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America's 250th Anniversary
Hello friends.
Burlington County is excited to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America and our part in helping to create our nation.
Our county is one of the oldest in America, so the anniversary offers us opportunities to commemorate our country’s history but also to spotlight aspects of Burlington County’s rich and diverse history. It also offers us the opportunity to spotlight the important role Burlington County and its residents played in America’s struggle for independence.
Burlington County was at the heart of the American Revolution and the stories of Oliver Cromwell, Francis Hopkinson, Thomas Paine, Patience Wright, and the battles of Crosswicks, Petticoat Bridge, Iron Works Hill and more, deserve to be highlighted and shared during this nationwide celebration.
Our County has an endless amount of history to share, and we are excited by the lineup of programs and speakers the Burlington County Parks System has organized for this season. Our Parks historians, along with our visiting speakers, will help bring Burlington County history to life so residents and visitors gain a deeper understanding of the American Revolution and its impacts.
These are just some of the programs and activities planned for the 250th Anniversary Celebration. Be sure to visit the County website and follow County social media for the latest 250th Anniversary news and events.
We hope to see you at one of the anniversary events or programs soon!
Allison Eckel, Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director and Chair of the Burlington County 250th Anniversary Planning Committee
Upcoming events:
June 1778: The Occupation of Burlington County
- Location: Burlington County Lyceum
- Wednesday, March 18th, 10AM & 7PM
- In June 1778, 20,000 British soldiers and camp followers moved through Burlington County on their march from Philadelphia to New York. The army spent six days plundering their way across Burlington County as local militia and regulars attempted to delay them long enough for Gen. Washington's army to mobilize from Valley Forge. Follow old maps and read the journals of men who made the march. Did the British raid your town?
- Participation is free but registration is recommended.
- Register for the 10AM showing here.
- Register for the 7PM showing here.
Virtual Program: When Women Lost the Vote
- Virtual. A Zoom link for this program will be sent out to registrants 2 hours prior to the start time.
- Thursday, March 19th, 6PM
- Learn the little-known history of the nation's first women voters and examine the political conflicts that led to their voting rights being stripped away in 1807. This experience includes a virtual peek at the Museum of the American Revolution's online exhibition. Presented by a museum educator from the Museum of the American Revolution. Questions & Answer period to follow.
- Participation is free but registration is recommended.
- Learn more and register here.
Alice Paul: Women's Road to the Right to Vote
- Location: Burlington County Lyceum
- Thursday, March 19th, 6:30PM
- Join the Daughters of the American Revolution for a presentation on suffragette Alice Paul. She was the architect of some of the most outstanding political achievements on behalf of women in the 20th century. Born to Quaker parents in Mount Laurel, Alice Paul dedicated her life to the single cause of securing equal rights for all. A leader in the fight to ratify the 19th amendment in 1920 to extend voting rights to women, Paul authored the Equal Rights Amendment of 1923 and spent the rest of her life fighting for its ratification. Her life symbolizes the long struggle for justice in the United States and around the world.
- Registration not required. Learn more here.
White Hill Living History Day
- Location: White Hill Mansion Road, Fieldsboro NJ 08505
- Saturday, March 21st, 10AM-4PM
- Join the Rev War Alliance of Burlington County at Historic White Hill Mansion for their annual Living History Day. Expect Revolutionary War demonstrations and an encampment at the mansion that was occupied by British and Hessian troops in December 1776.
- Learn more here Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits.
First Couple of the United States: John & Dorothy Hancock
- Location: Burlington County Library, Westampton
- Saturday, March 21st, 1PM
- Discover the untold stories and secrets of this influential duo who played a significant role in shaping the nation's history. On the eve of revolution, Boston merchant John Hancock was one of the wealthiest men in the British Empire. During John's long engagement to Dorothy Quincy, a shift in the colonies' relationship with the British Crown fueled much discontent. This turned Hancock from a useful Servant of the Crown into a leading Rebel Patriot. Both Hancocks witnessed and participated in acts leading up to the revolution. With her family name and his fortune, John and Dolly Hancock could be considered one of America's first 'power couples'.
