Opening Weekend at East Jersey Old Town Village & Low House

While the Village is open year-round, Opening Weekend celebrates the start of the Historical Interpreter season (April-October). Opening Weekend features an occupation of the Village by British, Hessian, and Loyalist military and civilian Historical Interpreters. FEATURED GUESTS AND EVENTS Enjoy historical weapons demonstrations, 18th-century music, children’s crafts, and more. See details below. SATURDAY, APRIL 11 Vintage Base Ball returns to East Jersey Old Town Village on (weather permitting) as the historic Liberty Grounds Baseball Field hosts a thrilling doubleheader featuring the Logan Base Ball Club of Lambertville vs. the Elizabeth Resolutes. Played by the rules of the 19th century, these two spirited nines will square off barehanded under the open sky, bringing the sights, sounds, and gentlemanly traditions of early American baseball to life. *Bring a blanket or a chair. Hurdy-Gurdy and Dancers on a String – Robert Mouland will be playing popular music of the period. As an added treat, he will be accompanied by small marionettes dancing on a board that is a tradition going back to at least the 17th century! Celebrate 250: Music of the American Revolution Join Anne and Ridley Enslow for a concert of lively 18th-century songs about the struggle for American independence. The show will include “liberty songs,” humorous ballads lampooning the British troops, and songs celebrating American victories, plus drinking songs and a dance tune or two. There will even be a song by a signer of the Declaration of Independence about the so-called Battle of the Kegs. Come prepared to join in some entertaining toasts, too, and “raise a glass to freedom.” As always, Anne and Ridley perform in 18th-century dress and on instruments of the period—a hammered dulcimer and a 1776 violin. They will have their little dancing man called a limberjack, who pleases audience members from 9 to 90! This program was created to celebrate the U.S. Semiquincentennial. Forbes Road Frolic represents colonial-era tavern musicians, performing instrumental and vocal music documented to the 18th century or earlier. Our goal is to give our listeners a taste of the everyday secular music of the 18th century. SUNDAY, APRIL 12 The Children’s Museum of Central Jersey will have children’s crafts. Beastro and Popcorn for the People will be on site, serving savory eats and tasty treats. Rutgers students from the Public History Program will be highlighting artifacts from the archives collection at the Village.   For your convenience, RIDE, the County’s shuttle service, will provide FREE, accessible, on-demand transportation between East Jersey Old Town Village and The Cornelius Low House. Park in one spot and experience multiple historic sites.  

  2026 will mark the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. The turmoil of the war happened right here, on the doorstep of those living in Middlesex County. What unfolded was an account of politics, divided loyalties, battles, destruction, and ultimately, rebuilding. This led to the founding of a new nation on July 4, 1776, with the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, shaping the communities we enjoy today. In honor of the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America, Middlesex County is proud to celebrate this milestone as one community, embracing our rich history, taking pride in our fight for independence, and continuing our legacy of welcoming new cultures and traditions worldwide. Visit middlesexcountynj.gov/250 for detailed information and events in honor of this significant period.