As of May 28, 2026; For Updates-http://www.co.burlington.nj.us/parks
Burlington County Celebrates America on June 14th from 1 PM – 6 PM on High Street in Mount Holly, NJ. From Bartram Street/High St. to White St./Monroe Street, weave through centuries of history in Mount Holly visiting historic landmarks, Revolutionary War military encampments, engaging displays, and interactive activities.
For a modern twist to the festivities, visit the food trucks, beer garden, restaurants, and breweries offering craft pours and a variety of eats to keep everyone fueled for the celebration.
Keep an eye out for key historical figures like the legendary Widow Anne Biddle and Hessian Col. Carl Von Donop, whose stories are central to the Battle of Iron Works Hill, as well as key figures from the time period, Benjamin Franklin, James Wilson, Benjamin Rush, Phillis Wheatley, and James Forten.
The Main Street Mount Holly Business & Home Decorating Contest will have the whole town dressed up like a star-spangled showcase. From stunning storefronts to patriotic porches, local businesses and homes are competing to show off their best semi-quincentennial spirit.
- The Lyceum of History and Natural Sciences: Visitors can experience the contrast of colonial herbal remedies with modern insights and understanding of our New Jersey ecosystem from the Burlington County Parks Naturalists, Master Gardeners and Native Plant Society and get a rare look at their Theatrum Botanicum: The Theater of Plants encyclopedia, published in 1640. Theatrum Botanicum: The Theater of Plants exhibit: A rare look at a monumental work, by John Parkinson, published in 1640, that was the most comprehensive botanical encyclopedia in the English language for over a century, serving as a vital resource for early American colonists.
- Master Gardeners: Get expert advice on traditional gardening techniques and discover which heirloom varieties would have grown in a colonial kitchen garden.
- Native Plant Society: Learn about the indigenous flora that has defined the New Jersey landscape for centuries and how preserving these species protects our local heritage.
- African Violet Club: Discover how these stunning plants became a staple of the American windowsill.
- Vincentown Garden Club: Find out about Liberty Tea, made from herbs, which was as substitute after the Boston Tea Party.
- Parks Naturalists: Engage with the specialists who manage our modern green spaces, offering insights into the local ecosystems that the Revolutionary soldiers once marched through.
- 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment encampment: Visitors can interact with living historians, explore 18th-century tents and gear, and witness authentic military demonstrations throughout the day.
- Featured Guest: Dr. Benjamin Rush (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM): don’t miss a special appearance by Dr. Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and the “Father of American Psychiatry.” Dr. Rush will discuss his pivotal role in the Revolution and his innovative (though often controversial) medical practices during the late 1700s.
Revolutionary Lives Exhibit: The American Revolution created dramatic disruptions and opportunities for the people of New Jersey. While much is known about the challenges faced by the leaders of the conflict, most Americans are less familiar with the experiences of ordinary people. We invite you to explore their lives and how their experiences, views, and choices were shaped by their unique circumstances.
Hugh Campbell Exhibit and Lecture: The artist, published author, and philosopher Hugh Campbell lived an extremely minimalistic life in Mount Holly, focused on creating a rich body of work that captured life in town and on the Rancocas Creek. Local artist and educator Art Smith will give a lecture about his life and work.
High Street Porch Music: (218 and 230 High Street) Mark Rust: multi-instrumentalist known for his “Classic Americana” sets. Using a variety of traditional instruments—including guitar, banjo, fiddle, and even the mountain and hammered dulcimer—Mark weaves together songs and stories that capture the heart of the American experience.
- The Belle Tones: known for their stunning harmonies and high-energy tributes to the “Great American Songbook.” Their performance typically features a mix of patriotic anthems, swing-era classics, and beloved standards that celebrate the American spirit through the decades.
Historic organizations from across Burlington County will be present to showcase the diverse artifacts and stories that have shaped the region since 1776.
Military Encampments: Step back in time with authentic Revolutionary War-era camps, featuring re-enactors who bring the daily life of a soldier to life.
We The Declaration: One document, many voices. Bring the Declaration of Independence to life! Stop by Diaz Video’s booth, join your neighbors in reading a line from history, and be featured in our 250th anniversary video!
Burlington County Prison Museum: Designed by Robert Mills, this architectural marvel will be open for those looking to see the “state-of-the-art” incarceration of the 1800s.
- Meet the Justice Behind Bars: Step into History with James Wilson: Meet Founding Father, James Wilson, signer of the Constitution, and one-time inmate—at the Burlington County Prison Museum’s new interactive AI Kiosk. Ask him how a sitting
- Supreme Court Justice ended up in debtors’ prison, or what it was like to help write “We the People.”
