Newtown Celebrates America 250

The British are Back! 

Dozens of British soldiers enter town and start a running battle with American militiamen in the streets of Newtown.  This event recreates the Battle at the Bird-In-Hand.

Approximate time of battle 11:00 AM on State St. near the corner of Mercer St.  in front of the Bird-In-Hand.

Military Drills for Children

Court St. between Mercer St. & Penn St.

9:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Daughters of the American Revolution Crafts for Kids

The Washington Crossing Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, will be in front of the historic Bird-in-Hand building on State Street, where children can make colonial-themed crafts. Also look for DAR ladies wearing colonial clothing in town, if you have general event questions or would like to pose with us for a picture! 

Bird-In-Hand

111 South State St.

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Historic Displays at First National Bank & Trust

Learn more about the founding of this historic bank through a video presentation and display.

First National Bank and Trust 

40 S. State St.

12:00 - 4:00 PM

All-American Cookout in the Boone Garden

Enjoy free hot dogs, chips, and beverages (one per person), courtesy of generous funding from Penn Community Bank.

Along with great food, families will find plenty to do. Ongoing children’s and family activities include:

• Corn hole

• Colonial hat making and decorating

• American Flag give away

• America 250 Children’s Coloring Contest

A fun, festive stop for all ages as we celebrate America’s 250th Birthday.

Boone Garden across from Half-Moon Inn

105 Court St.

12:00 - 2:00 PM Food or until out 

12:00 - 4:00 PM Activities

The Doan Gang

The Doan Gang is back! The Doans will be robbing the Treasury on State St.

Intersection of State St. and Centre Ave. After the British and Militiamen battle. Approximate time 11:45 AM

Fife and Drum Band 

Performing on State St. between Penn St. and Centre Ave.

9:30 AM - 12:00 PM 

William Penn at Newtown Borough Hall!

Meet Pennsylvania’s founder who purchased 5,000 acres from the Leni Lenape Indians in 1683 and named the land “my New Town.” 

23 North State St.

12:30 - 3:30 PM

Harriet Tubman – “Her Life, Her Legacy – A Journey Through Time” 

Experience Harriet Tubman’s extraordinary journey through this dynamic first-person living-history presentation performed by Shirley Lee Corsey. Designed as a rolling open-house experience, guests may enter and exit freely while engaging with powerful 10–15-minute vignettes highlighting Tubman’s courage, Underground Railroad leadership, Civil War service, and enduring legacy of freedom, justice, and resilience.

Macedonia Baptist Church.

218 N. State St.

1:30 - 3:30PM

Lighthouse Hill Cemetery: A Legacy of Freedom and Service 

Throughout the Harriet Tubman presentation at Macedonia Baptist Church, attendees will have the option to be escorted from the church to Lighthouse Hill Cemetery. There, visitors will be greeted by a United States Colored Troops (USCT) living-history reenactor and will learn about the lives of the American Civil War veterans buried at this historic site, as well as Newtown’s African American heritage.  Lighthouse Hill Cemetery is the final resting place of twelve United States Colored Troops (USCT) Civil War soldiers, along with other African American veterans and community members. The cemetery stands as a lasting testament to faith, resilience, freedom, and service. 

Starting at: Macedonia Baptist Church.

218 N. State St.

Moving to: Lighthouse Hill Cemetery 

136 N. Congress Street 

2:30 - 3:30

Tea with Dr. Lettie Smith at Friends Village Paxson Hall 

Enjoy refreshments with Dr. Lettie Smith (portrayed by Ann D’Silva), famous Newtown doctor and first resident of Paxson Hall.

Friends Village Paxson Hall 

50 South Congress St

1:00 – 3:30 PM

St. Luke's Episcopal Church Historic Service and British Encampment

History of Newtown Exhibition!  

Learn about our Newtown's history through a timeline and artifacts. Tours of the Newtown Historic Association's Court Inn (105 Court St.). Children's activities.

Open 9:30 - 4:00PM

Newtown Fire Association Museum 

See "Old Washy" in action and visit the  Newtown Fire House Museum.

Newtown Fire ~ Rescue Station 45

14 Liberty St.

"Old Washy" demonstration 1:30 PM

Museum 12:00 - 3:30 PM

Historic  Presbyterian Church of Newtown

Hessian soldiers share the German experience from the Revolutionary War. Hessian soldiers were imprisoned at this historic church. The church sanctuary and session house will be open. Tours will be given of both the graveyard and the sanctuary. 

Historic Presbyterian Church of Newtown

76 N. Sycamore St.

12:30 - 4:00 PM

A Civil War Band and Silent Movies at the Historic Newtown Theatre! 

Wander into Newtown Theatre to cool off and watch a silent movie or enjoy period music from a Civil War band at the historic Newtown Theatre. 

120 N. State St

Silent Movies 12:30 - 2:00 PM

Civil War Band 3:00 - 4:00 PM

Edward Hicks

In 1815, Edward Hicks, local Quaker artist and sign painter, co-founded the Friends Meeting on 219 Court Street which continues as a thriving Quaker community to this day. Visit the Meetinghouse to see a Hicks reenactor surrounded by a robust collection of copies of Hicks paintings of the Peaceable Kingdom, Bucks County landscapes, and George Washington. Tour the historic building, where restrooms are available.  

Newtown Friends Meeting House.

219 Court St.

12:00 - 4:00PM