Burlington County To Kickoff 250th Anniversary Festival With Ringing of Centuries Old Bell
The Burlington County Celebrates America Festival will be held on Sunday, June 14, 2026 (Flag Day) from 1 PM to 6 PM on High Street in Mount Holly with numerous historical re-enactors, displays and interactive activities related to Burlington County and American history. There will also be live music, food trucks, a beer garden, craft demonstrations, trolley rides, and much more.
“The 250th Anniversary is a once-a-generation moment, so we are thrilled to be hosting a festival that will shine a spotlight on centuries of history in new and exciting ways,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Dr. Felicia Hopson. “It’s a party 250 years in the making with history groups, civic organizations and representatives from towns across Burlington County participating. You don’t want to miss it!”
“Burlington County is one of the oldest counties in New Jersey and its history is one of our most important assets,” said Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director and Chair of the Burlington County 250th Anniversary Planning Committee Allison Eckel. “The 250th Anniversary Festival is an opportunity for us to celebrate the history that can be found here, along with the ideas our country was born from and built upon. With the assistance of our County Parks System, Main Street Mount Holly, Mount Holly Township, and all the other people and organizations partnering with us, we’re able to bring our history to life for residents and visitors to enjoy and remember.”
One of the festivities will be a 1:30 PM bell ceremony at the Historic Olde Courthouse at 120 High Street, where County officials plan to ring the courthouse bell that rang for liberty after the Declaration of Independence was signed 250 years ago.
At the time, the bell was in the county’s original courthouse located in Burlington City, which served as the seat of Burlington County’s government from its incorporation in 1694 until 1793 when Mount Holly took over that designation. The bell was moved to the Mount Holly courthouse, now known as the Historic Olde Courthouse, in 1796 after the building was constructed.
The courthouse was designed by architect Samuel Lewis and was modeled after Congress Hall and Old City Hall, the two structures that flank Independence Hall in Philadelphia. The building continues to be used for judicial proceedings, making it one of the nation’s oldest courthouses still in use.
“From Bordentown City to Batsto village, Burlington County is full of amazing history, art and culture, and we are excited to use this moment to showcase the many diverse aspects of Burlington County history and heritage, and the influence we had on the American Revolution,” added Commissioner Randy Brolo. “It’s our hope that this anniversary will be a moment for residents to come together and be reminded of the ideas that drove our Founders to declare their independence, and how they continue to unite us as one nation.”
Celebrating Independence and History
In addition to the bell ceremony, the festival aims to bring centuries of local and state history to life with interactive exhibitions, re-enactments, activities and more.
Visitors walking down High Street will have opportunities to meet Benjamin Franklin, the legendary Widow Anne Biddle, Hessian Colonel Carl Von Donop, and other key historical figures.
More than 100 historic organizations and municipalities are also participating in the celebration with tables and exhibits to show off their towns and historic sites.
During the festival, visitors will get to take trolley rides to local historic landmarks, like the Olde Schoolhouse on Brainerd Street, the Shinn-Curtis Cabin and the Historic Burlington County Prison Museum.
Visitors can also learn more about Burlington County battles, events and the roles local people played during the American Revolution by visiting the Burlington County Joins the American Revolution Exhibit in the Warden’s House Gallery.
Some of the other major festival attractions include:
- Business and home decorating contest: Marvel at the storefronts, porches and homes decorated in star-spangled splendor for the festival as part of a contest organized by Main Street Mount Holly.
- We The Declaration video: Become part of history by reciting a line of the Declaration of Independence for a video being produced to commemorate the 250th Anniversary and the many voices of Burlington County.
- Theater of Plants: Visit the Burlington County Lyceum of History and Natural Sciences for a rare glimpse of the Theatrum Botanicum, a botanical encyclopedia that was published in 1640. It’s one of the rarest artifacts in Burlington County’s collection and a vital resource for early American colonists. While at the Lyceum, learn more about colonial herbal remedies from Burlington County Parks naturalists, master gardeners and other experts.
- Meet Founding Father James Wilson: A re-enactor of James Wilson, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and a key contributor to the U.S. Constitution, will be at the Historic Burlington County Prison Museum to discuss his role in the American Revolution and the formation of the U.S. government, along with his short stint in Burlington County Prison for debtors. Visitors at the Prison Museum will also get to experience the museum’s new kiosk about Wilson.
- Museum Pop Up: The Underground Railroad Museum of Burlington County, Dr. James Still Historic Office Site Association and Timbuctoo Society are hosting a pop-up history exhibition featuring re-enactors portraying Phyllis Wheatley, the first African American author to publish a book of poetry, and James Forten, a wealthy African American entrepreneur and abolitionist who fought as a privateer during the American Revolution. Learn about them and other aspects of Burlington County’s rich African American heritage.
- Mobile Library: The Burlington County Library System will be debuting its special edition America 250 Mobile Library vehicle and will also host a kids’ craft, children’s story times, and oral history interviews.
- 1776 Screening: Enjoy a special screening of the American historical musical drama film 1776 outdoors at 6 PM at St. Andrew’s church. The church will also host a performance by the First Call String Quartet at 4 PM.
- 250th Anniversary mural: Pick up a brush and become part of history by contributing to a large-scale patriotic mural being painted in Historic Mill Race Village.
- Made in Burlington County: Shop the artisan marketplace for hand-crafted goods created by local artists.
There are numerous other performances, displays, and activities planned. You can find more details about them all at the Burlington County 250th Anniversary Festival page at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/2165/Burlington-County-250th-Celebration .
Media are invited to cover the anniversary festival and bell ceremony. Please RSVP to the Burlington County Public Information Office at dlevinsky@co.burlington.nj.us for planning purposes.