Loyal American Regiment encampment: Americans, proudly serving His Majesty King George III as Royal Provincials during the American Revolution. Find out what they failed to teach you in school about America’s first civil war.
Prison Museum Courtyard Stage ▪ Libby Prison Minstrels – a premier Civil War-era string band dedicated to preserving the authentic “soundtrack of the 1860s.” They are living historians who use music to tell the story of the American soldier’s experience.
- South Jersey Pops– specializing in music that bridges the gap between classical prestige and popular entertainment. Their selections will move beyond 1776, celebrating the full 250-year American journey through Patriotic Standards and Modern Classics.
- Cheers the Band- Known for their up-tempo, “boisterous” style, this popular New Jersey cover band specializes in hits that span decades—from Motown classics to modern chart-toppers.
Burlington County Joins the Revolution (January 24—June 14, 2026) Burlington County and its citizens served a crucial role in the war effort. Discover our role in the American Revolution through artifacts, documents, and stories of those who lived it. Warden’s House Museum.
Bell-Ringing Ceremony While the Courthouse itself was built in 1796, the bell housed in its tower hung in an earlier Burlington County courthouse. When news of the Declaration reached Mount Holly, it was rung to summon the community and proclaim the birth of a new nation.
Magic Lantern Performance – Before the age of cinema, these “magic lanterns” were the pinnacle of storytelling. Presented by the American Magic Lantern Theater, this professional production uses authentic 1890s equipment to project hand-painted glass slides, bringing a vibrant, “boisterous” energy to American history. (1:30, 3:00, 4:00) Masonic Lodge, Garden St.
Warden’s House Art Gallery: Completed in 1888, this house has been beautifully restored and is now an art gallery exhibiting works by emerging artists and houses the Hugh Campbell Collection.
Historic Courthouse: (1796) While the celebration honors the 1776 Revolution, the Courthouse represents the era when the patriots transitioned from “founding” a nation to “governing” it.
Saint Andrew’s Church: (1844) The church received its Royal Charter from King George III in 1765 while William Franklin, son of Benjamin Franklin, was Governor of New Jersey. This is the third location for the church in Mount Holly. There will be tours & displays of the original charter and 18th century artifacts from 1-3:30 PM. Stay for a special Chamber Patriotic Music Concert with The First Call String Quartet at 4 PM, followed by an outdoor screening of the musical 1776 in the parking lot at 6 PM. (For rain-the movie will be shown inside the Parish Hall.)
Masons (Mount Holly Lodge No. 18): Visit the lodge of one of the oldest Masonic organizations in New Jersey, with roots tracing back to the early 1800s.
Elks Lodge: This historic building features remarkable interior woodworking and preservation that reflects over a century of local history.
Practitioners of Musick will present a chamber concert featuring the personal musical favorites of America’s founders. This performance brings to life the private libraries of Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and George and Martha Washington, offering a rare glimpse into the sophisticated sounds that filled their homes. A special highlight of the program is a harpsichord set by Francis Hopkinson, a New Jersey signer of the Declaration of Independence. Performed on period-appropriate instruments, this concert provides an authentic 18th-century soundtrack to the America 250 celebrations.
4H Presents “Pillage and Plunder from Rogers’ Millbrook Plantation” focusing on the animals seized by a raid on the farm on June 20th, 1778, which highlight the real-life struggles of local families during British and Hessian occupations.
Dr. James Still Historic Site: Born in 1812 to formerly enslaved parents in Burlington County, James Still was entirely self-taught. Despite being denied formal medical education due to the color of his skin, he became one of the wealthiest and most sought-after medical practitioners in the region through his mastery of botanical remedies.
Timbuctoo: Learn about this important 19th-century settlement in Westampton Township, New Jersey, founded in 1826 by free Black people and formerly enslaved people, which served as an Underground Railroad hub.
County Clerk’s Office – Trace the history of your house.
Underground Railroad Museum – Lantern-making activity with walking artist, Ken Johnston of Walk to Freedom.
Friends Meeting House: Visitors can step inside this historic sanctuary to learn about the Friends’ role in the community, from their early settlement in the 1700s to their pivotal involvement in the abolitionist movement.
The Old Schoolhouse: Located on Brainerd Street, this is the oldest one-room schoolhouse in New Jersey still on its original foundation. It was recently featured in the Ken Burns documentary The American Revolution.
