A Capitol Idea for a Party

by Alex Zdan / The Times of Trenton / November 05, 2009

TRENTON — It may seem like arcane trivia to some, but this year, it’s reason to party.

The city of Trenton was the capital of the United States of America for 54 days in the year 1784, and city and state officials are kicking off a celebration of that event today at the Old Barracks on Barrack Street.

The I Am Trenton community foundation is sponsoring the 225th anniversary commemoration, which will include food, music, a lecture and a walking tour. The events are being coordinated by the “Trenton 1784 — The Nation’s Capital” committee, which is comprised of historians and community leaders.

The noon press conference will see the launch of www.trenton1784.com, a resource for information on Trenton’s brief tenure as the capital, as well as a listing of 54 important places, people and things in the city that year.

Mayor Douglas H. Palmer will host the press conference, and Gov. Jon Corzine, Rep. Rush Holt and Secretary of State Nina Wells are invited guests.

The commemoration runs through Dec. 24. This Saturday, I Am Trenton will hold a multicultural celebration, and on Dec. 10 Diane Windham Shaw, Lafayette College archivist, will speak.

A “tavern trek” on Dec. 18 will recognize the history of the city’s taverns, one of which housed the U.S. Congress during its stay in the city. Eighteenth-century-themed meals will be served, and activities will be held at historic places throughout the city.