The Old Barracks Museum in Trenton invites the community to relive 1777-’78, when Washington and troops endured the harsh winter at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, and Trenton manufacturers worked to supply the Revolutionary Forces.
The program is set for Saturday and Sunday, March 17 and 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and features “18th century” carpenters, tailors, seamstresses, shoemakers, leather workers, hatters, gunsmiths, laundresses, soap makers, clerks, and members of the local militia and Pulaski’s Legion.
Live activities include talks by Old Barracks historical interpreters at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. and demonstrations by artisans and tradesmen.
Organizers says the event was inspired in part by area historian Larry Kidder’s book “Crossroads of the Revolution: Trenton 1774-1783” and the book’s vivid portrayal of “Trenton as a beehive of activity. Gen. Casimir Pulaski had come to town making a great many demands for leather goods and supplies for all the cavalry units under his command. The Pennsylvania State Navy had taken refuge in town, with supply demands for weapons, clothing, shoes, boots, and more to be manufactured by the many artisans in the community.”
The Old Barracks Museum is located at 101 Barrack Street, Trenton. Activities are part of the regular admission, $6 to $8. Free parking is available in the Capitol Complex Parking Garage. Metered parking is also available near the museum. 609-396-1776 or visit barracks.org.
