The Old Barracks

The Old Barracks Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from The Old Barracks, 101 Barrack Street, Trenton, NJ.
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The Old Barracks Museum brings the world of colonial America to life through interpretive programs, exhibits, and preservation so that visitors can appreciate New Jersey’s history, the diverse people who made it, and why it matters.

a with a few photos from our 2024 Colonial Ball!Photo Credit: WMB Photo
05/02/2025

a with a few photos from our 2024 Colonial Ball!
Photo Credit: WMB Photo

Last week, we got to share our new history training program with colleagues from Pennsylvania’s nature parks. On Wednesd...
05/01/2025

Last week, we got to share our new history training program with colleagues from Pennsylvania’s nature parks.

On Wednesday, April 23rd, Mark Turdo, Assistant Director of Interpretation & Curation, presented a mini-workshop for the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks Outdoor Programming Services annual meeting in Lancaster, PA. Mark talked about the OBM’s new training and history programs, how we capture, organize, and share research, and our strategies for sharing history with visitors.

As part of the workshop, Mark used his juggling skills to demonstrate the “curse of knowledge.” The curse happens when you assume others share the same level of skill, enthusiasm, or knowledge about something that you do. Mark asked for volunteers who wanted to learn to juggle and he started them with juggling clubs. He told them it was easy, you just need to toss, spin, and catch the clubs, which he demonstrated. Clubs are difficult to learn and participants dropped them a lot. Mark then simplified things and had participants use plastic grocery bags which fall much more slowly. Using the bags, participants began to juggle almost immediately and felt a sense of accomplishment. It was a fun way to show that thoughtful and visitor-centered experiences can ward off the “curse of knowledge.”

Photographs and the invitation to speak courtesy of Kimberly McCarty, Curator, Washington Crossing Historic Park (PA)

Ask a Historical Interpreter! Are you curious about the Revolutionary War, the experiences of soldiers in the 1700s, or...
04/30/2025

Ask a Historical Interpreter! Are you curious about the Revolutionary War, the experiences of soldiers in the 1700s, or the Old Barracks Museum? Leave us a comment, and your question may be answered!

Trenton Thunder Stadium opens June 4th! When planning your summer baseball season, don't forget to include Barracks Base...
04/28/2025

Trenton Thunder Stadium opens June 4th! When planning your summer baseball season, don't forget to include Barracks Baseball Night.

On Friday, August 22nd, friends and supporters of the Old Barracks will gather at the picnic section to enjoy a baseball game and all-you-can-eat buffet.

This event promises not only a night of thrilling sports action but also a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow community members! The Trenton Thunder will be playing as the Trenton Pork Roll against the Williamsport Crosscutters as the stadium celebrates Capital City Night. The first 1,000 fans at the stadium will also receive a free “Slice” Bobblehead! Gates open at 6pm. The first pitch is at 7pm, and the buffet ends at 8pm.

Purchase tickets: https://barracks.org/event/barracks-baseball-night/

Nicer weather means more time outside exploring! Be sure to stop by the Old Barracks Museum to experience the history of...
04/26/2025

Nicer weather means more time outside exploring! Be sure to stop by the Old Barracks Museum to experience the history of the American Revolution. The Old Barracks Museum is open 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Wednesdays through Saturdays. Access to exhibits and our living history programs is throughout the day, and we offer tours of the recreated barracks rooms and officers' house on the hour (last tour starts at 4:00 pm).⁠
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We hope to see you and your family soon!

04/25/2025

Today is Arbor Day! Learn about the trees you see as you enter the Old Barracks Museum. 🌳

Today was an absolute blast as we welcomed a fantastic number of visitors for Bring Your Child to Work Day!
04/24/2025

Today was an absolute blast as we welcomed a fantastic number of visitors for Bring Your Child to Work Day!

Today is Bring Your Child to Work Day! If you are in the Trenton area, stop by the Old Barracks Museum and say hi.
04/24/2025

Today is Bring Your Child to Work Day! If you are in the Trenton area, stop by the Old Barracks Museum and say hi.

Your generous support sustains the Old Barracks Museum’s educational programs, special events, historical research, and ...
04/23/2025

Your generous support sustains the Old Barracks Museum’s educational programs, special events, historical research, and collection maintenance. Your donation ensures the continued preservation and educational mission of this historic site.
Learn more: https://barracks.org/donate/

It's starting to look like springtime at the Old Barracks Museum!
04/21/2025

It's starting to look like springtime at the Old Barracks Museum!

Join us today at the Old Barracks Museum! Between 11 am and 3 pm, guests can learn to make their own reproduction pin cu...
04/19/2025

Join us today at the Old Barracks Museum! Between 11 am and 3 pm, guests can learn to make their own reproduction pin cushion. We will have everything you need to get started and finish your own to take home.

Along with our craft project, we offer daily demonstrations including
- 10:30 am Muster and Drill
- 11:30 am Musket Firing Demonstration
- 1:30 pm Musket Firing Demonstration
- 2:00 pm Arms and Equipment Inspection

The museum is open Wednesdays to Saturdays, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, with guided tours available on the hour (the final tour starts at 4:00 pm) and access to our exhibits and Room 10 discovery room all day.

Address

101 Barrack Street
Trenton, NJ
08608

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm

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Our Story

The Old Barracks is a 1750’s structure that was used as one of five barracks for British soldiers in New Jersey during the French and Indian War. During the Revolutionary War, in the 1770’s, it was at the center of the Battle of Trenton, 1776, and was used by the British and Hessians. Later, it served as a military hospital and was the site of perhaps the world's first large-scale smallpox inoculations.