Princeton Battlefield Society and Foundation Academy Charter School of Trenton Partner to Research Black Soldiers Who Fought at the Battle of Princeton

Black soldiers played a significant role in Washington’s Army
The “Men Without Shoes” Research Project will focus on Black soldiers who fought at Princeton as part of 250^th Anniversary Efforts

PRINCETON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Princeton Battlefield Society (PBS) and Foundation Academy of Trenton announced today a joint project to research and tell the stories of the Black soldiers who fought at the Battle of Princeton nearly 250 years ago as part of PBS’ “Men Without Shoes” research project.

On January 3, 1777, the Continental Army defeated British forces at Princeton for the third time in 10 days after George Washington and the Continental Army had crossed the Delaware River and then first defeated the Hessians at Trenton, and the British in Trenton. These victories resuscitated the fight for Independence that was flickering after defeats of the Americans in New York and Northern New Jersey in the summer and fall of 1776.

“We have just celebrated Memorial Day, a day to remember our soldiers’ sacrifices, but when historians write about the battle, they focus on the generals,” said PBS President Ben Strong. “We want to draw attention to and honor the ordinary men who did extraordinary things at the Battle of Princeton – the ‘Men Without Shoes’ – the enlisted men history does not always remember. And among the most forgotten are the Black soldiers who fought with Washington and who helped secure our Independence.

“Among the soldiers who fought at Princeton on January 3 were at least 14 Black soldiers from different states, about which little is known,” Strong said.

“All of these men, Black, white – they were all patriots, willing to die for Independence,” Strong said. “As part of our program to mark the 250^th anniversaries of the founding of the United States, the State of New Jersey, and the Battle of Princeton, we wanted to showcase these forgotten soldiers to share their stories.

“We are delighted that Foundation Academies of Trenton, which in educating a new generation of scholars builds on the promise made in the Declaration of Independence for ‘life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness’, will partner with us on this to find out who these Black Patriots were,” Strong said.

“Our scholars' exploration of Black soldiers who fought in the Battle of Princeton is more than a history lesson—it’s a powerful journey of discovery and identity,” said Foundation Academies CEO Sheria McRae. “Partnering with the Princeton Battlefield Society allows us to bring to light the courage and contributions of African American patriots often left out of traditional narratives. Members of our Black Student Union will honor their legacy by ensuring these stories are told with pride and purpose.”

FA Collegiate History Teacher Isiah Jones said this collaboration allows FA scholars to not just learn history but also shape how it’s remembered.

“This work gives our scholars a chance to see themselves in the story of America and fosters a sense of pride, identity, and civic responsibility that extends far beyond the classroom,” Mr. Jones said. “This project is especially meaningful as we approach 2026 — the 100th anniversary of Black History Month and the 250th birthday of our nation.”

The scholars’ research will begin in the fall as members of the FA Black Student Union explore resources to uncover the role these soldiers played and the lives they lived. and how they came to fight for liberty while so many Blacks were still enslaved.

Their research is expected to be completed for a special Black History Month presentation marking the beginning of the 250^th celebration year in February 2026. Scholars plan to share their findings at an event in Princeton, and during the annual FA Black History Month celebration.

The results of the FA scholars’ work will be featured on the PBS website, PBS1777.org, as well as the school website, foundationacademies.org, and become part of PBS’ growing encyclopedia of facts about the Revolution in New Jersey. Teachers will be able to draw on this information as they teach about the Battle, the Revolution and the founding of the nation.

The PBS-Foundation Academies project will also be used to be used to expand PBS’ Eyewitness to the Revolution program.

About The Princeton Battlefield Society

The Princeton Battlefield Society is a national historic non-profit organization dedicated to the protection, preservation, and promotion of the Princeton Battlefield as a national treasure of the American Revolutionary War. For more information, including exhibitions and events, visit the Princeton Battlefield Society at https://PBS1777.org/

About Foundation Academies

Foundation Academies is a free, public charter school educating more than 1,100 scholars K-12 in Trenton, NJ. FA school performance ranks in the 85^th percentile among all New Jersey public schools and our scholars recently scored in the top 1% for academic growth. Our graduation rate exceeds the statewide average and our college acceptance rate is 100%. Learn more at www.foundationacademies.org