🎆 Update: Friday, July 10th Fireworks Celebration 🎆

Stay tuned for updates:
🌐 franklintwpnj.org
📘 facebook.com/FranklinTwpSomersetCty
📷 instagram.com/twpoffranklin_nj

Join the Franklin Trails Advisory Committee (TAC) for a combined hike and historic house tour.  Franklin was at the center of the action during the American Revolution - from the victories at Trenton and Princeton through the end of the conflict. This special America250 event combines a leisurely hike with commentary about the area’s importance in the Revolution with a guided tour of the Rockingham State Historic Site, General Washington’s final wartime headquarters in Kingston. 

DATE: Saturday, August 1, 2026
TIME: 10:00am – 12:00pm
LOCATION: John W. Flemer Preserve, NJ-27, Kingston
(the parking lot entrance is located between the D&R Canal bridge and Rider Furniture) 

 

Franklin 250 Night at the Ballpark
Saturday, August 15 | 6:35 PM  | Gates open 5:30 PM
Somerset Patriots vs. New Hampshire Fisher Cats

$10 per ticket

Purchase Options:

• Community Senior Center | 505 DeMott Lane
• Franklin 250 Events https://franklintwpnj.org/franklin250
• Online at https://franklintwp.recdesk.com

 

Conference on Horseback

A Revolutionary Experience

Sunday, January 4, 2026

⚔️The Battle of Princeton

Princeton Battlefield State Park
500 Mercer Rd, Princeton, NJ 08540
9:30 AM – Noon

$10 per adult, children free
Get your tickets today.

🍴Dine with Washington and his Officers

Eno Terra Restaurant
4484 NJ-27, Kingston, NJ 08528
12:30 PM – 2 PM

$60.54-Tickets at Eventbrite
Includes hearty farm-to-table fare, Revolutionary-themed wines, and beer, and spirits
Event organized by Millstone Valley Preservation Coalition

🐎The Conference on Horseback
Church Street, Kingston (Near Presbyterian Church Cemetery)
2:30 PM
Free to the public

Salute to America: A Night of Song, Dance & History

📅 Saturday, January 10, 2026 — 7:00 PM
(Doors open at 6:15 PM)
📍 Franklin High School Auditorium

🎟 Tickets: $10
Presale begins December 1 at franklintwp.recdesk.com

🍫 Refreshments will be available for purchase.
✨ Proceeds support future Franklin 250 events.

The Franklin Township Cultural Arts Council (FTCAC), in collaboration with Franklin 250 is proud to present the Township’s annual Black History Month Celebration on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 1:00 pm at Franklin Middle School’s Hamilton Street Campus. This year’s program honors the history, achievements, and cultural contributions of Black residents in Franklin Township, celebrating the artistic traditions that continue to shape the community.

The event will feature live performances, spoken word, music, dance, historical storytelling, youth presentations, and interactive arts activities. Together, the FTCAC and Franklin 250 aim to create an uplifting, educational, and inclusive experience that reflects the Township’s diverse heritage. In addition to performances and presentations, the celebration will feature light refreshments for attendees.

The event is free and open to the public, welcoming families, students, seniors, and residents of all ages.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026
Time: 1:30 to 5:00 PM  (Doors open at 1:00 pm)
Location: Franklin Township Middle School, Hamilton Street Campus, 415 Francis Street, Somerset, NJ
Cost: Free and open to all residents

For more information, visit the Franklin Township Cultural Arts Council webpage at www.Franklintwpnj.org/FTCAC or Franklin 250’s page at www.Franklintwpnj.org/Franklin250. You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram for updates, partner spotlights, and event highlights.

 

Franklin 250 presents a concert version preview of The Crossing: A Revolutionary New Musical, featuring professional actors from Broadway and television. The production was created to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the pivotal Revolutionary War battle that reshaped the course of American history. The concert will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 7:00 PM at Franklin Middle School – Sampson G. Smith Campus, 1649 Amwell Road, Somerset.

Directed by longtime Somerset resident Terri Seggio and musically directed by composer John Allen Watts, with book and lyrics by Jason Huza, this landmark event offers an early look at a groundbreaking production centered on one of the most decisive moments in American history: General George Washington’s daring crossing of the Delaware River, which led to crucial victories at Trenton and Princeton.

