2010 Press Releases

June
June 16, 2010- The Historical Society of Princeton’s Stony Brook: Gateway to Princeton Exhibition to Close
June 14, 2010- Historical Society of Princeton Presents The Recession Hits Home: Job Loss in Central New Jersey Exhibition and Business Attire Accessories Drive

May
May 14, 2010- The Historical Society of Princeton Invites Schools to Experience New Tour, “The Story of Princeton’s Immigrants”
May 13, 2010- The Historical Society of Princeton Hosts the Albert E. Hinds Memorial Walking Tour: African American Life in Princeton

April
April 29, 2010- The Historical Society of Princeton to Host Sneak Preview For Educators at the Updike Farmstead
April 26, 2010- The Historical Society of Princeton and the Drumthwacket Foundation Welcomed Ulysses Grant Dietz for a Lecture and Book Signing
April 22, 2010- The Historical Society of Princeton Celebrates Its Newest Exhibition, Stony Brook: Gateway to Princeton
April 12, 2010- The Historical Society of Princeton Announces Recipients of the History Hero and Community Leadership Awards

March
March 18, 2010- The Historical Society of Princeton and the Drumthwacket Foundation Present Lecture by Dr. Ulysses Grant Dietz
March 11, 2010-The Historical Society of Princeton’s Stroller Strides is Back!

February
February 19, 2010- The Historical Society of Princeton To Host Happy Birthday Albert! Party
February 16, 2010- Historical Society of Princeton Welcomes Collections Intern: Courtney Fatemi-Badi

January
January 4, 2010- The Historical Society of Princeton to Host 2010 Annual Meeting and Lewis B. Cuyler Lecture

The Historical Society of Princeton’s Stony Brook: Gateway to Princeton Exhibition to Close

Princeton, New Jersey, June 16, 2010– On Sunday, July 4, 2010, the Historical Society of Princeton’s (HSP) Stony Brook: Gateway to Princeton exhibition will officially close to the public. The exhibition examines the history of this early Princeton settlement through its people, including landowners, field workers, Native Americans and Quakers; land use and the role of agriculture through the 20th century; and significant events, such as the Battle of Princeton. The exhibition is free and open to the public.

Christine Lewandoski, Historic Preservation Officer for the Township of Princeton noted, “HSP’s exhibit Stony Brook: Gateway to Princeton is so important because it brings together so many things: the culture of the past and its relevance to the present and future, the daily life of its inhabitants, structures gone by the wayside and new plans. This exhibit put together, for me, the entire picture and handed to me the pieces I didn’t already know.”

Stony Brook: Gateway to Princeton is generously supported by PNC Bank & PNC Wealth Management, and Wilmington Trust; the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State; and a project grant from the Mercer County Cultural and Heritage Commission through funding from the New Jersey Historical Commission/Department of State, and the Mercer County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Historical Society of Princeton Presents The Recession Hits Home: Job Loss in Central New Jersey Exhibition and Business Attire Accessories Drive

Princeton, New Jersey, June 14, 2010–On view from July 20, 2010 until August 22, 2010, the Historical Society of Princeton (HSP) will present its summer exhibition, The Recession Hits Home: Job Loss in Central New Jersey. To celebrate the exhibition’s opening, HSP will host a business-attire accessories drive on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 from 4 to 6 pm for the clients of Dress for Success Mercer County and Career Gear. Attendees to the opening are asked donate items including: (for women) jewelry (necklaces, bracelets, earrings and watches), pocket books and scarves; (for men) belts, ties, tie clips and cufflinks.

The Recession Hits Home: Job Loss in Central New Jersey is an examination of the current economic climate and the events that led the unemployment rate in New Jersey to rise from 5.8% to 10%. Audiences will learn about the ways New Jersey is assisting the unemployed in the government and private sector with job training, career counseling, and networking opportunities. Interactive elements will include a themed gallery tour for children, titled What is Work? Through hands-on and age-appropriate stations available throughout the gallery, children will be given the opportunity to explore concepts, such as what grownups do all day at work; how you become a fire fighter, a lawyer, a teacher; and is play a kind of work?

The exhibition will also present the impact of this economic downturn on the community by including quotes from Mercer County residents and business owners that speak to their hopes and concerns for the future. President and Chief Executive Officer of the Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce, Peter M. Crowley, is just one of the voices included in the exhibition noting, “… it was not surprising news that businesses in the Princeton region have experienced difficult times during the recent economic recession. The downturn forced corporations to take the steps necessary to slow down investments and refine their business models to the new economic realism. The Princeton region is fortunate that through its geographic location, excellent educational institutions and highly educated labor force it can continue to provide business with the resources necessary to drive economic growth and attract new companies to our region.”

Four organizations providing services in Mercer County to the unemployed seeking job assistance will be highlighted, including One-Stop Career Center in Trenton; Dress for Success Mercer County; SCORE (America’s Counselors to Small Business) in conjunction with the Princeton Public Library; and the Career Services office of Princeton University.

