The Historical Society of Princeton is pleased to present its 17^th annual House Tour from 10 AM to 4 PM on Saturday, November 3, 2018. This signature fall event celebrates significant architecture and design in the homes of HSP’s supportive community.

This year’s Tour features six unique homes, each one a distinct example of its own time and style. Visitors will marvel in the modifications, redesigns, furnishings, and personal art collections during a self-guided tour of the homes throughout the day.

This year’s Tour will feature:

86 Mercer Street: This stunning Italianate and Gothic style house is the official residence for the President of the Princeton Theological Seminary. The noted architect, John Notman, also responsible for Prospect House, Lowrie House, and Guernsey Hall in Princeton, designed the original portion of the house, circa 1851. Built on land owned by the Stockton family, the house was presented by Commodore Robert Field Stockton to his son, probably as a wedding present. The house has enjoyed a recent major renovation, with much of the magnificent original cast ironwork restored and with modifications to make the building comfortable as a modern family home.

50 Random Road: This stucco contemporary architectural specimen was designed by Hillier Studio in 2012. The house represents a growing wave of modern and sustainable design in Princeton, featuring a sedum-covered green roof, rain cistern, bamboo flooring, smart thermostats, solar panels, and an electric car charging station. The house boasts large, open common spaces to encourage togetherness. Beechwood Landscape Architecture and Construction developed the relaxing outdoor space, through which Harry’s Brook gently flows.

34 Cleveland Lane: This classic early twentieth-century stone house, one of the earliest residences on Cleveland Lane, enjoyed a recent top-to-bottom renovation by A+B Architectural Design Lab, blending a contemporary addition with original historic features. A large, sun-soaked eat-in kitchen was added during the renovation and the backyard was luxuriously re-landscaped. An extended sunroom with cork flooring opens toward a sleek new pool. Dutch Masters art graces the home’s walls.

117 Library Place: This grand Georgian Revival home was built on the former Morven Tract in 1905 by the Matthews Construction Company, which later built many of the notable stone buildings on the Princeton University campus. The house has had a number of distinguished owners, including Judge William Clark, Chief Justice of the Allied Appeals Court in Nuremburg, Ambassador Ann Martindell, and Nicholas Katzenbach, Attorney General of the United States under President Lyndon Johnson. The current owners impressively renovated the expansive dwelling. Some exuberant features from when the house served as a Junior League showhouse remain, including a vibrantly hued staircase personally painted by architect Michael Graves. The house contains an exciting collection of 19^th and 20^th century art from around the world.

72 Library Place: Prolific Princeton builder-architect Charles Steadman built this house in 1836 at 26 Library Place. The house was moved to its current location in 1889, where Woodrow Wilson, then a Princeton University faculty member, made his first home in Princeton, before becoming Governor of New Jersey and President of the United States. Maps, prints, and African sculpture pepper the home’s comfortably-appointed rooms. Classic Steadman details, such as elegant transoms, molding, and fireplaces, remain preserved. A formal garden sits adjacent to the house.

52 Arreton Road: Also known as Rothers Barrows, this house, designed by famed Philadelphia architect Wilson Eyre. Jr. of Eyre and McIlvaine, was built in 1919 as part of a large Princeton equestrian estate. Comfortable American country houses, like 52 Arreton Road, define Eyre’s legacy. One of New Jersey’s finest examples of the American Arts and Crafts style, Rothers Barrows is on both the New Jersey and National Register of Historic Places. The current owners extensively renovated and restored the home, preserving important period features such as original Moravian tile, windows, and woodwork. Publications have featured the intricate foyer ceiling.

“Princeton’s uniqueness and historicity as a town is grounded in its remarkable built environment,” said HSP Executive Director, Izzy Kasdin. “This year’s Tour provides a window into almost two centuries of architectural development in Princeton and the varied styles that define our town’s landscape. We’re so pleased to be able to recognize homeowners who steward this long legacy of magnificent architecture in Princeton. The House Tour is always an enjoyable and enriching experience for all involved!”

Advance tickets are $45 for HSP members and $50 for non-members. All tickets purchased the day of the tour are $50. Proceeds help fund the Historical Society’s core mission activities throughout the year, including exhibitions, historical collections access, and engaging educational programming for schools, families, and adults.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please call 609.921.6748 x106. Tickets may also be purchased online here. On the day of the event, all tickets must be purchased at Updike Farmstead, 354 Quaker Road, before venturing to any of the houses on the Tour. This is a change from previous years’ ticket purchasing policies.

