Politics & Government

Princeton Battlefield Park Gets $1.3M For Preservation, Revitalization

The funds will go towards the planning and construction of a new Visitor and Education Center at the park.

Sen. Andrew Zwicker
Sen. Andrew Zwicker (Courtesy of NJ Legislative Democrats)

PRINCETON, NJ – Princeton Battlefield State Park, a National Historic Landmark and one of the most important places in American history, has got $1.3 million in funding for revitalization and preservation.

The funding was secured in the FY 2025 budget by elected officials of NJ-16 —Sen. Andrew Zwicker, Assemblywoman Mitchelle Drulis, and Assemblyman Roy Freiman.

The funds were acquired for the American Battlefield Trust, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving America’s battlegrounds and providing history education.

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The funding will go towards the planning and construction of a new, state-of-the-art Visitor and Education Center at the park.

The funding will be broken down and disbursed however the trust wish to achieve their goal.

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The Visitor and Education Center will feature exhibits showcasing the battlefield’s significance and will provide spaces and programming for heritage tourism and school field trips.

“Central New Jersey was the location for the 10 crucial days of the Revolutionary War, and preserving our history is more important now than ever. In today's politically divided climate, places like Princeton Battlefield State Park serve as poignant reminders of American unity and the sacrifices made to secure the freedoms and independence we cherish,” Zwicker (D-Middlesex/Mercer/Somerset/Hunterdon) said in a statement.

“By building a new Visitor and Education Center and supporting restoration efforts at Princeton Battlefield, we can celebrate this landmark and use education to inspire the next generation. As the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence approaches, I cannot think of a better time to begin work.”

The American Revolutionary War site is known for the 1777 Battle of Princeton, a pivotal fight where General George Washington's Continental Army defeated British forces. The grounds serve as a state park and historical monument.

“We are extremely grateful for the stalwart leadership of Sen. Andrew Zwicker in securing this funding for the restoration and improved interpretation of the Princeton Battlefield. We are also thankful for the continued support of Assemblywoman Mitchelle Drulis and Assemblyman Roy Freiman,” said American Battlefield Trust president David Duncan.

“The state’s $1.3 million investment to enhance the visitor experience at the park will help ensure this famous battleground will be ready for the influx of tourists expected for the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.”

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