HVHS Happenings in December

Dec 3
3 min read

And….. we’re off into the holiday season!

This has been a busy month for the HVHS Board as we make plans for the two big milestones coming in 2026. It is our 50^th year as an organization and of course it is the 250^th anniversary of our country’s independence in which Hopewell Valley was so intimately involved. So, we have been talking to other historic groups and our municipal leaders about ways to celebrate and we expect to have some fun things for you to experience throughout the year – from lectures to tours to restaurant events to festivals. If you have ideas or just would like to help plan – please let us know at info@hopewellvalleyhistory.org.

This month there are some really cool experiences available that you won’t want to miss starting off this weekend on Saturday with Hopewell Borough’s Annual Open House at the Museum’s temporary location, at the Library, and at the Old School Baptist Church. Also, on Saturday, Hopewell Township’s favorite Town Crier Stan Saperstein will be at the Lambertville Library talking about Delaware River Ferries at the time of the Revolution.

Next Saturday, the 13^th, HVHS will co-sponsor an amazing event as Lawrence Historical Society hosts the First Oval Office Project, an immersive living history experience presented by the Museum of the American Revolution at the historic Brearley House. Step inside a full-scale, meticulously hand-sewn replica of George Washington’s Revolutionary War field tent—the mobile headquarters where he strategized, dined, and slept while leading the Continental Army.

Then on Sunday, come visit us at Washington Crossing State Park (NJ) where we will be tabling during the Washington Crossing Park Association’s annual Washington’s Landing Event, which occurs on the same day as the Pennsylvania Park’s rehearsal crossing of the Delaware. Reenactors who cross with Washington will be met by our General

1st Rhode Island Regiment of Foot, photo courtesy wcpa-nj.com

Nathaneal Greene, who will invite them to an encampment in the Lower Park. Near the encampment will be a Haybale Theater where historians will speak on the contributions of New Jersey soldiers and families. Visitors will also be welcomed at the nearby Nelson House, where volunteers from the Garden Club of Trenton will serve free hot cider and donuts in front of a roaring fire. A food truck will be on hand! Free to enter, but a $10/carload donation is requested.

And check out the Patriot’s Week page for all the fun things to experience in Trenton starting December 26. We are particularly excited about the Tavern Talks event on the 28^th sponsored by Rev NJ – these programs have been held all over New Jersey (we hope to get one in Hopewell in 2026) in which reenactors represent all walks of life during the days of the Revolution. You are invited to imagine that you are in a colonial tavern. Neighbors, family, and friends with conflicting ideologies are all around. In a defining moment for the American colonies, you must decide which side to take. You might find that the past is closer than you think! Several of us from the HVHS Board are going and we hope to see you there!