Morven Museum & Garden Celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary with New Exhibitions and Events in 2026

Published on December 19, 2025

Morven Museum and Garden is one of the many historical spots in Princeton, New Jersey, and is a great place to learn about the early years of the American Revolution. The museum will have nice events and exhibitions to celebrate and honor the founding of America and educate people on the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. Morven was the home of Richard Stockton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and it is the only Stockton site in New Jersey that is open to the public. New educational programs, special events, and exhibits will take place during the anniversary celebrations at Morven.

Exhibitions Highlighting America’s Founding

Morven Museum & Garden will launch two major exhibitions in 2026 to explore the lives of key figures in the American Revolution.

• “Five Independent Souls: The Signers from New Jersey” (opening May 3, 2026) will feature personal items, manuscripts, and artworks related to New Jersey’s five signers of the Declaration of Independence: Abraham Clark, John Hart, Francis Hopkinson, Richard Stockton, and John Witherspoon. This exhibition will delve into their contributions, ideals, and the complex relationship between American freedom and slavery, as all five were enslavers. Visitors will have the rare opportunity to view their actual signatures.
• “Voices in Print: New Jersey Black Women Printmakers Shaping the American Narrative” (opening September 4, 2026) will celebrate the artistic contributions of Black women printmakers with ties to New Jersey. This exhibit, part of the broader collaboration with Princeton University and the Arts Council of Princeton, will feature powerful works that shape the narrative of American history and identity.

In addition to these exhibitions, two other special displays will be available to visitors:

• “Northern Family, Southern Ties” explores the relationships between families who lived along the Mason-Dixon Line and the interstate movement of enslaved people during the 18th century and the Civil War.
• “Morven Revealed: Untold Stories from New Jersey’s Most Historic Home” will provide insights into the daily life at Morven, from child-rearing to household management, and what it was like to live in this historically significant home. The exhibit will be open until March 1, 2026.

Ongoing and Permanent Exhibits

Morven Museum & Garden offers a permanent exhibition titled “Historic Morven: A Window into America’s Past,” which provides a comprehensive look at the Stockton family’s role in the American Revolution. It highlights Richard Stockton’s capture by British Loyalists, making him the only signer of the Declaration to be held as a prisoner of war.

Visitors to Morven can also explore other historical sites in Princeton, such as Nassau Hall, which served as the temporary capital of the United States in 1783, and the nearby Princeton Battlefield, making the town a prime destination for history enthusiasts in 2026.

Special Events for America’s 250th Anniversary

Morven Museum & Garden will host several exciting events throughout 2026 to engage visitors in the nation’s history and culture. These include:

• “Men W/O Shoes: A Student-Led Tribute to Forgotten Heroes” (February 19-21, 2026), a student-led project that uncovers the stories of at least fourteen Black men who fought in the Battle of Princeton. The event will feature a moving art installation reflecting the contributions of these men.
• “LivingHistory USA Weekend” (April 11-12, 2026), an immersive event where the first floor of Morven will be transformed into a historical tour, with actors portraying key figures from the past.
• “Fourth of July 2026” (July 4, 2026), a free, family-friendly festival with music, food, and discussions about what it means to be American today.
• “Princeton 1776 Fest” (October 3, 2026) will celebrate the 250th anniversary with live music, historical re-enactments, and crafts. This event, in partnership with the Historical Society of Princeton and the Daughters of the American Revolution, will bring the town’s history to life.

Interactive and Virtual Programs for All Ages

In addition to in-person events, Morven will offer a variety of virtual and interactive programs:

• “Generation Declaration” (January-November 2026) is a speaker series that will bring together historians and writers to discuss the meaning and evolution of the Declaration of Independence.
• “Grand Homes & Gardens ‘Freedom at Home’ Series” (February-April 2026) will take viewers on a virtual journey through the homes and gardens of the Founding Fathers, exploring the lives of the people who lived and worked in these spaces.
• “Signer’s Stories” (April 2026-January 2027) will include walking tours, musical performances, and other interactive experiences that bring to life the stories of New Jersey’s Declaration signers, such as Francis Hopkinson, a composer of the first American opera.
• Behind-the-Scenes Opportunities will provide exclusive insights into Morven’s curatorial processes, including tours with the curators and virtual talks about new acquisitions.

Plan Your Visit to Morven Museum & Garden

People who plan to visit should know that Morven Museum and Garden opens Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm. The gardens also close at dusk and you can explore them any day of the week. The address of the museum is 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ. You can learn more about individual events, exhibitions, and programs at the museum’s website, morven.org.

Morven Museum and Garden is a perfect place to enjoy America’s 250th birthday. With its fascinating programs, events, and historic relevance, this is the best place to visit.