America's 250th
Semiquincentennial [L. semi half + quin five + centennial hundred]
Sestercentennial [L. ses half + ter three + centennial hundred]
Bisesquicentennial [L. bi two + sesqui one and a half + centennial hundred]
Quarter-millennial
Why is next year such a big milestone in the history of the United States?
July 4, 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the ratification of the Declaration of Independence, a revolutionary proclamation that laid the foundation for our constitutional republic. It eloquently made a powerful argument against the Divine Right of Kings (the idea that monarchs are appointed by and answerable only to God), which sanctioned King George III’s rule over the American colonies. Instead, the Declaration asserted that people are naturally endowed by the Creator with inalienable rights— “among them Life, Liberty, Pursuit of Happiness”—which give us the authority to govern ourselves and choose a government that would protect our rights. Combining this with a litany of grievances against the King, the Declaration of Independence contended that pursuing self-rule was fully justified, declaring to the world that the colonies were thus “free and independent states.”
The Declaration’s written promise that “all men are created equal” is still a work in progress. Generations of Americans who did not own land, non-Christians, Black men, women, and Indigenous people fought for their right to vote, and citizens in U.S. territories still lack representation. As we approach the semiquincentennial, we reflect on the changing ways we frame freedom, equality, and liberty, and what that has meant for the everyday lives of Americans. We also commemorate our history, including the triumphs and struggles faced by those who came before us as they shaped a unique democracy.
What makes 2026 a landmark year at Morven Museum & Garden?
As the home of Founding Father Richard Stockton —the only signer of the Declaration to become a prisoner of war—Morven has stood witness to incredible stories over the past 250+ years. The people who lived at Morven, including those enslaved by the Stockton family, have shaped American and New Jersey history. Located in the heart of Princeton, where a key American Revolutionary War victory was won and which became the temporary capital in 1783, Morven is a National Historic Landmark that is a must-visit destination during America’s 250th!
Gain a deeper understanding of the past and its contemporary impact, immerse yourself in the experience of revolutionary times, and be a part of fascinating discussions with experts on topics including civics, history, art, architecture, culture, and more.
Throughout 2026, visit Morven Museum & Garden for extraordinary exhibitions, public programs, and special events. Many programs will be available virtually so that no matter where you’re located, you can join in.
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2026 at Morven Museum & Garden
Here’s what’s coming up, with details and even more programs to be announced soon!
Throughout 2026
Behind-the-Scenes Opportunities
Throughout 2026
These programs invite you to take a look behind-the-scenes with Morven’s curatorial team, featuring “Meet the Curator” tours of new exhibitions, virtual “Curator Corner” talks delving into new acquisitions and research, and our annual “Inside Scoop” event for Morven Members, discussing the creation of Five Independent Souls.
Generation Declaration
January–November, 2026
A new speaker series featuring writers and historians reflecting on the creation and many interpretations of the Declaration of Independence.
May 2026
Opens May 3, 2026
Five Independent Souls: The Signers from New Jersey
In June 1776, the provincial congress of New Jersey sent five new delegates to Philadelphia with instructions to vote for independence from Great Britain. These five men were all landowners of varying backgrounds, and included farmers, lawyers, a surveyor, and a Presbyterian minister. Each was married with a large family -- among them, they fathered fifty children! They would have understood that their vote amounted to treason against the King. Five Independent Souls explores the lives of these lesser known founding fathers, examining who they were before, during, and after the signing.
250th Exhibition Premiere & Founding Feast
May 2, 2026
In the year of America’s Semiquincentennial, Morven opens its doors to reflection—gathering history, scholarship, and community at the historic home of one of New Jersey’s signers of the Declaration of Independence.
The 250th Exhibition Premiere & Founding Feast marks the opening of Five Independent Souls: The Signers from New Jersey, illuminating the lives and lasting legacy of the five individuals who helped shape a nation. Hosted by Annis and Richard Stockton of Morven’s founding family, the evening honors Morven’s singular place in the American story.
As twilight settles over the gardens, guests will gather under the tent for the Founding Feast—sharing a meal that launches a year of national remembrance and inspiration.
New Jersey Women’s Revolutionary Experiences
May 14, 2026
Delve into the experiences of women during the American Revolution with historian Lucia McMahon. This program is held in partnership with the William Trent House Museum.
