By Anne Levin
Town Topics, September 30, 2026
Click here to read the article on the Town Topics website.

Leading a nature hike for the Historical Society of Princeton (HSP) two years ago, HSP Museum Educator Cindy Srnka recognized a participant from a previous walk. They got to talking. Soon after, Srnka got an email from the man, saying he happened to have some things related to Albert Einstein that the HSP might be interested in seeing.

The man was Princeton resident James (Jamie) Schnitzer, whose great Aunt Helen was Helen Dukas, the famed physicist’s secretary and biographer. The “things” he mentioned turned out to be letters, photographs, documents, ephemera, and some rare films. They form the basis of “Threads Across Time: A Family Story Connecting Helen Dukas, Margot and Albert Einstein with a Local Princeton Family,” a presentation taking place on Thursday, October 8, at 6:30 p.m. at the HSP’s Updike Farmstead headquarters, 354 Quaker Road. (CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS)

The program has been over a year in the making. Schnitzer’s private collection, never shared publicly before, gives a rare glimpse into the lives not only of Einstein but of Dukas, Einstein’s wife Elsa, and his stepdaughter Margot. Schnitzer’s family’s relationship goes back to Germany, where their histories first converged, and continues through escape from Nazi persecution and refuge in the United States. His mother, father, maternal grandparents, and other relatives all made it out.

“We have things like a 1938 photo album from Jamie’s mother titled ‘My First Summer.’ There are two films — one of Jamie’s father painting with Einstein on the back porch of his house on Mercer Street, and the other of his mother and the rest of the family in the back yard,” said Snrka. “His father is holding Einstein’s dog. It shows a different side of Einstein that most people have never seen before.”

Schnitzer, who is 70, was a year old when Einstein died. But there is a photo of him as a baby on the steps of Einstein’s Mercer Street home, where Helen Dukas and Margot Einstein lived until they died in the 1980s. He and his family, who lived in Riverdale, N.Y., visited them often.

Schnitzer, who is 70, was a year old when Einstein died. But there is a photo of him as a baby on the steps of Einstein’s Mercer Street home, where Helen Dukas and Margot Einstein lived until they died in the 1980s. He and his family, who lived in Riverdale, N.Y., visited them often.

“The well runs deep with this stuff,” he said. “My family would take trips to Princeton a few times a year, to Aunt Helen’s house. Margot was there, and we’d hang out. Helen took us to the Institute [for Advanced Study] to show us his Nobel Prize. When you’re a teenager, though, you’re not thinking so much about it.”

Schnitzer’s mother died a decade ago. After he moved to Spring Street over a year ago, he started realizing what was in her collection of memorabilia.

“I didn’t really know what a treasure trove she had put away over many, many decades,” he said. “I saw that there is a lot of stuff — a lot. After I went on the walking tours with Cindy, I threw out there a little cavalierly that, you know, I had slept in Einstein’s house. A week later I said to her, maybe we could do something together.”

They began collaborating last January. “What we’re showing is a very small part of what Jamie actually has,” said Srnka. “It was very hard to decide what he wanted to include. It’s his family’s story. He was a little hesitant. I thought it would be a great story to bring to life. We went back and forth, and we’re still going back and forth.”

Schnitzer has been impressed with Srnka’s organization of the program. “She’s like a sleuth,” he said. “She’s an investigator. She took it to a different level. All these things came up because of how she approached this. In a way it was really fascinating. All this stuff that came out of the woodwork never would have happened. I was just considering donating some stuff to the Historical Society, but it has gelled into this. I’m happy that it’s coming to light.”

Tickets are $10. Visit princetonhistory.org for more information.

The Historical Society’s exhibition Princeton’s Taverns: On the Road to Revolution was featured on Tapinto Princeton:

ICYMI: A Dohm Alley Exhibit Brings 18th Century Princeton Taverns to Life by Linda Sipprelle
A related event: A historian examines the role of alcohol in shaping the revolution.

TAPinto Princeton: Historical Society Unveils 18th-Century Tavern Exhibition in Downtown Princeton – ‘Where History Actually Happened’

Princeton Magazine: Cheers to Historical Society’s Exhibition on Colonial Taverns

The Historical Society of Princeton (HSP) is pleased to announce that Princeton’s Taverns: On the Road to Revolution is now on view in Dohm Alley, off Nassau Street. A ribbon cutting ceremony took place on Tuesday, June 2. Part of HSP’s programming marking the nation’s 250th anniversary, the outdoor exhibition examines the role taverns played in eighteenth-century Princeton and the ways they shaped everyday life in the community.

Installed downtown, just steps from where several historic taverns once stood, the exhibition explores how these establishments served as centers of commerce, communication, politics, and community life. Through maps, newspapers, tavern licenses, personal accounts, and other historical sources, visitors can trace Princeton’s tavern culture from the colonial period through the early years of the new nation.

