The Historical Society of Princeton (HSP) is set to reopen its museum at Updike Farmstead, 354 Quaker Road, on January 6, 2016. The museum is located at 354 Quaker Road.
Visitors will enjoy a brand new multimedia exhibition, The Einstein Salon and Innovators Gallery, which celebrates the worldly and entrepreneurial spirit of the citizens of Princeton. Albert Einstein, renowned scientist and thinker, anchors the gallery, while changing displays highlight others from the galaxy of Princeton stars.
Photographs, documents and other interpretive material contextualize the captivating highlight pieces from HSP’s Einstein Furniture Collection, painting a fascinating and comprehensive picture of Einstein’s time in Princeton from 1933 to 1955. Visitors can expect an intimate and up-close encounter with furniture from Einstein’s home at 112 Mercer Street, including his writing desk –complete with ink spill– situated with Einstein’s favorite chair.
Throughout 2016, the gallery will also explore featured innovator John von Neumann, the Hungarian-born mathematician who led the team that pioneered one of the first modern, stored-program electronic digital computers –initially dubbed “MANIAC”– at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton. Visitors will come to understand von Neumann’s involvement in the Manhattan Project and see his ID card for the Los Alamos assembly plant. Also on view are the original physical components from the MANIAC computer, generously loaned by the Shelby White and Leon Levy Archives Center at the Institute for Advanced Study.
HSP’s walking tour guides will hold a “virtual” tour of Princeton every Sunday at 2 p.m. in January and February. The tours focus on early Princeton, including the founding of the University and the Revolutionary War. For the January 31 program, Shirley Satterfield will present a tour of the Witherspoon-Jackson neighborhood. These special tours at Updike Farmstead are included with museum admission, and refreshments will be served. Downtown walking tours will resume in March, and will continue to launch outside Bainbridge House, the Society’s former location, at 158 Nassau Street.
On January 2, at 10 a.m., HSP will offer a family walking tour celebrating the anniversary of the Battle of Princeton. The tour begins at Bainbridge House, home of loyalist Absalom Bainbridge during the battle, and members of the Continental Congress in 1783, then retraces part of the battle at Nassau Hall, and concludes at the Princeton Battle Monument. Tickets are available online at hspwalkingtours.eventbrite.com.
In January, HSP will also host Tuesday morning Kids Music Around classes. A free Jamboree will be held on January 5 at 9:45 and 10:45 AM. Children can sample a music class and make a fun winter craft. Space is limited; email Heather@KidsMusicRound.com to register.
Upcoming programs include a two-part lecture series in February on the Revolutionary and Civil Wars; part two of the Inspirational Speaker Series in March, an April program celebrating the life of Paul Robeson; walking tours of historic Stony Brook; a music series featuring Charlotte Kendrick and friends; an American Girl doll themed event; spring and fall family fun days.
HSP’s new hours will be Wednesday through Sunday, 12 to 4 p.m. Thursdays will have extended hours until 7 p.m., with free admission from 4 to 7 p.m. Admission is $4 per person.
Visit princetonhistory.org for more information.
American forces passed by Updike Farmstead on their way to the Thomas Clarke Farm during the Battle of Princeton.,
