The Witherspoon-Jackson Neighborhood Stories Project

An important portion of the rich history of Princeton’s Historic Witherspoon-Jackson Neighborhood lies in the memories and family stories of many of its residents. Recognizing the importance of preserving and documenting these recollections, the Arts Council of Princeton has established the Witherspoon-Jackson Neighborhood Stories Project.

The Project’s purpose is to collect personal stories and create a permanent record and directory that will tie together photographic collections currently housed by the Arts Council, the Princeton Public Library, Paul Robeson House and the Princeton Historical Society. This treasure trove of oral histories and photographic materials will provide scholars, students and history buffs with an original source of material for study, enlightenment or further research. Whether it ultimately is published in book form, becomes a website, inspires a video documentary or becomes the subject of a senior paper or school project, its value to the preservation of the history of Princeton is immeasurable. Supported by a grant from the New Jersey Council on the Humanities, the Arts Council is planning a series of events to raise awareness and begin the process of collecting stories.