Old Barracks Museum Combines Education with Entertainment, Thrilling Thousands of Visitors Annually

On a blustery, bitter cold and snowy Christmas night, General George Washington led 2400 troops across the Delaware River into New Jersey and marched on Trenton to attack the British and Hessian troops. The Battle of Trenton (the first of two) was short, and the Americans emerged victorious, marking a momentous turn in the Revolutionary War. The British Barracks, first built during the French and Indian War, was captured by Washington’s army and held throughout the war to be used primarily as a military hospital engaged in the inoculation of Continental Army soldiers against smallpox. This is widely considered to have been the first successful mass-inoculation in Western history.

The Old Barracks stands to this day and serves as a museum, attracting thousands of visitors each year, making it one of the most visited sites in New Jersey. Outfitted Old Barracks Museum interpreters lead guests on fun and educational tours of the living spaces, 18th century hospital rooms, and more. The building offers a museum of 18th century weapons and artifacts. Other things to do at the museum include military re-enactments, family workshops, lectures, concerts, and other special events. The Old Barracks Museum also offers a Summer History Day Camp for children ages 9-12, as well as the opportunity to camp in the barracks for scouts and other organized groups.

The Old Barracks Museum is located on Barrack Street in Trenton, New Jersey (adjacent to the New Jersey State House). It is open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm. Admission to the Old Barracks Museum is $8 for adults and $6 for students and senior citizens. Admission is free for children 5 and under, active US military personnel, and Barracks Museum members. For more information on the Old Barracks Museum, including directions and a list of upcoming things to do, visit the museum online or call 609-396-1776.

Other things to do in the area include:

• The New Jersey State Museum and Planetarium
• tour of the New Jersey State House
• William Trent House
• Ellarslie, The Trenton City Museum
• Washington Crossing State Park
• Princeton University Art Museum

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