October 31, 2007
Historical Society of Princeton: Looking Back Moving Forward
Erin Dougherty
Executive Director Historical Society of Princeton
Minutes of the Seventh Meeting of the 66th Year
The seventh meeting of the Old Guard’s 55th year was called to order by President Joseph A. Giordmaine at 10:15 AM in the Friend Center at Princeton University. John Marks led the invocation. John Frederick read the minutes of the last meeting noting that the call for better stewardship of time was well honored by the previous minute reader who took only four minutes. This reader failed to clock John’s subsequent success. Yes, the competition is stiff. Adrian Lincoln introduced a visitor, Sally, his daughter. Seymour Meisel introduced his wife, Jacqueline.
Bob Varrin introduced the speaker, Erin Dougherty, the Executive Director of the Historical Society of Princeton. Looking back on the distinguished history of the Society, Ms. Dougherty spoke with great warmth and appreciation for the work of her predecessor, the late Gail Stern. Following her own twenty years of impressive service to several museums, Erin brings enthusiasm and a vision for carrying forward the role of Princeton’s Society and its power to teach, addressing the curiosity of young and old about their home town and its place on the pages of history.
Located in Bainbridge House on Nassau Street, the Society is indebted to the University for its home and works closely with Firestone and Mudd libraries as well as the Public Library. Other partnerships include the Woodrow Wilson Museum in Staunton, VA which will host one of the Society’s exhibits in the coming year. The permanent exhibit on the history of Princeton currently features “Princeton in the Thirties”, complete with an aerial photo of the town from that period and furniture from Einstein’s home including his favorite chair.
Visits by school children from across Mercer County, the Antique Show at Princeton Airport, special exhibits like the recent one on the Civil War and much more make the Society a busy and much appreciated enterprise. With offices for the staff of five on the second floor, space for exhibits is limited.
Erin reported that the purchase of Updike Farm on nine acres off Quaker Bridge Road just past the Quaker meeting house will be a great step forward, providing space for the staff and most importantly space for a variety of exhibits and programs on history, agriculture, the environment and the arts for adults and children. Special thanks was given to Old Guard member David McAlpin for his leadership in helping to secure the funding required.
The current exhibit “Princeton in the Thirties”, ends with a chapter entitled “On the Edge of War”. It highlights Princeton’s relief work to help the victims of war around the world.
Following questions, some profound, others entertaining, the hour concluded, let the record show, four minutes early.
Respectfully submitted,
Nicholas Van Dyck
Bob Varrin introduced the speaker, Erin Dougherty, the Executive Director of the Historical Society of Princeton. Looking back on the distinguished history of the Society, Ms. Dougherty spoke with great warmth and appreciation for the work of her predecessor, the late Gail Stern. Following her own twenty years of impressive service to several museums, Erin brings enthusiasm and a vision for carrying forward the role of Princeton’s Society and its power to teach, addressing the curiosity of young and old about their home town and its place on the pages of history.
Located in Bainbridge House on Nassau Street, the Society is indebted to the University for its home and works closely with Firestone and Mudd libraries as well as the Public Library. Other partnerships include the Woodrow Wilson Museum in Staunton, VA which will host one of the Society’s exhibits in the coming year. The permanent exhibit on the history of Princeton currently features “Princeton in the Thirties”, complete with an aerial photo of the town from that period and furniture from Einstein’s home including his favorite chair.
Visits by school children from across Mercer County, the Antique Show at Princeton Airport, special exhibits like the recent one on the Civil War and much more make the Society a busy and much appreciated enterprise. With offices for the staff of five on the second floor, space for exhibits is limited.
Erin reported that the purchase of Updike Farm on nine acres off Quaker Bridge Road just past the Quaker meeting house will be a great step forward, providing space for the staff and most importantly space for a variety of exhibits and programs on history, agriculture, the environment and the arts for adults and children. Special thanks was given to Old Guard member David McAlpin for his leadership in helping to secure the funding required.
The current exhibit “Princeton in the Thirties”, ends with a chapter entitled “On the Edge of War”. It highlights Princeton’s relief work to help the victims of war around the world.
Following questions, some profound, others entertaining, the hour concluded, let the record show, four minutes early.
Respectfully submitted,
Nicholas Van Dyck