Made In Burlington County Artisan Market: Regional Makers, Homegrown Talent. Bringing together makers and artists from all over the region, shining a special spotlight on our incredibly talented Burlington County-based creators. Come out to discover beautiful handmade goods, support small businesses, and celebrate the creative heartbeat of our community!
Underground Railroad Museum Pop-Up: Meet Phillis Wheatley, the first African American author of a published book of Poetry, and James Forten, American abolitionist, activist and businessman in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. An early Black Patriot, and a staunch supporter of American independence
Rowan College at Burlington County (RCBC) Arts and Culinary Campus located in the Federal Style building that was once the First Union Bank (1815), the first bank in Mount Holly and one of the first in South Jersey will open its doors to host engaging activities designed to make history accessible and fun for both young and old.
- Kids Crafts presented by Burlington County Parks Staff and Burlington County Artist, “Jersey Made,” Holly Doyle.
- Burlington County Library – Colonial whirly-gig craft activity, Genealogy and Community History Kits, History Book Sale
Step By Step – a nostalgic journey back to the golden era of classic doo-wop, 1960s pop, and early 1970s soulful rock.
- House of Hamill – Upscale Celtic Folk
- laid Salmon – Rock, Funk, Soul, Pop, and a healthy helping of Jazz!.
Trevet’s Continental Marines: Discover the rugged world of America’s first shipboard soldiers! Meet the living history interpreters who recreate the daring exploits, unique green uniforms, and daily lives of the Revolutionary War’s Continental Marines.
Patriotic Mural: Become part of the history! Attendees of all ages are invited to pick up a brush and contribute to a large-scale patriotic mural. This collaborative piece serves as a visual tribute to 250 years of independence. Mill Race Village
- Vision Board: Looking toward the future, this station invites the community to share their hopes and “visions” for the next 250 years of Burlington County and the nation.
The Germantown Country Dancers will bring the Village to life with the social dances of the 18th century.
Greater Pinelands Dulcimer Society: offers a melodic journey into America’s folk heritage through traditional tunes and “old-time” music played on the mountain and hammered dulcimers that would have echoed through rural communities and parlors alike in the centuries following the Revolution.
The New Jersey Wheelmen-Living History on Wheels: dedicated to preserving the heritage of early cycling. Members in period-correct attire will demonstrate how to mount, ride, and maneuver these precarious 1880s and 1890s machines.
Traditional Craft Demonstrations: Watch skilled artisans practice 18th and 19th -century trades, offering a hands-on look at the craftsmanship that built the county. ▪ The Art of the Anvil: Feel the heat of the forge as blacksmith Jim Wirth of Dirty Dog Ironworks shapes raw iron using traditional tools and time-honored techniques.
Images Frozen in Silver: Step in front of the lens with Justin Borucki, who brings history to life through the magical, chemistry-driven process of 19th-century tintype photography.
Main Street Mount Holly & Saint Patrick’s Parade Beer Garden: Local brews and music. In the corner lot Washington St./High St.
Shinn-Curtis Log House: A rare look at early settler life, this cabin dates back to 1712 and is one of the oldest structures in the county. Municipal Drive Parking Lot: Trolley pick up and drop off stop.
Historic Mill Race Village: Located in the oldest neighborhood in Mount Holly, the buildings date back to the late 17th century and were primarily tenant and worker houses for the great Grist Mills and supplementary businesses once prominent in Mount Holly.
Weaving the Wild: Watch traditional basket maker Steven Carty transform natural materials into functional art pieces, keeping an ancient, tactile heritage alive.
Thread by Thread: Watch the Fairy God Spinner bring the textile arts to life, demonstrating the rhythmic, mesmerizing journey of turning raw fleece into yarn on a spinning wheel.
Shaped from the Forest: Breathe in the scent of fresh wood shavings as woodworker Steve Makuka uses traditional hand tools to turn raw timber into beautiful, functional heirloom pieces.
Swept in Tradition: Discover the heritage of practical craft with Moonlight Broom, showcasing the fascinating process of hand-tying functional, rustic brooms from natural broomcorn. (Not confirmed as of 5/28/2026)
Relief Firehouse: Visit the oldest active volunteer fire companies in the United States to see how firefighting has evolved from the bucket brigade to modern times. Pine St.
John Woolman Memorial: Dedicated to the famous Quaker abolitionist. Woolman represents the spiritual and ethical founders of the nation—those who challenged the new Republic to live up to its promise of universal liberty. Branch Street; One of the Trolley stops.