Historical Significance
Now the headquarters of the Historical Society of Princeton, Bainbridge House is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Princeton and an excellent example of mid-Georgian architecture. Built in 1766 by Job Stockton, a prosperous tanner, the house is named after Commodore William Bainbridge, a hero of the War of 1812, who was born in the house in 1774. During the course of its long history, Bainbridge House has served as a doctor's office, a boarding house for travelers to Princeton and students at Princeton University, the Princeton Public Library, and since 1966, the home of the Historical Society. Today, Bainbridge House features a permanent exhibition on Princeton’s 300-year history and a variety of annual temporary exhibitions.
Bainbridge House in 1783
During the 1780s, Bainbridge House was a rental property. In 1783, the house was included on a list of accommodations available to the members of Congress during their stay in Princeton.
Visitor Information
Bainbridge House is located in the center of town at
158 Nassau Street
Princeton, NJ 08540
telephone 609-921-6748
fax 609-921-6939
e-mail: info@princetonhistory.org
www.princetonhistory.org
The museum and shop are open Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. The library is open Tuesday and Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. Metered parking is available on Nassau Street and Vandeventer Avenue and in lots located throughout Princeton.
1. Bainbridge House 2. Princeton University Students Receive an Exhibition Tour from Museum Curator, Eileen Morales
- June 7 & 21, July 5 & 19, August 2, September 6 & 20, and October 4 & 18 - 1783 Walking Tours
- September 3 through June 2009 - Stand Up, Speak Out: Princeton’s Citizens Find Their Voice exhibition on elections and voting rights.
