Historical Society of Princeton Reopens Museum at Updike Farmstead Jan. 6

Updike Sign with bicyclistsThe Historical Society of Princeton will reopens its museum at the Updike Farmstead on Jan. 6, 2016. The Updike Farmstead is located at 354 Quaker Road in Princeton.

The new museum hours at the new location are: Wednesday through Sunday, 12 to 4 p.m. Admission is $4 per person. Extended hours will be offered on Thursdays until 7 p.m., with free admission from 4 to 7 p.m.

Founded in 1938, The Historical Society of Princeton is a museum and research center dedicated to interpreting the history of Princeton. The Updike Farmstead, which is listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places, lies within the Princeton Battlefield/Stony Brook Historic District.

The Einstein Salon and Innovators GalleryVisitors to the new museum can enjoy a brand new multimedia exhibition, “The Einstein Salon and Innovators Gallery”, that celebrates the worldly and entrepreneurial spirit of the citizens of Princeton. Albert Einstein anchors the gallery, while changing displays highlight others “from the galaxy of Princeton stars,” organizers said.

Visitors can view the Historical Society’s Einstein Furniture Collection, which paints a detailed picture of Einstein’s time in Princeton from 1933 to 1955. Furniture from Einstein’s home at 112 Mercer Street is on display, including his writing desk, complete with ink spill, and his favorite chair.

During 2016, the gallery will also feature 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 learn about von Neumann’s involvement in the Manhattan Project and see his identification card for the Los Alamos assembly plant. Also on view are the original physical components from the MANIAC computer, on loan from the Shelby White and Leon Levy Archives Center at the Institute for Advanced Study.

Every Sunday at 2 p.m. in January and February, a virtual tour of Princeton will be given. The tours focus on early Princeton, including the founding of the University and the Revolutionary War. For the Jan. 31 program, Shirley Satterfield will present a virtual tour of the Witherspoon-Jackson neighborhood. The virtual 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 Jan. 2, at 10 a.m., the Historical Society will offer a family walking tour celebrating the anniversary of the Battle of Princeton. The tour begins at the Bainbridge House, then retraces part of the battle at Nassau Hall, and concludes at the Princeton Battle Monument. Tickets are available online.

In January, the Historical Society will  host Tuesday morning “Kids Music Around” classes. A free jamboree will be held on Jan. 5 at 9:45 and 10:45 a.m. Children can sample a music class and make a fun winter craft. Email Heather@KidsMusicRound.com to register. Space is limited.

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, and spring and fall family fun days.

Visit www.princetonhistory.org for updates.

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Krystal Knapp is the founding editor of Planet Princeton. Follow her on Twitter @krystalknapp. She can be reached via email at editor AT planetprinceton.com. Send all letters to the editor and press releases to that email address.