The Bainbridge House (158 Nassau St., Princeton) exhibition and opening reception are free and open to the public. Pre-registration for the reception is recommended; please call 609.921.6748 x100 or email jeanette@princetonhistory.org.

The Historical Society of Princeton Invites Schools to Experience New Tour, “The Story of Princeton’s Immigrants”

Princeton, New Jersey, May 14, 2010- The Historical Society of Princeton (HSP) invites school groups from the greater Princeton area to participate in its newest tour, “The Story of Princeton’s Immigrants.”

The tour takes students through the downtown area and illumines the histories of Irish, Italian, Indian, and Guatemalan immigrants in Princeton. During the month of May, nearly 300 fifth-graders from Montgomery Lower Middle School (MLMS) experienced the tour, which is led by HSP Curator of Education, Dr. Jennifer Jang. The MLMS fifth-graders, who studied heritage and immigration throughout the school year, became “History Detectives”, gleaning clues about the experiences and contributions of these immigrant groups and others.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Historical Society of Princeton, children from the Montgomery Lower Middle School on the “Story of Princeton’s Immigrants” tour led by HSP Curator of Education, Dr. Jennifer Jang.

The Historical Society of Princeton Hosts the Albert E. Hinds Memorial Walking Tour: African American Life in Princeton

Princeton, New Jersey, May 13, 2010– On June 5, 2010 at 10 am the Historical Society of Princeton and local historian Shirley Satterfield will explore Princeton’s longstanding African American community and neighborhood. The tour will include historically significant sites, including the Witherspoon Street Presbyterian Church, the former Witherspoon School for Colored Children, and Paul Robeson’s birthplace.

The cost is $7 per adult; $4 for children ages 6-12. Reservations are required. To register please call 609.921.6748 x100 or email jeanette@princetonhistory.org. The tour will begin at Bainbridge House.

The Historical Society of Princeton to Host Sneak Preview For Educators at the Updike Farmstead

Princeton, New Jersey, April 29, 2010– The Historical Society of Princeton invites area school teachers to visit the historic Updike Farmstead on Monday, May 24 from 4 -5:30 pm. The Farmstead dates back to 1696 and has been owned by the Historical Society since 2004. The jewel of the property is the early 19th century farmhouse, which is currently undergoing extensive renovations and will open to visiting school groups this fall. The Farm will serve as a history education center, performance space, community garden, and archive.

Teachers are invited to join HSP staff for a wine-and-cheese reception and tour of the Farmhouse and grounds, located at 354 Quaker Road in Princeton. The cost is $10/person, and space is limited. Please RSVP to Jeanette Cafaro at 609.921.6748 x100 or jeanette@princetonhistory.org.

The Historical Society of Princeton and the Drumthwacket Foundation Welcomed Ulysses Grant Dietz for a Lecture and Book Signing

Princeton, New Jersey, April 26, 2010– The Historical Society of Princeton and the Drumthwacket Foundation welcomed Ulysses Grant Dietz, Senior Curator of Decorative Arts at the Newark Museum, for a lecture and book signing. Over 150 guests gathered at Drumthwacket on April 18th to hear Mr. Dietz discuss his newest book, Dream House: The White House as an American Home, about the White House’s changing styles from the 1800’s through the Kennedy years.

The Historical Society of Princeton Celebrates Its Newest Exhibition, Stony Brook: Gateway to Princeton

Princeton, New Jersey, April 22, 2010– On April 15, 2010, the Historical Society of Princeton (HSP) presented a “Meet and Greet the Curator” to celebrate its newest exhibition, Stony Brook: Gateway to Princeton. HSP Curator of Collections, Eileen Morales, was on hand to meet visitors as they explored the exhibition which documents the history of the Stony Brook Historic District, which includes the Quaker Meeting; Princeton Battlefield; the Institute for Advanced Study; and the Updike Farmstead.

Attendee Christine Lewandoski, Historic Preservation Officer for the Township of Princeton, noted, “HSP’s exhibit Stony Brook: Gateway to Princeton is so important because it brings together so many things: the culture of the past and its relevance to the present and future, the daily life of its inhabitants, structures gone by the wayside and new plans. This exhibit put together, for me, the entire picture and handed to me the pieces I didn’t already know.”

On May 7th, June 4th, and July 2nd, from 2 to 3 pm, HSP will host a Curators’ Talk series in conjunction with the exhibition. Ms. Morales will examine the diverse people that settled the historic district as well the land uses, the role of agriculture through the 20th century, and significant events, including the Battle of Princeton, and the establishment of the Institute for Advanced Study. The series, taking place on the first Friday of every month, is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is recommended; please call 609.921.6748 x100 or email jeanette@princetonhistory.org <mailto:jeanette@princetonhistory.org> . The exhibition runs through July 4, 2010.