- The character of Mrs. Dorothy Hancock is portrayed by Kim Hanley, an actor with the American Historical Theater in Philadelphia. This performance will be followed by James Forten: Abolitionist and Civil Rights Activist, presented by Keith Henley.
- Participation is free but registration is recommended.
- Learn more and register here.
James Forten: Abolitionist and Civil Rights Leader
- Location: Burlington County Library, Westampton
- Saturday, March 21st, 2PM-3PM
- James Forten was a free Black entrepreneur, abolitionist and civil rights leader who owned a successful sail loft in Philadelphia. In the early 19th century, he used his wealth and influence to oppose slavery, advocate for women’s rights and support education for African Americans. Respected by both Black and White communities, Forten was known for his diplomacy and moral leadership. Despite fighting in the Revolutionary War, he was denied full citizenship because of his race.
- The character of James Forten is portrayed by Keith Henley, an actor with the American Historical Theater in Philadelphia.
- Learn more and register here.
History of the Women's League of Mount Holly
- Location: Burlington County Lyceum
- Monday, March 23rd, 7PM
- Join the Mount Holly Historical Society as an officer from the Mount Holly Women's League discusses the history of the non-profit, founded in 1903. The organization serves Mount Holly and the surrounding communities.
- Registration is not required and participation is free.
- Learn more here.
Tour of St. Andrew's Cemetery
- Location: St. Andrew's Cemetery, 128 Pine Street, Mount Holly
- Saturday, March 28th, 1PM
- St. Andrew's Cemetery, located on Iron Works Hill, dates back to the 18th century. Once part of the extensive Mount Holly Iron Works, it is now the final resting place for many local historical figures. Join Burlington County Parks historians for a respectful tour of the cemetery.
- Parking is available along Pine Street. Participation is free but registration is recommended.
- Register here.
Junior Lyceum: Colonial Crafts
- Location: Burlington County Lyceum
- Thursday, April 9th, 11AM
- The first Junior Lyceum of 2026 will take children back in time to the colonial era where they will learn about what it was like to be a child at the time of the American Revolution. Kids will make colonial crafts and toys such as corn husk dolls, whirligigs, and thaumatropes, an early handmade musical instrument. Open to grades K-4. Siblings welcome. Parent or guardian must be present with all children.
- Learn more and register here.
Stephen Girard & His Impact on Mount Holly's Trading Community
- Location: Burlington County Lyceum
- Thursday, April 9th, 7PM
- Stephen Girard came to America by way of PHiladelphia in 1776 through circumstance rather than by purpose. After his marriage to Philadelphia native Mary Lum, he purchased a home at 211 Mill Street in Mount Holly. There he and his wife established a store selling sundry items to the locals and selling provisions to American revolutionaries, thus helping the fledgling nation gain independence. Presented by Girard University Curator. Sponsored by Main Street Mount Holly.
- Learn more and register here.
Philadelphia: A Revolutionary City (Virtual Program)
- Location: Burlington County Library, Westampton
- Thursday, April 16th, 6PM
- Eighteenth-century Philadelphia was a complex place where global trade brought new goods and new ideas to the people who became revolutionaries. Follow one artifact - a punchbowl uncovered in an archaeological dig on the site of the Museum of the American Revolution - on a virtual tour of the city, and find yourself in market stalls, coffeehouses, illegal taverns, churches, and the halls of government. Presented by the Museum of the American Revolution.
- Learn more and register here.
Whitesbog Craft + Book + History Fair
- Location: Whitesbog Village Historic Site, 799 Lakehurst Road, Browns Mills NJ 08015
- Saturday, April 18th, 10AM-3PM
- A day full of hands-on displays and demos from the Viking Age through Elizabethan Times and onto the history of Whitesbog itself. Tour beautiful Whitesbog and learn the history of the area.
- Learn more here Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits.
Bus Tour: Revolutionary Sites Through Time
- Location: Burlington County Lyceum
- Thursday, April 18th, 1PM-5PM
- Join Burlington County Parks Historians and travel through Burlington County, from Moorestown to Crosswicks, exploring the British retreat of 1778. This tour includes stops at Revolutionary War sites including: the Smith-Cadbury Mansion; Mount Laurel Friends Meeting House; Mount Holly Friends Meeting; and Crosswicks.