“We knew we wanted to explore everyday life during the Revolutionary era, and taverns offered a direct way into that story,” said Stephanie Schwartz, Curator of Collections and Research. “They were among the most important community spaces in eighteenth-century Princeton—places where people heard news, attended meetings, conducted business, and connected with the wider world.”

To complement the exhibition, HSP will offer a series of “Community on Tap” programs in Dohm Alley. These informal guided tours invite visitors to explore the exhibition in greater depth and learn more about the stories, sources, and research behind the project. Programs will be offered July 3 at noon and 1 pm, Aug. 7 at 5 and 6 pm, and Sept. 11 at noon and 1 pm.

“We are absolutely thrilled to extend the reach of our exhibitions directly into the heart of the community,” says Elizabeth Monroe, Executive Director. “Expanding our storytelling footprint from our Museum at Updike Farmstead to the center of Princeton allows us to connect with audiences right where history actually happened.”

Princeton’s Taverns: On the Road to Revolution is free and open to the public in Dohm Alley, located off Nassau Street (next to Starbucks) in downtown Princeton.

The exhibition was developed by the Historical Society of Princeton, with exhibition design by Lynn Fylak of Neversink Projects. The project was made possible through the support of Charles Schwab, Nassau Inn, and Experience Princeton.

Historical Society’s “Building Princeton” Brings Architecture and Community to Life
Town Topics, May 13, 2026

Building Princeton: America 250 Edition
Saturday, May 9, 2026
3:00 – 5:00 PM

The Historical Society of Princeton’s annual Building Princeton event will be held on Saturday, May 9 in the Wojciechowicz Barn at Updike Farmstead, 354 Quaker Road.  

With more than 100,000 LEGO™ building blocks available, teams learn basic architectural principles to recreate iconic structures, including Nassau Hall, Einstein’s house, and Princeton Public Library. Teams pick their favorite to construct and work together to create a scale model. At the end of the session, the buildings are placed on a large-scale map, creating a unique view of the community. In honor of this year’s semiquincentennial celebration, eight additional 18th century buildings have been added, including homes of two signers of the Declaration of Independence. 

Led by architect Stephen W. Schwartz from Building Blocks Workshops, the event is designed for all ages. Teams can be formed with family, friends, scout groups, etc, and are often multi-generational. (Teams with children under age 16 need to include one adult.) At the conclusion of the program, each team receives a copy of “The Princeton Architectural Treasure Hunt Map” and are encouraged to explore Princeton and find the real buildings.

This event is made possible by generous sponsors Adams Rental, McCaffrey’s Food Markets, NJParenting.com, Princeton Montessori School, Studio Hillier, and Trac Intermodal. 

Tickets are $30 for a team of 2, $37.50 for 3, or $45 for 4 people. Pre-registration is encouraged, as space is limited.

On Pi Day, the Princeton community honors its famous former resident, Albert Einstein, who was born (appropriately) on March 14, 1879. The Historical Society of Princeton, home to one of the world’s largest collections of Einstein’s personal belongings, will offer two opportunities to observe his 147th birthday. 

Author and journalist Benyamin Cohen will speak in Princeton Public Library’s Community Room about Einstein’s enduring popularity at 11:00 am. Cohen, who manages the official social media accounts of the world famous physicist, will include anecdotes from his book, “The Einstein Effect: How the World’s Favorite Genius Got into Our Cars, Our Bathrooms, and Our Minds.” Free; registration is requested. Special thanks to the Graduate by Hilton Princeton for its support of this event.

Visit the Historical Society of Princeton’s museum at Updike Farmstead between 1:00 and 4:00 pm to get an up close look at his furniture and other personal belongings; special collections not typically on display to the public will also be on view. Plus, Einstein himself will be in the museum to answer questions and take pictures! Additional activities provided by the Princeton Einstein Museum of Science include magnetism games, a mini black hole exhibit, and, for kids 12 and under, a free compass or Pi Day tattoo. 

Admission is $5 (free for children 6 and under). Purchase tickets online before March 14 to receive a unique gift: a First Day of Issue stamp commemorating the 100th anniversary of Einstein’s birth (one per family).

 

The Historical Society’s Rose Studio Photo Collection was featured in the fall issue of Princeton Magazine! These images, originally captured on glass-plate negatives, document all aspects of life in Princeton from the late 19th to early 20th centuries.

Click here to read the full article. 

April 16, 2025, Princeton, NJ – The board of trustees of The Historical Society of Princeton (HSP) announced the appointment of Dr. Elizabeth Monroe as the Historical Society’s interim executive director, effective March 28, 2025. (Update: Dr. Monroe was chosen as HSP’s permanent executive director on May 28.) 

