History came alive Saturday as residents gathered at the historic train station for Hopewell Borough’s USA 250th Town-Wide Celebration, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the borough’s 135th anniversary.
The June 6 event combined living history demonstrations, educational programs, music, food and community activities designed to connect residents with the region’s Revolutionary-era past.
The afternoon began with a town crier and a public reading of the Declaration of Independence by Revolutionary War-era reenactors. Children waved American flags as they listened, while others later signed a large replica of the Declaration as part of the festivities.
Throughout the afternoon, visitors explored hands-on activities and presentations highlighting different aspects of local history. Leslie Bramlett discussed the roles of African American women and women of European descent during the American Revolution, as well as the responsibilities and work performed by children during the period.
The celebration also highlighted stories that are often absent from traditional Revolutionary War narratives. Beverly Mills and Elaine Buck spoke about the lives and experiences of enslaved people living in the Hopewell Valley during the Revolutionary era.
At the Hopewell Museum exhibit, Executive Director Asher Lurie introduced young visitors to artifacts and equipment from the period, including a musket used during the American Revolution.
Another popular feature was a guided walking tour of the cemetery at the Hopewell Old School Baptist Meeting House. Hopewell archaeologist Ian Burrow led participants through the historic site, sharing stories about the cemetery and the meeting house’s role in the community’s past. Annie Anderson assisted visitors by distributing maps for the tour.
The event concluded with a community dinner, beer garden and live music by Castle Lane, bringing together residents of all ages for an evening that celebrated both the nation’s founding and Hopewell Borough’s own history.
Organized by the Hopewell Borough Recreation Committee and Hopewell Borough Block Party, the celebration was one of many local events taking place across the region in the coming month’s as the Hopewell Valley and the nation celebrates the semiquincentennial in 2026.
