery Tour: Take a guided tour of the gallery All is Threatened and Endangered: New Jersey in the French and Indian War to provide and understanding of events just two decades prior to the Revolution. Artifacts on display include one of the oldest flags in North America, an engraved powder horn, a Spanish cannon captured at the Battle of Havana, and a Delaware dugout canoe.
Program Length: 2.5 hours
Suitable ages: 9+
Group Size: 15 – 30
Cost: $14 per student; 1 free adult for every 10 students; $15 per additional adults.
Price includes Meet the Past program, 2 workshops, and space for lunch (availability varies and reservations required).
Of Arms and Men: A soldier of the American Revolution talks about his life, his uniform, his weapons, and his equipment.
Powder, Potion, Bolus, and Pill: 18th Century medical practices and treatments are explained and demonstrated.
Patriots in Petticoats: An 18th century woman explains the varied ways women contributed to the Revolution both on and off the battlefield.
Child’s Play: Colonial games and pastimes are explained with examples. Groups are invited to play with many of the toys at the end of the program.
Fighting For My Freedom: An African American soldier shares his experience of fighting for personal and national freedom during the American Revolution.
