Middlesex County Family-Friendly Activities for Independence Day

Did you know that George Washington held his first official Independence Day celebration in Piscataway?

On July 4^th, 1778, General Washington marked the momentous occasion by awarding his Army with extra rations of rum and hosting a party at his headquarters at Ross Hall. On that day, thousands of patriots also took to the banks along the Raritan River to rejoice in America’s declaration of freedom from Great Britain. Though the signing of the Declaration of Independence happened in 1776, it wasn’t until 1778 that an official celebration took place. New Brunswick was actually the third town that the Declaration of Independence was read aloud following its signing. The reading took place on July 9, 1776.

Now, over 240 years later, you too, can party like those patriots! Middlesex County Division of Historic Sites and History Services along with several other historic sites have planned a week of family-friendly events in honor of America’ birthday!

The fun starts on Saturday, June 29th and continues through Saturday, July 6th. Among the activities planned include a Star-Spangled Sing Along at the Metlar-Bodine House Museum, several evenings of fireworks, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, a grand reopening and tours of the Buccleuch Mansion accompanied by patriotic music, 18^th century ice cream making, and a 4^th of July celebration at East Jersey Old Town Village featuring appearances by George Washington, Ben Franklin and Baron von Steuben. Plus so much more!!

As our wise Founding Father John Adams once said of this occasion,

"I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more."— Letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams, July 3, 1776

So, take Mr. Adams’ advice, grab your family, revel in this historic moment that took place right here and party like its 1776 or 1778 all over again!

For a full schedule of Independence Day events both in and around New Brunswick as well as other locations throughout New Jersey, visit www.revolutionarynj.org.