Moorestown Historical Society Celebrates Community’s Role in 1776

News Release

May 8, 2026

Contact: Linda Vizi, president

Historical Society of Moorestown

Text: 856-912-2623

Email: lvizi4612@gmail.com

Moorestown Historical Society Celebrates Community’s Role in 1776

On May 15 and 16, the Historical Society of Moorestown will celebrate America’s 250th birthday and Moorestown’s role in the events of 1776 with three special events in the township. We invite your coverage in advance and as the events unfold.

Meet George Washington and His Horse

3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 15

Percheron Park

Main and High Streets

George Washington and his horse, Nelson, will be at Percheron Park – itself the site of a statue of another historic equine -- for a meet-and-greet and photos. Washington will be portrayed by John Koopman, who played the same role on the recent Ken Burns documentary, “The American Revolution.” There is no charge.

Cocktails and Carrots

6 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 15

Van Meter Hall

25 E. Main St.

Gen. Washington, in the person of Mr. Koopman, will join guests for cocktails and a silent auction to support the Historical Society. A few uninvited guests in uniform may appear. Tickets are available on our website, www.moorestownhistory.org. (No tickets needed by media.)

The First Oval Office Project

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 16

Locust Street Park

(Three blocks north of the corner of Main and Locust Streets.)

In cooperation with the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, a replica of Washington’s tent, which he used on the battlefield and in encampments, will come to Moorestown. Admission is free.

Also participating in the event will be:

• Justin Cherry of Halfcrown Bakery will build his oven at the park the night before and bake fresh bread throughout the day.
• Lauren Muney of Silhouettes by Hand, who will cut beautiful profiles.
• Re-enactors including the Sea Dogs, the First Battalion of New Jersey Volunteers, Ben Franklin, George and Martha Washington, and Betsy Ross.
• Double Nickel Brewery has brewed beer using Washington’s handwritten recipe and it will be for sale during the day. Other food trucks will be at the site as well.
• Three authors will sign books on local history, as well as history presentations, a poster contest, history presentations, and items for sale.
• The Armed Forces Heritage Museum will feature a display of the 10 Critical Events in New Jersey’s role in the Revolutionary War.

See attached schedule for May 16 event times at 

The Historical Society of Moorestown

Funding for this event is made possible by the New Jersey Historical Commission, Department of State, through a grant to Burlington County Board of Commissioners, as well as many local sponsors.

There is no rain date. Limited parking is available at the park.