Stony Brook: Gateway to Princeton is generously supported by PNC Bank & PNC Wealth Management and Wilmington Trust; the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State; and a project grant from the Mercer County Cultural and Heritage Commission through funding from the New Jersey Historical Commission/Department of State, and the Mercer County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

The Historical Society of Princeton Announces Recipients of the History Hero and Community Leadership Awards

Princeton, New Jersey, April 12, 2010– The Historical Society of Princeton (HSP) is pleased to announce the first recipients of its new biannual awards, the “History Hero Award” and “Community Leadership Award.” Carol N. Wojciechowicz will receive the 2010 History Hero Award. This award recognizes an individual who has touched HSP through his/her service, commitment, and action in support of HSP initiatives. A History Hero has demonstrated a sustained commitment that has helped to make HSP the successful institution that it is today. As an HSP volunteer and former Trustee for several decades, Mrs. Wojciechowicz has been a leader throughout the preservation and rehabilitation of the historic Updike Farmstead, and a leading supporter of all HSP programs and events.

Baxter Construction will be receiving the 2010 Community Leadership Award. This award is bestowed upon a visionary organization that affirms HSP’s mission and generously supports its activities. Baxter Construction will be recognized for their outstanding support and dedication to HSP’s preservation initiatives, fundraising activities, and facilities. HSP’s President of the Board of Trustees, John H. Dumont noted, “The Historical Society is deeply grateful for the dedication of the many volunteers who support all our programs and activities. When called upon, Carol Wojciechowicz and Baxter Construction can always be counted on to take leadership roles, representing the best in community volunteers, and we are very grateful.”

The Historical Society of Princeton and the Drumthwacket Foundation Present Lecture by Dr. Ulysses Grant Dietz

Princeton, New Jersey, March 18, 2010– Dr. Ulysses Grant Dietz will discuss his newest book, Dream House: The White House as an American Home, on Sunday, April 18, 2010 at Drumthwacket, 354 Stockton Street, Princeton. The event will begin with a reception at 2 pm followed by the lecture and book-signing at 2:30 pm. Senior Curator of the Decorative Arts at the Newark Museum, Dr. Dietz will explore the White House’s changing styles from the 1800’s through the Kennedy years. The lecture, which is co-sponsored by the Historical Society of Princeton and Drumthwacket Foundation, is free to HSP and Foundation members, $10.00 for non-members. Registration is required and space is limited to 130 seats. Please RSVP to the Foundation: 609.683.0057 x4.

The Historical Society of Princeton’s Stroller Strides is Back!

Princeton, New Jersey, March 11, 2010– The Historical Society of Princeton’s (HSP) first Stroller Strides tour of 2010 will happen on Wednesday, April 7, 2010 from 10 – 11 am. Moms, dads, caregivers, and grandparents are invited to join HSP’s Curator of Education, Jennifer Jang and visit local landmarks, architectural gems, and hidden historical sites in Princeton. The tour lasts approximately one hour. Routes and stops vary monthly. Please meet in front of Bainbridge House. $7 per adult, $5 for members of HSP. Children are free. Please call 609.921.6748 x100 or email jeanette@princetonhistory.org for reservations.

The Historical Society of Princeton To Host Happy Birthday Albert! Party

Princeton, NJ, February 19, 2010 – On Sunday, March 14, 2010 the Historical Society of Princeton (HSP) will host its annual Happy Birthday Albert! birthday party. Children ages 6 and older are invited to explore Einstein’s scientific discoveries as well as his many contributions to the world such as fighting racism and fostering world peace. Visitors will listen to Einstein’s favorite music, examine his treasured possessions, and eat cake!

The event will take place at HSP’s Bainbridge House, located at 158 Nassau Street in Princeton, New Jersey. Participants may register for one of two sessions: 11 am-12 pm. or 1-2 pm. Registration is recommended as space is limited. The cost is $5 per child, $4 for HSP members. To register, please call 609.921.6748 x100 or email jeanette@princetonhistory.org.

Historical Society of Princeton Welcomes Collections Intern: Courtney Fatemi-Badi

Princeton, NJ, February 16, 2010–The Historical Society of Princeton (HSP) is pleased to welcome new intern, Courtney Fatemi-Badi. Ms. Fatemi-Badi currently attends the Seton Hall University’s Master of Arts in Museum Professions program. As an intern for HSP, Ms. Fatemi-Badi is assisting Curator of Collections, Eileen Morales, with collections care as well as installation of its newest exhibition, Stony Brook: Gateway to Princeton.

For more information regarding volunteer opportunities please email us at jeanette@princetonhistory.org, or call 609.921.6748 x100

The Historical Society of Princeton to Host 2010 Annual Meeting and Lewis B. Cuyler Lecture

Princeton, New Jersey, January 4, 2010–On Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 7 pm, the Historical Society of Princeton (HSP) will host its Annual Meeting and Lewis B. Cuyler Lecture. The lecture, “Quakers and the Origins of Religious Toleration in the Middle Colonies”, will be delivered by Evan P. Haefeli, Assistant Professor of History at Columbia University. Professor Haefeli’s lecture will illumine the history of Quakerism in Princeton and contextualize HSP’s forthcoming exhibit Stony Brook: Gateway to Princeton, to open on February 9, 2010.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place at the Nassau Club, 6 Mercer Street, Princeton. Pre-registration is recommended due to limited seating; please call 609.921.6748 x100 or email jeanette@princetonhistory.org.