- Duration: 4 hours. Charter bus will depart from and return to the Burlington County Lyceum.
- Registration required. Seating is limited. Learn more here.
Medford Historical Society Presents: 2026 Speaker Series
- Location: Medford Friends Quaker Meeting, 14 Union St., Medford NJ 08055
- Thursday, April 2nd, 7PM-9PM; Thursday, May 7th, 7PM-9PM; Thursday, October 1st, 7PM-9PM; and Thursday, November 5th, 7PM-9PM
- The Medford Historical Society's Speaker Series features four engaging talks throughout the year, each highlighting a different aspect of local and American history. In recognition of the 250th anniversary of the United States, this year's speakers will explore stories, places, and people that connect Medford's past to the broader history of our nation.
- Learn more here Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits.
Washington's Tent Comes to Moorestown
- Location: Locust Street Park, Moorestown
- Saturday, May 16th, 10AM-5PM
- The Historical Society of Moorestown, the Moorestown 250 Committee, and the Museum of the American Revolution present the First Oval Office project. A replica of George Washington's field tent is coming to Moorestown; visitors can expect costumed re-enactors and plenty of displays and activities for the whole family.
- Learn more here Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits.
Thomas Paine: Forgotten Founding Father
- Location: 2159 Jacksonville-Jobstown Road, Jobstown (Springfield Township)
- Wednesday, May 20th, 7PM
- Paine's "Common Sense" inspired the idea of American independence and is one of the best-selling books of all time, yet he is rarely thought of as a Founding Father. Learn about Paine's early life, his writings, his imprisonment, and why he should be remembered as a critical player in our independence. Registration not required.
- Presented by the Springfield Township Historical Society.
- Learn more here.
Revolutionary Book Club: The Boston Massacre: A Family Story by Serena R. Zabin
- Location: Burlington County Lyceum
- Thursday, May 28th, 10:30AM
- Attendees are invited to read the selected title on their own, then join Burlington County Parks historians for a book club discussion. The Boston Massacre: A Family History uses personal letters, diaries, and records to show how the escalating tensions led to the massacre.
- Learn more here.
Lumberton Township's Stars N' Stripes Summer Celebration
- Location: Lumberton Township Municipal Complex, 35 Municipal Drive
- Friday, July 10th, 6PM-9PM
- Join Lumberton Township for a patriotic celebration of America's 250th Anniversary. This event will feature food trucks, a bike decorating contest, a pet parade, local brewery and more. There will also be an outdoor concert on the Big Stage.
- Learn more here.
British & Hessian Retreat Fun Run
- Location: Main Street, Moorestown
- Saturday, September 19th, 9AM
- Join the Historical Society of Moorestown for a family-friendly 1-mile 'retreat', tracing the steps of British/Hessian soldiers. Run, walk, or march to chase the Hessians out of town!
- Learn more here Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits.
Battle of Petticoat Bridge Re-Enactment
- Location: 1871 Jacksonville-Jobstown Road, Columbus NJ 08022
- Saturday, December 12th, 10AM-1PM
- Join the Rev War Alliance of Burlington County for the 250th anniversary of the spark that lit the fuse for the Ten Crucial Days Campaign!
- Re-enactment regiments and historical societies planning to attend, please contact the Rev War Alliance at revwaralliance.obc@gmail.com.
- Learn more here Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits Upcoming events:Exhibits.
Exhibits
Burlington County Joins the Revolution
- Location: Warden's House Gallery, 150 High Street, Mount Holly
- January 1st - June 14th
- Burlington County and its citizens served a crucial role in the war effort. Discover our role in the American Revolution through artifacts, documents, and stories of those who lived it.
The Ideals of Freedom
- Location: Worker's House Gallery, Historic Smithville Park
- January 1st - June 14th
- Join us as we celebrate America’s 250th
Anniversary by exploring the ideals of
freedom through art. Through various art
forms, the exhibit will explore what it means
to be a free, independent nation.