The road to America’s 250th anniversary is being marked by creativity, education, and community engagement throughout New Jersey’s capital city. From historic landmarks to interactive museum experiences, Trenton is home to sites that are reimagining how we learn from the past and carry it forward. Explore the organizations and events featured here to discover how history is being celebrated, interpreted, and shared in new and meaningful ways.

New Jersey State House

Discover New Jersey’s Historic State House!
Step inside the third-oldest Capitol building in the United States and explore where New Jersey’s leaders have shaped history since 1792. From soaring architecture and vibrant art to behind-the-scenes insights into how laws are made, every tour brings the State House’s stories to life.

• FREE one-hour guided tours
• Offered Monday–Friday, hourly from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Perfect for families, students, and curious explorers
Reservations can be made by calling 609-847-3150 or visiting www.njstatehousetours.org.

Old Barracks Museum

As a touchstone for colonial and revolutionary history in New Jersey, the Old Barracks Museum brings the world of colonial America to life through interpretive programs, exhibits, and preservation so that visitors can appreciate New Jersey’s history, the diverse people who made it, and why it matters. The Old Barracks Museum is currently closed for renovations with an anticipated reopening date of June 2026.

New Jersey State Archives

New Jersey State Museum

Science, history, and art – get to know more about New Jersey and its place in the world! With holdings of more than two million artifacts, explore collections in natural and cultural history, archaeology and ethnography, and fine art. Take a tour, participate in hands-on activities, enjoy a lecture, see a planetarium program, interact with scientists working on real fossils, or browse the galleries. Always free admission (fee for planetarium programs) and free weekend parking in lots adjacent to the Museum.

Trenton Battle Monument

The Trenton Battle Monument, a 148-foot granite column in Roman Doric style with a large base decorated with acanthus leaves, commemorates George Washington’s surprise victory over Hessian forces on Dec. 26, 1776. The capital has a ring of stars adorning a platform with a railing. Above the platform is a circle of 13 electric lights, representing the 13 original colonies.

Crowned by a statue of Gen. Washington directing troops, the monument was designed by John H. Duncan, architect of Grant’s Tomb. Flanking the main entrance are bronze statues of John Russell of the 14th Continental Regiment and Blair McClenachan of the Philadelphia Troop of Light Horse, sculpted by William O’Donovan. Three bronze bas-reliefs at the base depict pivotal scenes from the campaign. Two were created by renowned painter Thomas Eakins— “The Continental Army Crossing the Delaware” and “The Opening of the Fight.” The third, “The Surrender of the Hessians,” was completed by Karl H. Niehaus. Reproductions are displayed on the monument; the originals are preserved at the New Jersey State Museum.

The cornerstone was laid on Dec. 26, 1891, and the monument was officially dedicated on Oct. 19, 1893—marking the anniversary of Cornwallis’ surrender at Yorktown. About 100,000 people crowded the streets to witness the dedication. Today, it remains a powerful symbol of determination and American independence.