Developed through meticulous historical research and collaboration with leading scholars, The Crossing weaves together military strategy, political philosophy, and deeply human storytelling. The result is a powerful narrative that honors the courage, sacrifice, and determination that shaped the birth of our nation.

“This show is an inspiring celebration of history, artistry, and national resilience that I am proud to bring to local audiences,” said director Terri Seggio.

Part of a series of Franklin 250 events, the preview of The Crossing is one night only, February 28, at 7 pm, at Sampson G Smith School Auditorium. Tickets are just $10 and are available online in advance and at the door. All proceeds will benefit Franklin 250, which supports educational and cultural programming throughout this historic anniversary year.

A Living Portrait of America’s Founding

“The Crossing was born from the belief that history isn’t something we leave behind—it’s something we continually step into with courage, clarity, and heart,” said composer John Allen Watts.

The Crossing breaks new ground by bringing historically overlooked voices to the forefront. Featured characters include Private Jacob Francis, a free Black soldier who served in Washington’s army, and Billy Lee, Washington’s enslaved and trusted valet. By highlighting these stories, the production presents a fuller, more inclusive portrait of the American Revolution—one that reflects the diversity and complexity of the nation’s founding.

This approach strengthens the relevance of New Jersey’s revolutionary sites for contemporary audiences and reinforces the city’s vital role in telling America’s complete story.

World Premiere in 2026

The full stage production of The Crossing is scheduled for December 2026 in Trenton, aligning with the 250th anniversary of Washington’s crossing of the Delaware. The production is being co-produced by the Passage Theatre Company and TenCrucialDays.org. This preview concert offers supporters and history lovers an exclusive opportunity to be part of the journey from its earliest stages.

Stellar Cast

The concert features a distinguished cast led by Martin Hargrove and Jim Schubin. Following the performance, Watts and Huza will share behind-the-scenes insights and engage directly with the audience in a Q&A session—offering a rare opportunity to connect with the creative minds behind the work.

Mr. Hargrove has performed opera, musical theatre, recitals, and concerts throughout the US, Europe, Canada and South America. Martin is a celebrated operatic performer whose graced many stages with credits that include roles such as Colline (La Bohème), Figaro (Le Nozze di Figaro), Ramfis (Aida), Balthazar (Amahl and the Night Visitor), and Jake (Porgy and Bess). He has performed with major companies including Boheme Opera NJ, Houston Grand Opera, and The Metropolitan Opera. Educated at Westminster Choir College, and Trenton State College, Martin is also an active church soloist, lecturer, and music workshop leader.

Mr. Schubin is a NY based actor and singer, and 1^st prize winner of the 2016 Lotte Lenya Singing Competition. Jim has starred in shows off-Broadway, National Tours, and at theatres across the country. He created the Role of Phillip Gardner on the Emmy Award-Winning Series Broadwalk Empire on HBO and has had multiple guest roles in Law & Order, L&O: SVU, Fosse Verdon and more. Jim also works as a private voice and acting instructor in Hamilton NJ. www.schubinstudios.com

Meet the Creatives

John Allen Watts (Composer) brings decades of experience in composing, performing, and producing music across popular and theatrical genres. A graduate of NYU Tisch School of the Arts’ Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program, he has developed The Crossing through multiple professional readings. His dynamic, accessible score is designed for both large-scale theatrical and filmed productions.

Jason Huza (Book and Lyrics) is a multidisciplinary writer whose work spans musical theatre, plays, novels, and screenwriting. His musical It Happened in Key West premiered on London’s West End in 2018, and his play Dante’s Omission was a Eugene O’Neill Playwriting Conference semifinalist. His experience supports The Crossing’s planned expansion into a serialized television format in future years.

Terry Seggio (Director) has been teaching literacy, directing, and choreographing for over 35 years, the last 23 years in Franklin Township, and has directed or choreographed over 50 shows.  She currently serves as the educational consultant for The Crossing and is the Chairperson of the Franklin Township Cultural Arts Council. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Project Broadway in NYC bringing her expertise in the Arts to both organizations. Mrs. Seggio continues to coach students privately for theatre auditions and was overjoyed to watch one of her former students win a Tony Award in 2025. She firmly believes all children should experience a standing ovation once in their lifetimes.

