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America 250 New Providence

Upcoming Events | Past Events | 250 Book Lists | Museum Passes | NJ in 1777| Caldwell Day

America 250 New Providence

What is America 250?

This year is the 250th Anniversary of the birth of our nation. All year long, New Providence will be celebrating this historic anniversary, focusing on the history of our area from the Revolutionary War through now.

The New Providence Memorial Library is a proud partner with the New Providence Borough’s America 250 Committee, and their mission. “New Providence’s America 250 Committee brings our town’s Revolutionary history into focus, offering residents and visitors a chance to discover, engage, and celebrate the stories that shaped our community. In partnership with local businesses and organizations, we’re creating programs and events that help us connect with our past, celebrate today, and inspire our future. Through interactive experiences, commemorative events, and educational resources, we aim to ignite curiosity and pride in the heart of New Providence.”

As a partner, we are helping to cross-promote events happening here at the library, as well as events hosted by other New Providence organizations. Enjoy this year filled with America 250 activities as we endeavor to Connect, Celebrate and Inspire!

Upcoming Events

America the Beautiful - Community Art Show

June 1 – Aug 31 at the NP Library

Take in art celebrating the American spirit. Applications to submit original art pieces for this show accepted by the Friends through May 8.

READ, White & Blue - Summer Reading 2026!

June 18 – August 8 at the NP Library

Come to the library to register, pick up your reading logs, renew your library cards and get ready for some fun! Summer Reading will run from June 18 through August 8. Track your reading, earn raffle tickets for our prize baskets, attend fun programs, and see what you can win!

Movie Matinee: 1776

July 16 at 1:00pm at the NP Library

Come watch a movie matinee: 1776. In the days leading up to July 4, 1776, Continental Congressmen John Adams and Benjamin Franklin coerce Thomas Jefferson into writing the Declaration of Independence as a delaying tactic as they try to persuade the American colonies to support a resolution on independence.

Watch Party: Battle of Monmouth Courthouse—The Last Great Revolutionary War Battle in the North

September 16 at 3:00pm at the NP Library

Come watch a recording of the presentation hosted by the New Jersey State Library earlier this year with Victor Pidermann, a Resource Interpretive Specialist – Historian with New Jersey State Parks.

Voices of America: 250 Years of Song

September 19 at 11:00am at the NP Library

Sing along in this, interactive musical program by Fit4Kids. This program is for children of all ages covering 250 years of American stories through American folk, patriotic and family friendly songs.

The Four Centuries Story: A Photographic Journey through Union County History with Nancy Ori

October 6 at 7:15pm at the NP Library

Join well-known local photographer and educator, Nancy J. Ori, for a photographic tour of Union County history to illuminate her exhibit, the Four Centuries Story, currently on view through October 14. Public reception after the lecture.

NJ Militia in the Revolution

October 22 at 7:00pm at the NP Library

Learn about the role that the NJ Militia played in the Revolutionary War: what they wore, what they carried, how they fought, what they ate, what they were paid, and what they did to support Washington’s Army.

The American Revolution in Elizabeth and Vicinity

November 10 at 7:00pm at the NP Library

John Prescott, the History Programs Coordinator for the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, will give a presentation focusing on the events, people and places in this area that made a difference in the War of Independence, and in the following years during the birth of our new nation.

Liberty Tree Lanterns Movement

All Year Long

Add some liberty lanterns to your own property to keep a comforting glow in the dark. Buy and hang your own lanterns, then share pics using #LightTheWayNP.

Past Events

Colonial Libations Drink Tasting

January 30 at 7:00-9:00pm at the Salt Box Museum

Join the New Providence Historical Society for Colonial drink tasting. Sample three beverages: “Devil’s Bag,” “Stone Fence,” and “Wassail,” plus enjoy some gingerbread and Washington cake. Tickets available for those 21 and older.

Reverend Caldwell History Display

February 1-28 at the NP Library

Come view historical images and facts about the Caldwell family from their time in New Providence.

Flat Sybil & Flat Washington

February 9-12 in the NP Elementary Schools

Kids will craft and travel with their flat friends as they learn about historic achievements and selfless acts during our nation’s fight for independence.

"Hamilton" Movie Screening

February 17 at 1:00-3:45pm at the NP Library

Watch the musical of Alexander Hamilton, one of our founding fathers, famous for his duel with Aaron Burr.

"Liberty" Lego Club

February 25 at 3:30-4:30pm at the NP Library

Come to the monthly Lego Club and build your best replica of historic or patriotic structures! Feb theme is the Liberty Bell! Themed creations will be on display in the children’s room until the next meeting.

"Liberty" Lego Club

March 25 at 3:30-4:30pm at the NP Library

Come to the monthly Lego Club and build your best replica of historic or patriotic structures! March’s theme is the Washington Monument! Themed creations will be on display in the children’s room until the next meeting.

Historical Society Annual Dinner Talk

April 9 at 6:00pm at the Vintage Tavern

Join members of the Historical Society for a talk about the native Lenape in our area, given by Rick Geffken. Tickets available through the Historical Society.

1st Annual Reverend Caldwell Day of Donation

April 18 all day at various locations in New Providence

Join us in the first community-wide charity drive. Drop off donations and help those in need in the spirit of the historic Reverend Caldwell of New Providence!

More details and map locations here.

Stories of Travel by Stagecoach & Horse

April 19 at 2:00pm at the NP Library

Explore the wide range of horse-powered vehicles that were on the road in the 19th century, what it was like to travel by stagecoach, and what it meant to have a horse as your “engine.”

