Programs
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Hopewell Valley Historical Society regularly sponsors community programs on local history, often in partnership with the Hopewell Museum and the Pennington Library. These programs typically are free and open to the public.
Upcoming:
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Note on Internet Webinars: These upcoming programs are presented as online webinars, typically using the Zoom video conferencing application. You can use Zoom to view these presentations live on a computer, or on a mobile tablet or even a smartphone. (You also can use Zoom for videoconferencing, using a camera with your device to send your own video and audio, but you don't need these features just to view the presentations.) See Using Zoom on the Pennington Library site for more information on setting up Zoom.
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Revolutionary Princeton 1774-1783:
The Biography of an American Town in the Heart of a Civil War
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Thurs., Jan. 21, 2021 - 7 pm ET
Internet Webinar In cooperation with the Hopewell Branch of the Mercer County Library Registration Required -> Register here (through the Mercer County Library) The story of Princeton between 1774 and 1783 is a microcosm of the struggles faced by ordinary Americans during the Revolution, struggles intensified by Princeton’s geographic location within the State which saw more military activity than most and on a road constantly used to move troops and their supplies. Life in Princeton connected to just about every aspect of the Revolution. The stories of people who lived in Princeton, or who spent time there because of the Revolution, helps us better understand the hitherto untold importance of this town beyond the one, well-known, day of battle. This case study of a small New Jersey town located at the crossroads of the Revolution reveals the very human consequences, costs, and benefits of the war experienced by “ordinary” people.
Larry Kidder is a retired history teacher who taught for 40 years, including 32 years at The Hun School of Princeton. He is a graduate of Allegheny College (BA 1967, MS 1969) and served four years in the US Navy. Larry has been a volunteer historian and historical interpreter for the Howell Living History Farm in Hopewell for over 30 years and is a member of the board of the Princeton Battlefield Society where he focuses on educational programs and battlefield tours. He is a past president of the Hopewell Valley Historical Society and has served on the board for many years. The author of two books on rural New Jersey history and three on aspects of the American Revolution in Mercer County, Larry is a frequent speaker throughout New Jersey. He has also been a presenter at conferences on the American Revolution in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and New York. For more of Larry's projects and books, visit his website. Co-sponsored by the Hopewell Valley Historical Society and The Hopewell Museum. The talk is based on Mr. Kidder’s research for his recent book of the same title, Revolutionary Princeton, 1774-1783: The Biography of an American Town in the Heart of a Civil War (The Knox Press). Find the book on Amazon.com. |
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"A Monument to Fallen Royalty":
Rediscovering Joseph Bonaparte's Point Breeze Estate
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Wed., Feb. 10, 2021 - 7 pm ET
Internet Webinar via Zoom In cooperation with the Pennington Public Library Registration Required -> PenningtonLibrary.org/PointBreeze Recent archaeological excavations in Bordentown, New Jersey have unearthed the remains of Joseph Bonaparte’s palatial estate, Point Breeze. Joseph, the elder brother of Napoleon Bonaparte and former King of Spain and Naples, fled to the United States in 1815. He lived in New Jersey from 1816 until 1839. During this period he built two palatial homes, laid out a 1900-acre picturesque landscape, and acted as an unofficial cultural attaché. His home was a center for French refugees in America. His library and art collections were the largest in country. At Point Breeze, he entertained many of the leading intellectuals, politicians, artists, and military figures of the day. Bonaparte’s passion was landscape architecture, and on his property he created one of the first purposefully-designed picturesque landscapes in America. Archaeological excavations have revealed the remains of Joseph’s first mansion and recovered an intriguing collection of artifacts that provide a unique glimpse of the lifestyles of the rich and famous in 19th century New Jersey. Richard Veit, Ph.D. is Professor of Anthropology and Associate Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Monmouth University. Rich is a North American historical archaeologist whose research focuses on the Middle Atlantic Region between the late 17th and early 19th centuries. His work focuses on commemoration, symbolism, vernacular architecture, and military sites archaeology. He has authored or co-authored numerous articles and reviews and eight books including Digging New Jersey’s Past: Historical Archaeology in the Garden State (Rutgers Press 2002), New Jersey Cemeteries and Tombstones History in the Landscape (co-authored by Mark Nonestied, Rutgers Press 2008), and New Jersey: A History of the Garden State (co-authored with Maxine Lurie, Rutgers Press 2012). In 2007 he was the recipient of Monmouth University’s distinguished teacher award. He regularly presents on topics relating to historical archaeology and New Jersey history and has been a TED speaker. Co-sponsored by the Hopewell Valley Historical Society and The Hopewell Museum. |
Joseph Bonaparte
Point Breeze Archaeological Excavations
Richard Veit
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Contribute to the Hopewell Valley COVID-19 Time Capsule
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We’re living through a moment in history that appears to have the potential to rewrite our politics, our economy, and our society.
Years from now, we will be retelling the stories of this pandemic and how it impacted our families and communities. The Hopewell Valley Regional School District, Hopewell Valley Historical Society and Hopewell Museum would like to preserve this history to show how the Hopewell Valley community came together in a time when it seemed like the world was falling apart. Contributing your own oral history and primary sources to the time capsule will enable you to share your stories with future generations and preserve this moment in history. Visit the Hopewell Valley COVID-19 Time Capsule Project Download flyer (PDF) for more information |
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