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
The American Revolution and the Fate of the World
Tuesday, May 19, 7:00 pm
Virtual Branch
The Life and Times of Captain Daniel Bray: From Waterman to Militia (1741 to 1840)
Thursday, May 21, 7:00 pm
Ewing Branch
Historic Local Resources
Tuesday, June 9, 7:00 PM
Hickory Corner Branch
Celebrating the History of Timbuctoo on Juneteenth
Thursday, June 11, 7:00 PM
Virtual Branch
Unearthing History, One Page at a Time: Freedom Seekers
Saturday, June 13, 10:30 AM
Hopewell Branch
Artists’ Eyes on the American Revolution: John Singleton Copley, Painting Realism and History
Sunday, June 14, 2:00 PM
Ewing Branch
The Declaration of Independence
Tuesday, June 23, 7:00 PM
Virtual Branch
Getting Your Kicks on Route 66: Tales from the Mother Road
Thursday, July 9, 6:00 PM
Virtual Branch
New Jersey and the American Revolution: 1775-1781
Thursday, July 16, 6:00 PM
Twin Rivers Branch
Researching New Jersey Revolutionary and Civil War Records
Wednesday, July 29, 6:30 PM
Virtual Branch