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.
