Historical Society Offers New Einstein Interactives-Just in time for the celebration of Albert Einstein’s 144th birthday, the Historical Society of Princeton (HSP) has launched a new in-gallery interactive in which museum visitors can listen to stories about Einstein directly from his Princeton friends and colleagues. As part of a planned expansion of its popular Einstein Salon exhibition, which features an up-close encounter with pieces of Einstein’s furniture and personal effects, the interactive uses curated audio clips to explore many facets of the physicist. Themes include… ... Read more
HSP Announces New Executive Director-The Historical Society of Princeton (HSP) has named Sarah Taggart as its new Executive Director. Taggart joined HSP late this summer after an extensive retained search following the fifteen-year tenure of Isabel (Izzy) Kasdin. “We are very excited and fortunate to welcome Sarah to the HSP family as we continue the work and community partnership built by our outstanding longtime Executive Director, Izzy Kasdin. The pandemic, while challenging for all non-profits, gave us the opportunity to reimagine and create new… ... Read more
Historical Society of Princeton and Princeton Public Schools Collaborate on School History Digital Tour-The Historical Society of Princeton (HSP), in partnership with Princeton Public Schools (PPS), has launched a new digital tour tracing the history of public education in Princeton. Using photographs and historical documents, Princeton’s Public Schools: A History tells the story of twenty-one public schools (dating from the 1830s to the present) and documents how public schools remain integral community institutions. The tour is available on the Historical Society’s website and through HSP's mobile app. Princeton’s Public Schools draws on -… ... Read more
Building Princeton returns to Updike Farmstead-After three years, the Historical Society's popular event, combining a hands-on STEM activity with history education, is back, in person, at Updike Farmstead. Building Princeton (using 70,000 LEGO building blocks) is designed to increase awareness of the town’s rich architectural heritage. This family program, with adults and children working together, is ideal for children ages 8-12, but all ages are encouraged to participate. Teams will each receive a photograph and story of an historic building, which they will construct during… ... Read more
Kasdin to Step Down as HSP Executive Director-January 14, 2022 Izzy Kasdin, who has served as the Executive Director of the Historical Society of Princeton (HSP) since May 2016, will step down from the helm at the end of January 2022. Since 2007, Kasdin engaged with HSP as a volunteer, research assistant, and curator, prior to taking this leadership role. A Princeton native, Kasdin will be moving into the next phase of her public history career. “We have been very fortunate to have Izzy lead HSP for… ... Read more
Announcing the 2021 Virtual House Tour-The Historical Society of Princeton (HSP) is pleased to present its first ever Virtual House Tour from May 15 through June 15, 2021. This signature event will feature on-demand, multimedia content of unprecedented depth for participants to navigate at their leisure throughout the entire month. For 18 years, HSP has offered the House Tour, central New Jersey’s premier history, architecture, and design event, which showcases the stewardship of significant, privately owned houses in Princeton. HSP is taking its expertise in… ... Read more
HSP Digitizes 300 At-Risk Oral History Recordings-The Historical Society of Princeton (HSP) has successfully digitized approximately 300 at-risk audio cassette oral history recordings in HSP’s archival collection, making these resources newly available to researchers, with funding support from the New Jersey Historical Commission. Preservation concerns had previously rendered these cassettes, many of which are almost 50 years old, unplayable and thus inaccessible to HSP patrons. “Since use accelerates a cassette’s deterioration, the Library of Congress now recommends that audio cassettes and other vintage recordings be played… ... Read more
Black History Resources-February is Black History Month! Below are some resources to learn more about Princeton's rich Black history. It's important to tell diverse stories all year round, so remember that all of these resources are available to you at any time. Engage with Us on Social Media We'll be posting fascinating #blackhistorymonth stories all month long on our social media accounts. Make sure you're following us: Walk Through Princeton's Black History The Albert E. Hinds… ... Read more
