This blog includes text and images drawn from historical sources that may contain material that is offensive or harmful. We strive to accurately represent the past while being sensitive to the needs and concerns of our audience. If you have any feedback to share on this topic, please either comment on a relevant post, or use our Ask Us form to contact us.

This Week in Princeton History for April 4-10


In this week’s installment of our ongoing series bringing you the history of Princeton University and its faculty, students, and alumni, Betty Friedan is on campus, the school chooses an official shade of orange, and more.

April 5, 1895—In a letter to the editor of the Daily Princetonian, the editorial board of the Nassau Lit defends their controversial decision to change the cover of the magazine for the first time in decades. In response to outcry from students and alumni, they will return to the original cover in May.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

April 6, 1989—Betty Friedan, author of the Feminine Mystique, urges students in a talk in Princeton University’s McCosh 50, “Be revolutionaries again, you Princeton men and women, you’ll enjoy it!”

Betty_Friedan_AC168_Box_228
Betty Friedan at Princeton University, April 6, 1989. Office of Communications Records (AC168), Box 228.

April 7, 1968—Thirty-three members of the Association for Black Collegians visit University president Robert Goheen’s home at 11:15PM. Following the front porch meeting, Goheen cancels classes for April 9 to allow students to mourn the death of Martin Luther King, Jr.

April 8, 1960—The Board of Trustees select the color that will be the official “Princeton orange.” Prior to their decision, a variety of different shades have represented the school.

Princeton_orange_1960
A sample of the color the Board of Trustees selected April 8, 1960 as the official Princeton orange is found in their minutes, Board of Trustees Records (AC120), Vol. 58.

For last week’s installment in this series, click here.

Fact check: We always strive for accuracy, but if you believe you see an error, please contact us.


2 responses to “This Week in Princeton History for April 4-10”

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.