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This Week in Princeton University History for October 2-8
By April C. Armstrong *14 In this week’s installment of our recurring series, the colonial governor suggests a fundraising trip, popular new software requires further evaluation before being made available on campus, and more. October 2, 1751—New Jersey Governor Jonathan Belcher writes to Aaron Burr to suggest he go on a fundraising tour of Europe…
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This Week in Princeton History for July 3-9
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, Princeton is transformed into a national capitol, Aaron Burr’s grave makes the news, and more. July 3, 1799—Charles Ingersoll (Class of 1800) “was brought before the Faculty on the charges of irregularity in College and the use of profane Language … and assured the next instance of…
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This Week in Princeton History for January 16-22
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, students have a reputation for misbehavior, people claiming to be Nigerian royalty seek pen pals, and more. January 17, 1882—The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports, “The Princeton students seem to have recommenced the disgraceful rowdyism which brought the college into such disrepute some time since,” saying that just…
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This Week in Princeton History for October 4-10
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, Esther Edwards Burr mourns the death of her husband, two students are fined, and more. October 5, 1989—Dial Lodge and Cannon Club complete a merger, becoming Dial and Cannon Club. October 7, 1757—Not long after moving with the institution and their family to Princeton, Esther Edwards Burr…
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This Week in Princeton History for July 27-August 2
In this week’s installment of our recurring series bringing you the history of Princeton University and its faculty, students, and alumni, the governor seals the college charter, trends in the overall diversity of the incoming class are mixed, and more. July 27, 1942—A Daily Princetonian editorial criticizes Secretary of State Cordell Hull for “abundant lip…
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This Week in Princeton History for September 16-22
In this week’s installment of our recurring series bringing you the history of Princeton University and its faculty, students, and alumni, a longstanding but dangerous tradition comes to an end, a sophomore writes to his mother about attending Aaron Burr’s funeral, and more. September 19, 1990—Students nab the Nassau Hall clapper for the last time.
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This Week in Princeton History for November 12-18
In this week’s installment of our recurring series bringing you the history of Princeton University and its faculty, students, and alumni, the first formal exercises open in Nassau Hall, an alum announces a donation in honor of a former roommate, and more. November 13, 1762—The first formal exercises to be held there open in the completed…
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This Week in Princeton History for September 17-23
In this week’s installment of our returning series bringing you the history of Princeton University and its faculty, students, and alumni, the campus remembers Aaron Burr, Nassau Hall celebrates its bicentennial, and more. September 17, 1836—At Aaron Burr’s funeral in the College of New Jersey’s Chapel, College president James Carnahan is careful to avoid inflaming…
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Who Founded Princeton University?
Q. Dear Mr. Mudd, Who founded Princeton University? A. The founding of Princeton University is nearly as complex as the courses that have been and continue to be taught within its hallowed lecture halls. The College of New Jersey (as Princeton University was known until 1896) was a child of the Great Awakening, an institution born…
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