“The board of trustees is pleased to welcome Elizabeth to this important role. Having served as a trustee since 2024, Elizabeth understands the Historical Society’s mission and operations and is well positioned to lead while the board conducts a search for a permanent executive director,” said Board President Douglas Chia. “I am honored to be entrusted to navigate the Historical Society during this critical moment for the organization, which is dedicated to telling the stories of our truly historic town,” said Dr. Monroe.

Dr. Monroe succeeds Sarah Taggart, who is leaving HSP after leading the organization since July 2022.

“The board wishes to thank Sarah for her contributions to the Historical Society and the advancement of its mission during her tenure. As a result of her leadership and passion for history, participation and engagement in the organization’s programming have grown significantly over the past three years,” said Mr. Chia. “We wish her the best in her future endeavors.”

A longtime resident of Princeton, Dr. Monroe served as Dean of Students and taught within the History department at Princeton Day School (PDS) for 12 years. Prior to her tenure at PDS, Dr. Monroe taught at the undergraduate level at Seton Hall University, Stern College for Women of Yeshiva University, and Pratt Institute. In addition, she worked as an editor at George Braziller Publishers in New York City. Dr. Monroe earned an AB degree from Bowdoin College and a PhD in art history from the University of Southern California. She also volunteers her time with the Academics, Talent, and Culture Committee of Foundation Academies in Trenton and the Princeton-Colmar Sister City Association.

The Historical Society of Princeton will hold its Annual Meeting on Monday, May 5 at 6:30 pm. The event will be held in the Wojciechowicz Barn at Updike Farmstead, 354 Quaker Road.  Historian, researcher, and author Brian Armstrong is the featured speaker, presenting a talk on “The Nonconsecutive Presidents: Cleveland and Trump.”

In American history, there have been just two presidents to serve nonconsecutive terms. Armstrong will compare the 1890s, when Grover Cleveland won his second term, to today, with the second election of Donald Trump. Though more than a century apart, similar issues surrounded both presidents, including tariffs, alternative currencies, close elections, populist speakers, rejected incumbents, the mega rich, foreign migrants, maverick candidates, economic problems, and increasing presidential power.

The event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited; please click here to RSVP.

The Historical Society of Princeton’s annual Building Princeton event takes place at Updike Farmstead on Sunday, April 27, 3:00-5:00 pm.

Visualize Princeton like you’ve never seen it before! With more than 100,000 LEGO™ building blocks at your disposal, learn basic architectural principles to recreate iconic structures, including Nassau Hall, Einstein’s house, and Princeton Public Library. Teams pick their favorite to construct and work together to create a scale model. At the end of the session, the buildings are placed on a large-scale map, creating a unique view of our shared community. This family program, with adults and children working together, is ideal for children ages 8-12, but all ages are encouraged to participate.  

Click here for more information and to register.

    

Thank you to our event sponsors:

 

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 “Einstein at Home,” “Einstein and His Pipe,” “Einstein on Politics,” and “What Makes Einstein, Einstein.” Sharing their insights are notable Princeton scholars and community figures, as well as Einstein’s long-time secretary, Helen Dukas.

The interactive draws upon a collection of eighty oral history interviews conducted by author Jamie Sayen in the 1970s. When researching his book, Einstein in America, Sayen spoke with more than fifty people who knew Einstein during his time in Princeton. These tapes were donated by the interviewer to HSP in 2005. With funding support from the New Jersey Historical Commission in 2020, HSP successfully engaged a professional vendor to create high-quality digital files from these recordings, making them accessible to HSP staff for innumerable engaging public history uses. Internship support for the project was provided by Princeton University’s Program for Community-Engaged Scholarship.

“Through this audio interactive, visitors to the museum are now able to hear about this world-famous physicist directly from the people who knew him,” said Stephanie Schwartz, Curator of Collections and Research, “We at HSP are so excited to incorporate these recordings into our exhibition as we continue to enhance our interpretation of Albert Einstein as both a Princeton resident and as a person.” 

The Historical Society of Princeton’s Updike Farmstead museum, located at 354 Quaker Road, is open Thursday through Saturday, 12:00 to 4:00 pm. Admission is $4. 

HSP is also offering several Einstein-related programs as part of the annual Pi Day Princeton festivities. On March 11, in partnership with the Princeton Public Library, author Dan Gutman will talk about his recent Albert Einstein biography for kids. Participants can join this hybrid event at 1:30 pm in the Library’s Community Room, or via Zoom. Between 2:30 and 4:30, drop in for puzzles, games and crafts, as well as to see some games that belonged to Einstein himself. On March 14 at 7:00 pm, in the Library’s Discovery Center, HSP will offer an “Open Archive,” sharing artifacts from its collection that capture the human side of Princeton’s most famous resident.