Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary
On July 4, 2026, our nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Mercer County holds a special place in this milestone as “The Crossroads of the American Revolution.” Join us in celebrating 250 years of American history, honoring those who shaped our nation, and imagining the next 250 years together.
History Happened Here
When the Revolutionary cause was at its darkest, George Washington and his troops crossed the icy Delaware River on Christmas night, 1776, and won stunning victories at Trenton and Princeton during the Ten Crucial Days. These battles, fought right here in Mercer County, revived American hopes and changed the course of history.
Two signers of the Declaration of Independence called this area home: Richard Stockton of Princeton and John Witherspoon, president of the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University). General Hugh Mercer, the county’s namesake, gave his life at the Battle of Princeton.
Explore and Celebrate
Learn about the national celebration and find ways to participate at America250. Discover local events, historic sites, and the Passport to 250 historic site challenge at Mercer250.
Our librarians have put together a resource guide to help you dig deeper, featuring books by local authors about our region’s revolutionary history, along with databases, digital galleries, and general reading about the founding era.
Visit local historic sites like Washington Crossing State Park and the Old Barracks Museum for free with a MCLS Museum Pass, and watch for special programs and events throughout 2026 at this page and on the MCLS Events Calendar.
Upcoming Programs
George Washington’s Ten Crucial Days
Tuesday, July 21, 6:30 PM
Hickory Corner Branch
NJ Needlework: Stitching New Jersey’s Story
Tuesday, July 28, 6:30 PM
Hickory Corner Branch
Researching New Jersey Revolutionary and Civil War Records
Wednesday, July 29, 6:30 PM
Virtual Branch
Historic Local Resources
Tuesday, August 4, 7:00 PM
Hickory Corner Branch
One Woman Shows – Meeting Eleanor Roosevelt
Thursday, August 6, 6:30 PM
Lawrence Branch
Preserving the Untold History of Chinese Grocers in the Delta: A Documentary Screening and Discussion
Wednesday, August 12, 7:00 PM
Virtual Branch
Citizen to Soldier: Life in the Continental Army
Thursday, August 27, 6:30 PM
Ewing Branch
The Soundtrack of Resilience: Music and 9/11
Wednesday, September 2, 7:00 pm
Virtual Branch
Historic Local Resources
Tuesday, September 8, 7:00 pm
Hickory Corner Branch
Patriotic Jar Lantern
Wednesday, September 9, 3:00 pm
Ewing Branch
Patriotic Jar Lantern
Wednesday, September 9, 5:00 pm
Ewing Branch
Crafternoon: Pierced Tin Craft
Monday, September 14, 4:00 pm
Hopewell Branch
Crafternoon: Pierced Tin Craft
Tuesday, September 15, 4:00 pm
Hopewell Branch
Unearthing History, Freedmen’s Bureau
Saturday, September 19, 10:30 am
Hopewell Branch
Spain’s Hidden Role in American Independence
Wednesday, September 23, 7:00 PM
Virtual Branch
The Battle of Monmouth Courthouse: The Last Great Revolutionary War Battle in the North
Wednesday, September 30, 7:00 PM
Virtual Branch
The Pilgrims and the Mayflower
Tuesday, October 6, 6:30 PM
Virtual Branch