Learn about history from local, state, and national organizations and join us as we kick off Middlesex County’s 250th Anniversary of American Independence – a multiyear series of programs and events marking the journey to a new Nation.

Visit Revolutionary War and Civil War camps and see historical weapons demonstrations. Bring a blanket or a chair and enjoy live music, participate in hands-on activities, and watch skilled artisans at work. There is something for everyone, with wheelchair accessible wagon rides, children’s crafts, and more. 5 Star Food Shuttle, DiMa’s Bistro, and Flirty Desserts will serve savory dishes and sweet treats.

For your convenience, RIDE, the County’s shuttle service, will provide FREE, accessible, on-demand transportation between East Jersey Old Town Village, The Cornelius Low House, and the Metlar-Bodine House Museum. The Metlar-Bodine House Museum will be open 11 am – 4 pm with tours on the hour and the final tour at 3 pm. Park in one spot and experience multiple historic sites.

Don’t forget to stop by the Backyard of the Cornelius Low House Museum for a special re-enactment of the initial college football game on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Demonstrations will happen at 12 noon, 2 pm, and 3 pm. Marshall Jones III, associate dean and theater professor at the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, is again creating the re-enactment of the historic football game on Rutgers’ campus, November 6th, 1869. The goal is to capture the essence of the initial game so that today’s audience can relate to it.

The re-enactment features period costumes and a series of plays designed to replicate the rugby-style game of the time. The game is scheduled to last approximately 20 minutes.

The game day roster will include 7-man teams, but recruited players so far include the following Rutgers alumni:

• Tyler Conroy

• Johnny Dellaluna

• Frank Dolce

• Mahmoud Elkayal

• Jean-William Mackler

• Ryan Neely

• Chris Pas