‘Patriots Week almost here’

     

Magpie file photo

The Fifes & Drums of the Old Barracks march into the Trenton Masonic Temple at an appendant body event May 14, 2011.

Patriots Week, the annual celebration of U.S. history and early American culture in Trenton, New Jersey, is just two weeks away, and because a few events involve a Masonic temple, I thought I’d share the info.

Every December, during the closing week of the calendar year, a celebration of colonial life, including victory in the Revolutionary War, is held in this capital city of the state renowned as the Battlefield of the Revolution. The activities of Trenton Patriots Week (click here for the full schedule) are centered around a few places like the Old Barracks, a historical site that originated in 1758 as British military housing during the French and Indian War, and was still in service in 1776 when George Washington and the Continental Army defeated the British and Germans in the Battle of Trenton.

Situated across the street is the Trenton Masonic Temple, which several years ago became the headquarters of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey Freemasonry.

On Tuesday, December 27—St. John Evangelist Day, if you remember—a program of “Revolutionary Music” will begin at 1 p.m. From the publicity:

This lecture and musical demonstration will discuss the specific tunes performed by the New Jersey Regiments and Philadelphia Batallions of 1775-77 as well as the more entertaining side of music during wartime. Musicians John Lane, Drew Wierzybowski, and Stephen Hudak will perform. Admission: free.


And on Friday the 30th, join the party at the Colonial Ball. From 7 to 10 p.m., the Ball gives you the opportunity to dance with soldiers of the Battle of Trenton and “learn their favorite dance steps!” Advance tickets cost only $17.76 and $20 at the door.

The Trenton Masonic Temple is located at 100 Barrack Street. Parking? Uh, don’t ask me.