November
Hello HVHS Members! We have lots to tell you this month!
The Book. Sales have occurred in greater volume than we expected and we are nearing the end of our first print run. If you want books for holiday gifts, act now. This is especially true for people who want one of the first 100 limited edition hardcovers; subsequent print runs will not be numbered. You can pick one (or two or three) up at the locations mentioned on the flyer below. If paying by credit card, please do that in our virtual store first. They also will be available on December 12 at the grand reopening of the newly renovated Hopewell Museum.
November 18 program - Terror in the Valley
In December 1776, Hopewell Valley residents fearfully shared with each other the news that Washington's troops' were retreating across New Jersey. Between November 30 and December 10, they moved from New Brunswick through Princeton and across the Delaware at Trenton, securing the boats behind them to block pursuit by the British commander General Cornwallis' troops.
The British were right behind the patriots, but missed them, at some points by mere hours. Furious, they set up temporary quarters in the old hotel in Pennington and used Pennington Presbyterian Church as a barracks. The soldiers seem to have been let loose - during the five days they were in Pennington, they plundered and stole everything they could, raped women and girls, and beat up anyone who got in their way.
On November 18, almost 250 years to the day from when the British entered Pennington, in Pennington Presbyterian Church where the British stayed, come
hear noted local historian and author Larry Kidder tell the story of "Terror in the Valley". Joining him will be Asher Lurie, Executive Director of the Hopewell Museum, kitted out as a member of the British Army in the late fall/winter of 1776, will explain who these British soldiers were, the world they came from, and the evolving doctrine of the British Army from the close of the French and Indian War to the beginning of the American Revolution.
This program is co-sponsored by the Hopewell Valley Historical Society, the Hopewell Museum, and Pennington Public Library.
Wednesday November 18, 2026 - 7pm
Pennington Presbyterian Church
13 South Main Street, Pennington, NJ
Register here for in person or via youtube.
Straube Center Art Show
The Hopewell Valley Historical Society and 80 artists will be featured at the 50th anniversary of the Straube Center on W. Franklin Ave. in Pennington (behind the post office) with a grand opening on November 6 from 5:30 to 8:30pm. The HVHS exhibit features Straube ephemera and memorabilia gathered by Doug Dixon on his 2024 site visit. Print materials from the HVHS archives include Straube pamphlets and area period photographs.
Did you know that the Straube building was first constructed as foundary in 1901? In the early 1940s it produced the liquor Cointreau and reports are the Pennington frequently smelled like oranges! Win Straube bought it in 1976 and it has been a thriving office center ever since.
Pleasant Valley Vigilant Association Exhibit
Finally, come visit us at the Mercer County Library - Hopewell Branch on Monday and Friday afternoons to see the Archive Committee's latest installation about the Pleasant Valley Vigilant Association, now in its 151st year! This photo is a mere snippet of the information available - provided by HVHS friend Charlie Hunt!
We hope to see you at all these fun events. Also, save the date for the Hopewell Museum's grand opening on the December 12th and Washington Crossing Park Association's Washington's Landing on the December 13th.
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