From the Publisher, Spring 2026

Dear Readers,
Welcome to the Spring issue of Princeton Magazine, celebrating the 250th birthday of the United States!
For reasons that I don’t have space to explain, I’ve had four years of repetition of high school American History. None of it was as exciting as the living history provided by the reenactors who are profiled by Sarah Teo in “When Past Becomes Present.” These historical interpreters, including Kenneth Gavin, who is on our cover, help their audiences develop a sense of living through the Revolution that led to the birth of our nation.

Semiquincentennial is just about the longest word I have ever seen, but it marks the 250 years it took us to get here. Laurie Pellichero takes us on a tour of what is happening in Princeton and beyond to celebrate this event. It starts with Morven, the historic home of Richard Stockton, a founding father and signer of the Declaration of Independence. An original painting of Congress Voting Independence, on loan from the National Gallery of Art, is on display. Also, there is the “Signer’s Stories” series featuring New Jersey’s five signers. As a fundraising program, Director Rhonda DeMascio called for sponsors of lectures about each signer. Studio Hillier is proud to sponsor the only architect signer, Thomas Jefferson. Princeton’s Historical Society, Arts Council, Public Library, Battlefield Society, and the University Library all have special celebratory exhibits. On both sides of the Delaware River, there are countless other events that also warrant your participation.

Donald H. Sanborn lll delivers a wonderful story about the creation of the musical 1776, conceived by Sherman Edwards in the late 1950s. It finally opened in March of 1969, which says a lot about what it takes to get a show to Broadway. It was revived on Broadway in 1997 and 2022. One very poignant statement by an actor in the 2022 revival noted that not one of the actors that you saw on stage would have been allowed inside Independence Hall in 1776. There will be several revivals of 1776 in regional theaters starting in April.

Wendy Greenberg explores the question “Did George Washington Eat Here?” Her journey focusing on history and hospitality begins with Bristol, Pa.’s King George ll Inn from 1681 and leads to the recent dramatic renovation of New Hope’s Logan Inn by Landmark Hospitality. Along the way there are 12 other wonderful restaurants, all dating from the 1700s. One truly amazing picture is of Norman Rockwell personally painting the Yankee Doodle mural in Princeton’s Nassau Inn.

As you are absorbing all of this history, take a moment to enjoy the work of Stuart Mitchner’s Book Scene as he covers Thomas Paine’s writings and other offerings about the American Revolution. Every time I read Stuart’s column, I am awestruck by what his research has delivered to our readers.

Did you ever wonder how textiles in major artworks are conserved? Ilene Dube will introduce you to the amazing talent of Katie Sabo, who in 10 short years has served a fabulous number of institutions from her Lambertville studio. I found her commentary on sewing by hand both interesting and inspiring.

Are you ready for a change of pace? Here comes The Daily Princetonian, celebrating its 150th anniversary. You will learn in Anne Levin’s article that this is where Rich Rein of U.S.1 and TAPinto Princeton learned the business, along with his classmate Bob Durkee, who went on to become the University’s vice president and secretary for 47 years. In the wonderful photos by our Art Director Jeffrey Tryon you can feel the energy in the place, especially if you look at the keyboard of the typewriter on the story’s lead page. Yes, this is a must-read!

As regular Princeton Magazine readers, you have enjoyed recipes by Mary Abitanto and her excellent photographs of her creations. This time, her commentary is different. It is about how adults with different abilities are thriving with passion and purpose in Princeton area food establishments and programs. You will also enjoy the Coconut Macaroons for which Mary has provided a recipe.

Sarah Teo also brings her talents to this issue’s A Well-Designed Life pages, which focus on organic, recycled, and upcycled items in a more graphic layout.

In closing, please let me remind you to shop locally and get to know our retail shop owners, especially those who advertise on these pages. After a particularly harsh winter, all of us at Princeton Magazine wish you the best for a beautiful spring.

Respectfully yours,