Lead Sponsors Charles Schwab and Callaway Henderson Sotheby’s International Realty generously support of this event.

The Historical Society of Princeton (HSP) is hosting its second annual HistoryFest on Sunday, September 30, between 1:00 and 4:00 PM at Updike Farmstead. This year’s theme is “Edible History.”

Admission is free, and guests are invited to bring a picnic lunch (or snack) to enjoy on the grounds, along with music and lawn games. Special activities include hands-on cooking for families, a costumed presentation, “Revolutionary Tea,” and an Open Archive featuring artifacts and documents from HSP’s collection.

“We’re always so excited to welcome community members of all ages to Updike Farmstead, particularly for HistoryFest,” said Izzy Kasdin, Executive Director of the Historical Society. “HistoryFest presents multifaceted activities that allow visitors to enjoy all that our historic property has to offer, and we’re thrilled that we can share the full day’s events free of charge with the community.”

HistoryFest is made possible by the generous support of Charles Schwab.

At 1:30 and 3:00 PM, educator Brianna Nurse, of Edible History, brings participants a food history experience that focuses on the ingredients and cooking styles of New Jersey residents of the past. The class is structured as a group learning experience, with a mini-lecture, followed by a hands-on cooking activity creating dishes with ingredients of the Lenni-Lenape and European settlers. The class will highlight the seasonal food lifestyles of both groups, including their diets, farming, and food storage practices. Registration, available online, is recommended, as space is limited. For ages 8 and up.

At 2:30 PM, History on the Hoof’s Stacy Roth presents her signature performance, “Revolutionary Tea,” which includes the social history of the era, as well as quotations, poetry, prose, and songs about the popular, and once controversial, beverage.

Throughout the afternoon, visitors can interact with HSP collections materials from classic Princeton restaurants and food culture. HSP’s Curator of Collections and Research, Stephanie Schwartz, will be on hand to share information and answer questions. In addition, between 1:00 and 3:00, a representative from the Peacock Inn will be there to share historical knowledge of the iconic property, as well as their vision for its future.

The Historical Society of Princeton announces its fall walking tour schedule, which features a variety of programs for participants to learn about and enjoy the historic landscape of town.

“Walking tours take you to history where it happened, instead of just reading it on a wall,” said Eve Mandel, Director of Programs and Visitor Services. “We’re offering more tours than ever, and we’re thrilled to partner with other community organizations on such a wide variety of topics.”

Every Sunday at 2 PM, on the Classic Princeton History Walking Tour, visitors and locals can discover the architectural history behind prominent buildings and landmarks, learn about Princeton’s historic role in the American Revolution and the founding of the nation, and hear stories of some of its most famous residents. Starts outside Bainbridge House, 158 Nassau Street; tickets are $7.

On September 22 and October 20, at 10:00 AM, Clifford Zink, author of Princeton Prospect Foundation’s 2017 book, The Princeton Eating Clubs, will lead an exterior tour of the clubhouses, as well as an interior visit to three clubs. Participants will learn about the architecture, origins, and development of these Classical and Gothic-style clubhouses, which date from 1895 to 1928. Starts at Colonial Club, 40 Prospect Avenue; tickets are $20.  

On October 6, at 10 AM, the popular Princeton University Architecture Tour explores the phenomenal architecture on campus, dating from 1756 to the present. Buildings on this two-mile walk include the Georgian-style Nassau Hall, collegiate gothic marvels, and extraordinary contemporary designs, including the Frank Gehry-designed Lewis Library, the Stadium, the Icahn Laboratory, and the Neuroscience Institute/Psychology facility. Starts at Palmer Square’s Tiger Park; tickets are $10.

On October 6, at 1 PM, tour Historic Stony Brook: Gateway to Princeton History. This hike explores the lives of Princeton’s early settlers and the community they established, while following a portion of the trail George Washington took from Trenton to the Princeton Battlefield. Stops include the Stony Brook Meeting House and Burial Ground, walking a portion of the “hidden” back road into Princeton, and a view of the Battlefield. Starts at Updike Farmstead, 354 Quaker Road; tickets are $5.

On October 13, at 11 AM, Bob Wells, Associate Director of Arboriculture at Morris Arboretum, and Roland Machold, former Marquand Park Foundation board member, lead The Magic and History of Marquand Park. They will share the history of the property and highlight the native and exotic trees in the collection. Starts at the Marquand Park parking lot, Lover’s Lane between Stockton and Mercer Streets; free, but registration is required.

