Princeton Barn Party To Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary

PRINCETON, NJ — Dust off your boots. The Historical Society of Princeton is throwing a barn party to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.

Night Under the Stars: Rockin’ the 250th will take place Saturday, Nov. 7, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Updike Farmstead, 354 Quaker Road.

The evening starts with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres around the fire pits, followed by a plated dinner from Emily’s Café & Catering in a heated tent. Then the party moves into the historic barn for live music and dancing with Pure Petty, a Tom Petty tribute band.

Boots and blue jeans are welcome.

“There’s something special about bringing people together at Updike Farmstead for an evening like this,” said Elizabeth Monroe, executive director of the historical society. “It’s a chance to celebrate, enjoy each other’s company, and support the programs and experiences that connect people to Princeton’s history.”

The event will also honor Carol Wojciechowicz, a longtime friend of the historical society who was instrumental in restoring the 1892 Wojciechowicz Barn at Updike Farmstead.

Wojciechowicz’s love of barns started in childhood, when she played in the hayloft of a friend’s horse farm. That grew into a lifelong commitment to preserving historic barns, including the historical society’s own. The barn went through an 11-year restoration and is now a community gathering place.

Proceeds from the benefit support the historical society’s exhibitions, educational programs, collections and community projects. That includes “Princeton’s Taverns: On the Road to Revolution,” on view at Dohm Alley off Nassau Street through February 2027.

Tickets are $250 per person, and sponsorship opportunities are available. For tickets and more information, visit princetonhistory.org/NightUnderTheStars.

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com