Princeton NJ Museums and Galleries Press Releases

Old Barracks Museum’s 20th Annual Capital Ball Fundraiser to be Held February 20th

The Old Barracks Museum in Trenton, New Jersey announces the 20th Annual Capital Ball to be held on Saturday, February 20th, 2010. The Museum will be transformed for the night into Ye Olde Barracks Tavern, an authentic 18th Century establishment.   

The affair begins at 5:30pm with an elegant candlelight reception in the Officers House including cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and colonial music provided by strolling musicians and the Barracks’ own Fife and Drum Corps.  Guests will enjoy the Barracks’ marvelous new gallery exhibit, “All Is Threatened and Endangered: New Jersey and the French & Indian War” an exciting and often gruesome look at the French and Indian War.  On display will be two of the Barracks’ most recent major acquisitions, one of the oldest battle flags in North America, and a powder horn carried into battle by the “Jersey Blues.”

The bill of fare will feature authentic colonial dishes, prepared by Marsilio’s of Trenton.  The evening will also feature the drinkable products of several local merchants.  It’s a veritable feast of local commerce!

The evening continues with period games, dances and amusements, and some additional twists and surprises guaranteed to entertain. Guests, with the assistance of authentic tavern characters from the Old Barracks' staff, will play the 18th Century board and card games: Whist, Game of Life, Game of Goose and Nine Men's Morris. They may engage in some 18th Century dancing to live fiddle and flute with the help of a Dancemaster. Clad in knee breeches, red waistcoat and a tricorn hat, Robert Olson will reincarnate "Mr. Bayly", an actual 18th century magician, first performing in New York City in 1767 feats of magic "without the use of Pockets, Bags, or Sleeves." Olsen's "Bayly” has performed for over 30 years at such places as Old Sturbridge Village, Mystic Seaport, Mt. Vernon, the Museum of African

American History, Strawberry Banke, Montpelier, Yale University, and Fraunces Tavern.
Black Tie, Period or Military Dress is appropriate attire for the evening. Tickets $200/person, $160/person if purchased by February 1st. Call Linda Mathies at (609)396-1776 for tickets and sponsorship packages including tickets, participation in toasts, recognition in the Ball program and on our website. All proceeds from the Ball benefit the Old Barracks Museum’s Living History “Meet the Past” history programs.