PRINCETON, NJ — October 2026 — Get ready for a night of great food, live music, and dancing as the Historical Society of Princeton (HSP) celebrates America’s 250th anniversary with Night Under the Stars: Rockin’ the 250th on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Updike Farmstead, 354 Quaker Road, Princeton. Proceeds from the benefit support HSP’s exhibitions, educational programs, collections, and community initiatives, including projects like Princeton’s Taverns: On the Road to Revolution, now on view at Dohm Alley off Nassau Street through February 2027.
The evening kicks off with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres around the fire pits, followed by a plated dinner from Emily’s Café & Catering in a heated tent. Then it’s time to rock as the party moves into the historic barn for live music and dancing with Pure Petty, a Tom Petty tribute band. Boots and blue jeans are welcome!
“There’s something special about bringing people together at Updike Farmstead for an evening like this,” said Elizabeth Monroe, HSP’s Executive Director. “It’s a chance to celebrate, enjoy each other’s company, and support the programs and experiences that connect people to Princeton’s history.”
The evening will also honor Carol Wojciechowicz, a longtime HSP friend and champion whose dedication to historic preservation was instrumental in restoring the 1892 Wojciechowicz Barn at Updike Farmstead. Carol’s love of barns began in childhood, when she played in the hayloft of a friend’s horse farm. That affection grew into a lifelong commitment to preserving these historic structures, including HSP’s barn, which underwent an 11-year restoration and now serves as a gathering place for the community.
Tickets are $250 per person, and sponsorship opportunities are available. For tickets and additional information, visit PrincetonHistory.org/NightUnderTheStars/.