New Digital Exhibition: Women’s Suffrage in Princeton-One hundred years ago, the 19th amendment to the United States Constitution officially made it constitutional for women in the U.S. to vote. In practice, this right did not initially extend to all women, but the victory in 1920 remains a major milestone, a long and hard-fought win in an ongoing struggle for women’s rights, voting rights, and civil rights. Its passage was never certain, especially in Princeton, a town that embodied the difficulties in bringing communities, and families, to… ... Read more
Announcing a Virtual Tour of Hamilton’s Princeton-To coincide with Disney+’s release of Hamilton: An American Musical, the Historical Society of Princeton has added a new virtual tour to its History@Home resources. The content explores the myths and the true stories of places in Princeton connected to Alexander Hamilton, George Washington, Aaron Burr Jr., and more! Click here to access the map-based tour, or scroll down to read through the sites as an article. Nassau Hall Princeton Battlefield State Park Quaker Road Mercer Oak Blair Hall Princeton University… ... Read more
2016 Press Releases-September A Talk with Anne Simon, Illustrator of Einstein, a Graphic Novel Thursday, October 6, 2016 5:00 PM You’ve never seen Einstein like this! Corinne Maier and Anne Simon's graphic novel explores the life of the most influential physicist of all time. This biography features a caricature version of Einstein, who narrates and comments on the story of his life. In conjunction with the exhibition The Einstein Salon and Innovators Gallery, the Historical Society is thrilled to host the illustrator,… ... Read more
2015 Press Releases-December HSP Reopens at Updike Farmstead The Historical Society of Princeton (HSP) reopens its museum at Updike Farmstead, 354 Quaker Road, on January 6, 2016. The new hours are: Wednesday through Sunday, 12 to 4 PM. Admission remains at $4 per person. Thursdays will have extended hours until 7 PM, with free admission from 4-7 PM. Visitors will enjoy a brand new multimedia exhibition, The Einstein Salon and Innovators Gallery, which celebrates the worldly and entrepreneurial spirit of the citizens… ... Read more
2014 Press Releases-December Spice Up Your Holiday at Updike Farmstead On Saturday, December 6, from 1-3 PM, stop by the Updike Farmstead for cooking ideas and a sampling of the herbs, spices and sauces of Princeton’s Savory Spice Shop. Get inspired by the Shop’s inaugural cookbook, Spice to Plate, and their signature blends that, with a dash or two, can turn a bland meal into a flavorful feast. Enjoy warmed mulled cider while you browse vintage photographs in the museum galleries and… ... Read more
2013 Press Releases-December HSP Announces Two New Exhibitions Updike Farmstead Celebrates the First Day of Winter September HSP To Lauch OnCell Mobile Walking Tour August Updike Farmstead’s Historic Barn Roof Replacement June HSP Awarded New Jersey Historical Commission Mini Grant May Marshall Tucker Band to Perform at HSP's Updike Farmstead April HSP Celebrates the Lincoln Highway Centennial March Alice Greenwald to Speak in Princeton February Historical Society of Princeton Anniversary and Opening January Historical Society of Princeton presents “The Insider’s Guide to… ... Read more
2012 Press Releases-November A Windmill Turns Again October Historical Society of Princeton House Tour 2012 Family-friendly Fright and Fun in Princeton September “O Say Can You See?” Music of the War of 1812 Annual Bainbridge Club Party August Come Picnic with Mrs. Wilson at the Updike Farmstead! June Ladies, First! Luncheon Speaker Series with Natalie Douglas of Idis May The Bacon Brothers perform at the Historical Society of Princeton’s Updike Farmstead March Historical Society of Princeton Opens Princeton Pride Gallery Historical Society… ... Read more
2011 Press Releases-December Winter Break Activities Holiday Shopping Party to benefit the Historical Society of Princeton November Historical Society of Princeton House Tour October Princeton 2011 Antiques and Fine Art Show Shines August October Events at Historical Society of Princeton September 11 Commemoration Events at the Historical Society of Princeton June Caring Kids in the Community Bug Safari! Brett Weaver- Impressions of Princeton Brett Weaver - American Impressionist May Celebrating Father’s Day – My Family History! Free Museum Admission to the Historical… ... Read more
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… ... Read more