Slavery and the Declaration of Independence: The Deleted Clauses
May 17, 2026
Join us for the next program in the Generation Declaration series, “Slavery and the Declaration of Independence: The Deleted Clauses,” with OAH Distinguished Lecturer Holly Brewer, Burke Professor of American History and Associate Professor at the University of Maryland. Please note this program has been rescheduled from its original date of January 25.
JuNE 2026
Princeton Garden Tour
June 13, 2026
Presented in partnership by the Historical Society of Princeton and Morven Museum & Garden, this self-guided tour invites guests to explore the historic landscapes of both institutions—alongside rare access to private gardens not typically open to the public.
July 2026
Fourth of July 2026
A free festival featuring music, speakers, artmaking, community partners, food, and more—all exploring what it means to be an American and community member for different generations of people, past and present.
September 2026
Voices in Print: New Jersey Black Women Printmakers Shaping the American Narrative
September 4, 2026–February 28, 2027
A collaboration with Princeton University Art Museum and the Arts Council of Princeton titled Re-Visioning America: 1776–2026, features powerful prints by Black women artists with a connection to New Jersey. Curated by Judith K. Brodsky and Rhinold L. Ponder, this will be the first exhibition held in the Stockton Education Center.
Made possible by funds from the Mercer County Cultural & Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
October 2026
Princeton 1776 Fest
October 3, 2026
This community celebration 250 years in the making will include live music, living history interpreters and craftspeople, special exhibitions, and food and drink. Presented in partnership with the Historical Society of Princeton, Princeton Battlefield Society, and Daughters of the American Revolution.
Become a Member
Get year-round museum access, priority booking, discounts on programs and at the Museum Shop, and much more!
HERITAGE tourism resources
A directory from Experience Princeton and the Princeton Heritage Tourism Committee highlighting the pivotal role Princeton played in the early days of our country, featuring a calendar of Princeton’s historic tours and special events honoring the 250th.
A partnership between the New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC), a division of the New Jersey Department of State, and the nonprofit Crossroads of the American Revolution Association, offering educational resources, a guide to NJ’s Revolutionary War sites, things to do, and opportunities to get involved.
Launched by the New Jersey Historic Trust in 2017, the site hosts a comprehensive directory of NJ’s historic sites, annual event listings, and trip planning resources, including themed itineraries (such as “A Hamilton Walk Through History,” “Revolutionary Women,” and many more!).
A resource created by Mercer County (which includes Princeton, Hamilton, Trenton, and numerous other towns that played a significant role in the American Revolution) where you can explore the area’s rich history, and find information on museums, reenactments, tours, and other points of interest. Take “The Passport to 250” challenge, earning badges for each important Revolutionary site you visit.
A short walk from Morven, you’ll find boutique shopping, diverse dining, and luxury accommodations in Palmer Square. On their website, you’ll find unique 250th events in Princeton and an excellent self-guided walking tour.
Join Princeton Theological Seminary for an immersive, four-day, residential seminar exploring the pivotal moments within the long-intertwined histories of Christian faith and American public life.
Northern Family, Southern Ties is made possible by Lisa and Michael Ullmann.
Additional support from Liza and Schuyler Morehouse, Colleen Goggins, Helen R. Buck Foundation, and The George H. and Estelle M. Sands Foundation.
Funding for Five Independent Souls: The Signers from New Jersey has been provided, in part, by Liza and Schuyler Morehouse; Carol Hanson; Eileen and Robert O’Neil; J. Richard and E. Barbara Pierce; the General Society of Colonial Wars upon the recommendation of the Society of Colonial Wars in the State of New Jersey; Glenmede Trust; Nassau Inn; Palmer Square Management; Ken and Mindy Siegel; Lear & Pannepacker, LLP; and NJM Insurance Group.
Morven Museum & Garden received a project grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State.
Bryn Mawr Trust is the lead sponsor of the 2026
Grand Homes and Garden
series.
Interested in becoming a sponsor?
Contact Morven's Chief Development Officer, Megan Shackney, to explore sponsoring Morven in 2026.
Phone:
609-924-8144, ext. 101
Email:
mshackney@morven.org