On October 26, at 4 PM, get into the Halloween spirit with a 45-minute stroll through Princeton Cemetery, referred to as the “Westminster Abbey of the United States.” Witness the final resting places of Princeton’s prominent citizens, including a U.S. president, vice-president, and Civil War soldiers. Starts at the cemetery entrance at Greenview Avenue and Humbert Street; free, but registration is required.

On October 27, at 10 AM, Wiebke Martens and Jennifer Jang, authors of Discovering Princeton, will lead a brand new tour, In Her Footsteps: How Women Shaped Princeton. The walk will include an overview of Princeton’s history and focus on some of the women who have helped make Princeton – both town and its namesake University – what it is today. Stops include the new Betsey Stockton Garden, Alexander Hall, and Dorothea’s House. Starts at Bainbridge House, 158 Nassau Street; tickets are $20.

Tickets for all tours can be purchased online at www.princetonhistory.org, or by calling (609) 921-6748 x102. Space is limited.

Interested in leading tours for HSP? Training for new guides starts in October! Contact Eve Mandel, at eve@princetonhistory.org or 609-921-6748 x102.

The Historical Society of Princeton will host its seventh annual Concert Under the Stars fundraiser on Saturday, June 9, 2018, from 6:30 – 10:00 PM at the Updike Farmstead. This year’s event will feature live performances by two Nashville-based artists: Chas Collins will perform on the mainstage and Sheridan Gates, who grew up in the Princeton area, will provide porch-side opening entertainment.

Chas Collins, with his signature vocals and high energy stage presence, debuted on CMT’s Top 10 Artists List. Chas and his band have shared the stage with several other national acts including Luke Bryan, Collin Raye, Bucky Covington, Daryl Singletary, David Ball, and Hotel California. Chas plays hard-hitting originals and current county hits along with a touch of rock and crowd favorites. Performing in 43 states and over 2,300 shows, Chas has taken the country music world by storm.

Originally from Pennington, NJ, Sheridan Gates made the move to Nashville in 2016 to pursue her passion of music. She was a local finalist in the Nash Next competition her first year in Nashville and will be embarking on a House Concert tour this spring and summer. Sheridan is country pop artist influenced by the rock ‘n’ roll storytelling of Carrie Underwood, the soulfulness of Sara Bareilles, and the bold attitude of Shania Twain to create an entirely new, relatable, and reflective sound.

“This year’s artists add a Nashville flair to the always-fresh Concert Under the Stars.” said Jud Henderson, a long-standing member of the Concert Committee. “They’ll keep guests entertained all evening!”

Baxter Construction, Charles Schwab, PNC Wealth Management, Callaway Henderson Sotheby’s International Realty, H1912, Mrs. G’s, McCaffrey’s Markets, MacLean Agency, Princeton Online, and Bank of Princeton are all major event sponsors. Jammin’ Crepes will serve a delectable dinner menu, prepared with local ingredients. Local craft beers and a selection of wines with be available as refreshments.

“This year’s Concert will, as always, be a fantastic night with delicious local food and drink, fabulous upbeat music, and an unparalleled historic setting – a true celebration of this remarkable town,” said HSP Executive Director, Izzy Kasdin.

Concert Committee members Tracy Sipprelle and Debora Haines describe the event as “the kick-off-to-summer party, with a casual blue jeans and boots vibe.”

Net proceeds from A Concert Under the Stars support the Society’s mission to serve as a hub for experiential education and stewardship of collections and places. HSP shares its remarkable collections and signature programs in history education with diverse audiences, enhancing community vitality and building historical literacy, cornerstones of healthy civic culture.

Tickets to this unique benefit event are available online here, or by phone: (609) 921-6748 x106.

COMMUNITY-WIDE COLLABORATION ON THE THEME OF MIGRATIONS WILL FEATURE EXHIBITIONS, PERFORMANCES, LECTURES AND MORE

Over thirty organizations in and around Princeton will offer programs from
February through May 2018

PRINCETON, NJ—Over thirty regional nonprofit organizations, as well as several Princeton University departments and programs, will investigate the far-reaching theme of migrations from February through May 2018. A truly varied group of participating organizations, from the Princeton University Art Museum, The Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, and McCarter Theatre to the Witherspoon-Jackson Historical and Cultural Society, Womanspace, and the Princeton Public Library, will explore the theme, each in relation to its individual mission and programmatic focus.