Marines in the American Revolution

May 13 at 6:00pm via Zoom

Join us with the National Museum of the Marine Corps for a virtual tour of “Defending the New Republic” gallery, where we explore the genesis of the Marines and their heroism in the American Revolution. (Registration is required.)

The Gilded Age of Carl H. Schultz

May 17 at 3:00pm at the NP Library

Historical Society talk about Carl Schultz “the Mineral Water King,” as well as other members of the Schultz family and the creation of their homes in what they named Murray Hill during the Gilded Age.

New Providence Memorial Day Parade

May 25 at 10:00am in downtown New Providence

Come watch local organizations and groups march in this annual parade honoring those who lost their lives in the service of our country.

Community Book Read "1776"

June 16 at 10:00am at the NP Library

Join the library’s morning book group to discuss the book “1776” by David McCullogh.

Summer Reading Kickoff with Patriotic Balloons

June 22 at 11:00am at the NP Library

The Colonial Faire

June 22 at 3:30pm at the NP Library

Join in with Kit’s Interactive Theater for a fun program about a servant in Colonial times doing chores, playing games and going to the spring fair.

Remember the American Revolution

June 24 at 11:00am at the DeCorso Senior Center

This lecture by historian, Joel Farkas, will cover the “Paul Revere’s Ride” poem, the “Washington Crossing the Delaware” painting, Bunker Hill, The Declaration of Independence, George Washington’s false teeth, and more.

Presentation: The Declaration of Independence

June 25 at 7:00pm at the NP Library

Attend a riveting presentation on the history and creation of the Declaration of Independence by renowned historian Joel Farkas. Pick up a free pocket copy of the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence for attending.

Retro Baseball Game

June 27 at 4:00pm-6:00pm at the NPHS Miller Field

Cheer on the home teams as we go back in time on the baseball diamond. Watch the New Providence Reds play the Crescents. Bring your own blanket or chairs. Volunteers needed to help plan this fun event! (Rain date: July 5)

FIREWORKS - Happy 250th Birthday, America!

July 3 at 7:00pm in downtown New Providence

Join us downtown from 7-9:30pm for a local favorite celebration. Enjoy music, sidewalk chalk, giveaways, and our DJ at NP Fuel. Fireworks show around 9:15pm.

LIVE! Reading of the Declaration of Independence

July 4 at 9:30am in Centennial Park gazebo

Commemorate our nation’s 250th anniversary! Join us the morning of the 4th for a ceremonial reading of the Declaration of Independence from the gazebo in Centennial Park. Receive your own pocket copy of the Declaration and the U.S. Constitution to keep.

Music in the Revolution

July 9 at 4:00pm at the NP Library

Early American Music & Arts presents an interactive afternoon of 18th century era music, singing and dancing with a fife and drum demonstration, colonial singalong, and a country dance.

Book Lists for America 250

Visit Museums with FREE Museum Passes!

Learn more about local history or American history by visiting a museum! All you need is your NP Library Card to check out a FREE museum pass. Most museum passes give free admission to 2-4 people per pass. (See each pass description for details.)

Museum of the American Revolution

Intrepid Museum

Morris Museum

Museum of Early Trades & Crafts

We have even more museum passes available. View the full list here to plan your next outing!

What New Jersey Looked Like in 1777

Visit a new interactive map showing what our state looked like in 1777! NJ State Library’s collaboration with the NJ State Archives is a fascinating tool allowing you to dive deep into local history from the birth of our nation.

A New and Accurate Map of the Present Seat of War in North America

First Annual Reverend Caldwell Day

In celebration of our local history and the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, the America 250 New Providence committee is proud to announce the first annual Reverend Caldwell Day Charity Drive.

Residents are invited to join their neighbors in the “Pioneer spirit” of giving and sacrifice. During the drive, 22 charities representing a wide range of causes will be stationed at 12 locations throughout the borough to collect new and used items for those in need.

Keep up with the awesome

Subscribe to our newsletter

Upcoming Events | Past Events | 250 Book Lists | Museum Passes | NJ in 1777| Caldwell Day

America 250 New Providence

What is America 250?

Upcoming Events

America the Beautiful - Community Art Show

READ, White & Blue - Summer Reading 2026!

Movie Matinee: 1776

Watch Party: Battle of Monmouth Courthouse—The Last Great Revolutionary War Battle in the North

Voices of America: 250 Years of Song

The Four Centuries Story: A Photographic Journey through Union County History with Nancy Ori

NJ Militia in the Revolution

Liberty Tree Lanterns Movement

Past Events

Colonial Libations Drink Tasting

Reverend Caldwell History Display

Flat Sybil & Flat Washington

Historical Society Annual Dinner Talk

1st Annual Reverend Caldwell Day of Donation

Stories of Travel by Stagecoach & Horse

The Gilded Age of Carl H. Schultz

New Providence Memorial Day Parade

Community Book Read "1776"

Summer Reading Kickoff with Patriotic Balloons

The Colonial Faire

Remember the American Revolution

Presentation: The Declaration of Independence

Retro Baseball Game

FIREWORKS - Happy 250th Birthday, America!

LIVE! Reading of the Declaration of Independence

Music in the Revolution

Book Lists for America 250

Visit Museums with FREE Museum Passes!

What New Jersey Looked Like in 1777

First Annual Reverend Caldwell Day

Saturday, April 18 @ 10:00am – 1:00pm