Princeton Public Library

The Princeton Public Library will host programs for children and adults as part of the 1783 celebration, topics and times to be announced. For more information visit www.princetonlibrary.org.

Historic Science Experiment
George Washington and Thomas Paine Discover
Methane Gas at Rocky Hill, NJ, November 5, 1783
Lecture and other programs (to be scheduled)

One of the lesser known historic events of 1783 was the discovery by George Washington and Thomas Paine in Rocky Hill, New Jersey on November 5, 1783 that the Marsh Will o’ Wisp was indeed a gas. Alessandro Volta did the first methane experiment in November 1776. However, it is reasonable to assume that General Washington was not reading the Italian scientific literature as the Revolutionary War was uppermost in his mind at that time. Thus, the Washington/Paine experiment resulted in an independent discovery. This is one of the first classic experiments in American science. For more information about programs related to this historic discovery contact Professor Douglas E. Eveleigh, Rutgers University at Eveleigh@AESOP.Rutgers.edu.

Photo Caption: Lighting of methane. The river bubbles collected in a funnel and then ignited.
(Photo courtesy R. Wolfe and the American Microbiology  Society) 

Westminster Summer Events

From June 23 through August 1, Westminster Choir College offers an array of free musical events, ranging from vocal and instrumental recitals, choral performances, hymn sings, and choral reading sessions.  Most are held in Bristol Chapel on the Westminster campus in Princeton. For information visit www.rider.edu/arts or call 609-921-2663.

American Art at the Princeton University Art Museum

The Princeton University Art Museum houses an important collection of American art, including many 18th-century paintings and Charles Willson Peale’s famous portrait of General Washington at the Battle of Princeton, which was commissioned by the college in 1783. The American art galleries will be closed starting June 15 and will reopen in September. The Art Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.; closed Mondays, New Year’s Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. For further information please call 609-258-3788 or visit www.princetonartmuseum.org.