A media event about the Princeton Migrations community-wide collaboration will be held on Monday, January 22, at 11 a.m. in the News Room at the Princeton Public Library. The event will feature brief remarks by Brett Bonfield, Executive Director of the Princeton Public Library, and James Steward, Nancy A. Nasher–David J. Haemisegger, Class of 1976, Director of the Princeton University Art Museum, followed by an opportunity to interview representatives from over 15 of the participating organizations. Please RSVP for the event by emailing Erin Firestone at efirestone@princeton.edu.

“We shaped the theme of migrations in order to invite as many nonprofit organizations as possible to participate,” notes Princeton University Art Museum director James Steward, who initiated the idea. “Immigration and its real-world consequences are so much in our minds that we wanted to open a conversation that includes the migrations of animals and even of ideas, and in doing so to increase the resonance across ideas and organizations.”

Migrations may include seasonal migrations of workers in the increasingly global economy of labor; the historical movements of peoples in response to famine, war or economic crisis and change, such as the Great Migration of African Americans from south to north in the mid-20th century; the seasonal migrations of various species, such as the shad that have been blocked from migrating up New Jersey’s rivers since the eighteenth century; or the movement of ideas along the Silk Road of the ancient east.

“Migrations are part of the fabric of this place,” said Izzy Kasdin, Executive Director of the Historical Society of Princeton. “Whether it’s the origins of Princeton as a carriage outpost for people moving between major colonial metropolises, as a refuge for persecuted scholars or as a juncture of natural and manmade waterways, in so many ways migration and change is integral to Princeton’s heritage and identity.”

The many programs and exhibitions related to the Migrations community initiative may be found here: https://princetonmigrations.org/.

The Historical Society of Princeton is pleased to host its 17^th annual House Tour from 10 AM to 4 PM on Saturday, November 3, 2018

Check back soon for more information.

 

The Historical Society of Princeton’s Updike Farmstead will be illuminated with projected images relating to physicist Albert Einstein on Tuesday, October 10. This event is a part of world-renowned Swiss light artist Gerry Hofstetter’s Light Art Grand Tour USA, which will feature light projections on 50 landmarks in 50 states.

The three-year tour began on September 16 at Washington Crossing Historic Park in Pennsylvania. The team will visit one site in each state, making Updike Farmstead the only New Jersey site on the tour. The first year of the tour focuses on the original 13 colonies, followed in the second and third years by the remaining states, from East to West, along the route. This fall, Hofstetter will also display projections at Mount Vernon and Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library. The display organized for each monument or landmark will explore U.S. history and the connection between America and Switzerland.

Einstein lived in Bern, Switzerland for seven years between 1902 and 1909; during that time, he published more than 30 articles, six of which are still considered part of the canon of modern physics. This includes his theory of special relativity and discovery of the law of the photoelectric effect, which won him the 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics. Einstein moved to Princeton in 1933, where he spent the last 22 years of his life.

The Historical Society of Princeton is home to the Einstein Furniture Collection, 65 pieces of furniture owned and used by Albert Einstein in his Berlin and Princeton homes. In addition, HSP’s Gillett Griffin Collection contains Einstein’s personal belongings, including his pipe, compass, puzzle games, and the only-known self-portrait of Einstein. Highlight pieces from the collection, along with photographs, documents, and other interpretive material, are permanently on view in the farmhouse museum at Updike Farmstead.

Hofstetter and his team of experts will use a series of projectors to display multiple images, which will be photographed and filmed for an exhibition, a documentary and a book. The project will be unveiled in Switzerland in 2020, after which the exhibition will travel to museums and other landmarks throughout the U.S.

“We’re thrilled to host Gerry and his team at the Updike Farmstead,” said HSP Executive Director Izzy Kasdin. “Not only are our white historic farm buildings a perfect canvas for this kind of documentary artwork, but also HSP houses one of the most significant Einstein collections in the country. We’re so pleased to feature Einstein in this creative way.”

Attendance at the light show October 10 will be available to a limited number of members and guests on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets are $10 per person; HSP Members and children under 12 are free. Guests are invited to picnic on the property starting at 5:30 PM, and the performance starts at sunset. Light snacks will be provided. Registration is available online at www.princetonhistory.org.

For more on Hofstetter’s work and the Light Art Grand Tour USA, visit
www.hofstetter-marketing.com.