An Evening of Patriotism, Artistry, and Hope

The Crossing is more than a musical—it is a tribute to the ideals that forged a nation and the people who carried them forward against overwhelming odds.

Audiences are invited to join this extraordinary evening of music, history, and community, and to help launch a production that honors America’s past while inspiring its future.

“Join us for an unforgettable night celebrating courage, creativity, and the enduring American spirit,” said Director Seggio.

Could You Have Done It? The Women Who Carried the Revolution

A Franklin 250 Women’s History Month Living History Experience

Could You Have Done It? The Women Who Carried the Revolution

Step into Revolutionary times at this Franklin 250 Women’s History Month Living History Experience!

📅 Saturday, March 28, 2026
⏰ 1:00–4:00 PM
📍 Hamilton School SGS Campus
1649 Amwell Road, Somerset
🎟 Free Admission | All Ages Welcome

Experience:
✨ Living history demonstrations
✨ Stories of Revolutionary women
✨ Tea tasting & colonial dance
✨ Quill writing and colonial games for kids
✨ Help create the Franklin 250 Community Quilt

Discover the daily lives of women who supported the Revolution and ask yourself… Could you have done it?

George & Martha: A Cocktail Affair – An Evening With the Washingtons

Date: April 18, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Hageman House, transformed into “Hageman’s Tavern,” 209 South Middlebush Road, Somerset

Join The Meadows Foundation and the Franklin 250 Committee for an immersive evening with George and Martha Washington as part of the Semiquincentennial celebrations. Enjoy a lively presentation about their partnership at the dawn of the Revolution, along with a colonial‑inspired menu and signature cocktails served in a recreated 18th‑century tavern setting.

 

Cost: $50 per person.

Includes:

• A seat for the presentation
• Taste of 18th-century culinary delights
• Sampling of historic spirits from our open signature bar.
• Every ticket supports the ongoing preservation work of The Meadows Foundation.

Must be 21+ to enjoy alcoholic beverages; non-alcoholic colonial refreshments available.

Tickets: https://ticketstripe.com/hagemanstavern

Patriot's Day

April 19, 1775 - the "Shot Heard Around the World"

The day children put down their toys and the revolution came to them.

Hageman Farmstead Barn

209 South Middlebush Road, Somerset

Sunday, April 19, 2026

1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

FREE - All ages are welcome

In Franklin, the revolution didn’t happen far away... it came to their homes and farms.

Step into the lives of children who grew up too quickly.

Survival. Loyalty. Freedom.

Soldiers came through Franklin again and again, taking food, supplies, and anything they needed.

For families—and children—the war was something they lived through, not something they chose.

STEP INTO THEIR DAY

Childhood in 1775:

• Play colonial games
• Daily chores
• Candle making
• Plant seeds to take home

The Alarm:

• Experience the moment everything changed

Take Action:

• Train with the militia
• Send spy messages
• Learn drum signals

Life During the War:

• See what the soldiers carried and how families survived when everything changed

Reflect and Remember:

• Walk the Bio walk
• Learn their stories
• Contribute to the Community Quilt

Step into 1775 - right here in Franklin

Monday, May 25, 2026, 11:00 AM

NO RAIN DATE
Parade Route: New Brunswick Road to Municipal Complex
A Memorial Day Ceremony will follow at the Municipal Building approximately at 12:00pm.

 

Historic Blawenburg Band: An Evening of Patriotic Music at The Gazebo

🎶 Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary with an evening of patriotic music at The Gazebo!

Join Franklin 250 and Franklin Township Parks & Recreation on Saturday, June 20, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM for a free outdoor concert featuring the historic Blawenburg Band, one of New Jersey's oldest continuously performing community bands.

Founded in 1890, the Blawenburg Band has entertained audiences for generations with patriotic favorites, marches, American classics, and beloved concert band selections. As part of Franklin Township's America 250 celebration, this special performance will honor our nation's musical heritage and the songs that have brought Americans together for centuries.

📍 The Gazebo, 475 DeMott Lane, Somerset
🕕 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
💲 Free Admission

Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, family, and friends for an unforgettable summer evening. Food trucks may be available.

Learn more about Franklin 250 at franklintwpnj.org/franklin250