Join us in celebrating the 250th anniversary of 1776 in 2026!
We are holding a series of programs to help people connect with our country's past and present, and honor the brave men and women who contributed to the formation of America.
All of our 1776 themed events are free and open to the public!
A microgrant provided by PBS is helping us pay for historical reenactors and speakers and children's activities, as well as providing us with clips from Ken Burns's new documentary on the Revolutionary War.
Volunteer Fair - Tues. Jan. 27th, 4-7pm at Princeton School
Meet the people who serve our community, learn what they do, and join them! We hope that the values and sacrifice of patriots from all walks of life during the American Revolution will inspire you to go the extra mile for your community and country this year. If you are an organization that would like a table at the volunteer fair, please email director@princetonpublib.org. Thank you to the Princeton School District for allowing us to use the gym, and for the Princeton Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring refreshments and helping us send out invitations.
Meet Ben Franklin - Fri. Feb. 20th, 2-3pm at the Library
Meet Dr. Benjamin Franklin! Portrayed by professional historical reenactor Terry Kutz, "Dr. Franklin" will talk about his work with Revolutionary leaders like Washington, Jefferson, and Adams, as well as his upcoming trip to France, where he will be soliciting support for the patriot cause. As the oldest signer of the Declaration of Independence, Dr. Franklin brought wit and wisdom to a young country striving for freedom. Dr. Franklin will be dressed in period-accurate attire, and answer any questions you may have about his life, his trade as a printer and bookbinder, his scientific inventions, or the Revolutionary War. We will have numerous books here for all ages about Dr. Franklin's life so you can read more about this fascinating person.
Hands-On History - Sat. March 21, 10am-2pm at the Library
Touch, taste, and do traditional crafts with help from the Historical Society. More details coming soon.
Meet a Revolutionary War Hero - May (exact date to be determined).
“Major Andrew Lytle Jr.” will be portrayed by Tom Vergeron, historical reenactor. Major Lytle was an Irish immigrant who dedicated his life to his new country, fighting for the Patriot cause and rising through the ranks in the New York militia thanks to his skill and daring. He moved to Wisconsin in 1838. He died in 1855 at the age of 93 and was buried in Yorkville, a few miles north of Union Grove Wisconsin. Speak to Major Lytle about his life, the battles he fought, and the peace he found here in Wisconsin.
Patriots & Popcorn - Movie Screenings 7pm Tues. Nights in April
Join us every Tuesday night in April to watch a great movie! You'll see 1776, The Crossing, The Patriot, and parts of Ken Burns’s new documentary about the Revolutionary War.
Independence Day Party - Wed. July 1st, 4-7pm
Fun for all ages! Crafts, snacks, games, and historic challenges. More details to be announced.
Pocket Constitution Giveaway - Thurs. Sept. 17th, all day
Every American needs a copy of our country's founding documents. We'll be handing out a small booklet containing the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, absolutely free. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Find Your Patriot Genealogy Workshop - Date to be determined.
In cooperation with the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Native Americans in the Revolution Lecture - Date to be determined.
Patriotic Reading Challenge - All year!
Join us in reading and discussing a different book every month to rediscover our country's history and culture
Sat. Jan. 24th, 11am: "My Brother Sam is Dead" by James Lincoln Collier & Christopher Collier.
Pick up a copy of this 1974 book at the front desk and discuss it with us today. It’s a short, award-winning fiction book accessible for ages 10 and up, although rough language and violence are part of the story. In it, a father fights for the English Loyalists, while one of his sons, Sam, joins the Patriot cause. Caught in the middle, younger son Tim must try to decide who he will fight for.
"My Brother Sam is Dead" was ranked in ALA's "Most Frequently Challenged Books" and "Banned/Challenged Books" from 1990 to 2000 and 2000 to 2009. The book explores the brutal realities of war, where even the most noble cause requires terrible sacrifices.