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This Week in Princeton History for February 19-25


In this week’s installment of our ongoing series bringing you the history of Princeton University and its faculty, students, and alumni, Thurgood Marshall begins a lecture series, faculty and students gather for a teach-in about a pending war, and more.

February 19, 1964—Thurgood Marshall begins a series of lectures on “The Constitutional Rights of the Negro.”

February 20, 1991—As escalating hostilities suggest the United States is on the brink of war with Iraq, members of the Princeton University community gather for a day-long teach-in about the Persian Gulf crisis at the Woodrow Wilson School.

Teach Peace organized many events during the Persian Gulf Crisis in 1990 and 1991. This flyer advertises another teach-in held November 29-30, 1990. Historical Subject Files (AC109), Box 204, Folder 12. For more on the impact of war on education at Princeton, please join us for a panel discussion on February 28.

February 21, 1938—Saying “never have we encountered such a persistent danger as is found at the corner of Prospect St. [sic] and Washington Road,” a Daily Princetonian editorial demands that the local police take action to make crossing the intersection safer, suggesting an officer be posted there. “The lives of Princeton men are doubtless worth saving.” The Borough of Princeton will install a traffic light in 1975.

The intersection of Prospect Avenue (colloquially referred to as “the Street”) and Washington Road in Princeton, New Jersey, undated. Historical Photograph Collection, Grounds and Buildings Series (AC111), Box SP6,Image 1474.

February 25, 1874—Many students attend the Centennial Tea Party in Trenton. The celebration kicks off a series of tea parties commemorating the American Revolution.

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.


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