MercerMe

Democracy on the Corner
2025-10-09 17:30 - 18:30, 2025-10-16 17:30 - 18:30, 2025-10-23 17:30 - 18:30, 2025-10-30 17:30 - 18:30, 2025-11-06 17:30 - 18:30, 2025-11-13 17:30 - 18:30 (America/New_York) | Hopewell Borough Downtown, Broad Street, Hopewell, NJ, 08525, United States
Join community members every Thursday at 5:30pm at the corner of Greenwood and Broad for a peaceful, visible demonstration of resistance. Participants bring signs and stand together in opposition to what they describe as illegal, unhealthy, and unconscionable actions by the current federal government. The weekly gathering offers comfort, connection, and solidarity among like-minded neighbors, and serves as a reminder to commuters that the community continues to stand up and speak out. The gathering typically lasts about an hour.

Movie in Kunkel Park
2025-10-12 17:00 | Kunkel Park, Pennington, NJ, United States
Join the Pennington Borough Parks and Recreation Department as they host a movie at Kunkel Park on October 12, 2025 at 5pm. Please contact Pennington Borough for details.

Art Talk: Is it Manet or Monet?
2025-10-15 19:00 - 20:00 | Pennington Public Library, 30 North Main Street, Pennington, NJ, 08534, United States
October 15 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm via Zoom

Is it Manet or Monet?
Presenter: Janet Mandel, Arts Educator
October 15 and October 22, 2025 @ 7 PM via Zoom

Registration required: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ViPpjxO2StWna-diel-1Ww
What a difference a vowel makes! Édouard Manet and Claude Monet were two giants of the 19th Century avant-garde who influenced each other in profound ways. However, many aspects of their personal lives, artistic technique, and even philosophical ambitions were radically distinct. In this two-part talk, we will examine these likenesses and differences through the lens of their remarkable works, and you will become an expert in the comparison! Manet in Part 1 and Monet and a quiz in Part 2! Bring a pencil!
Please note that this program is two parts. You need only register once to join both sessions. You may also choose to attend only one session, though it is meant to be a two-part experience. Thanks!
Sponsored by the Friends of the Pennington Public Library and the Hopewell Valley Arts Council.
About Our Presenter: Janet Mandel taught in New Jersey’s public schools for 32 years, the last eighteen of which were at Columbia High School in Maplewood, where she taught English, art history, and World Languages and Cultures. Now retired, Janet presents illustrated talks on a variety of art history topics at adult schools, libraries, museums, senior centers, community centers, and similar venues.
Pennington Public Library
30 N Main Street, Pennington, NJ 08534
609-737-0404

Haunted Hopewell
2025-10-18 15:00 - 17:00 | Woolsey Park, 203 Washington Crossing- Pennington Road, Hopewell, NJ, United States
Come join the fun at our 5th Annual Haunted Hopewell event on Saturday, October 18th, from 3–5pm at Woolsey Park! We’ve got trick-or-treating, games, crafts, a photo spot, a DJ, and tons of Halloween fun for kids of all ages!
Grab your costumes, bring your friends, and get ready for a fang-tastic afternoon full of laughs, candy, and fall fun!
This event is FREE and open to everyone — it’s sure to be a boo-tiful day you won’t want to miss!

Celia Reisman | In Plain View
2025-10-18 17:30 - 19:30 | Morpeth contemporary, 43 West Broad St, Hopewell, NJ, 08525, United States
An astute observer of the world around her, Reisman’s subjects are in plain view. What at first glance what appears to be a faithful depiction of a believable place, on further study reveals a complex imaginative journey of color and form.
Earning a BFA from Carnegie Mellon and MFA from Yale Reisman came to representation backwards: abstraction first, from her student days and then direct observation.
She finds her domestic surroundings no matter how seemingly mundane rich with interpretation. Juxtaposing architecture and nature she invents her own world, both familiar and unexpected.
Celia Reisman’s work has been exhibited in shows across the United States. Reisman was awarded a Purchase Prize by the American Academy of Arts and Letters Invitational Exhibition, and was given a Survey Exhibition at the Michener Museum in Doylestown, Pennsylvania.
She has taught at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Swarthmore College, and Dartmouth College.

Finding the Right Fit: Exploring Senior Living Choices
2025-10-21 14:00 - 15:00
Tuesday, October 21, 2:00 pm
It’s never too early to start preparing for your future or your parent’s future. Join this workshop to explore a range of living options, including independent and assisted living communities, 50+ communities, and aging in place. You’ll gain valuable insights into these choices and learn key factors to consider as you plan for the next chapter. Please visit events.mcl.org to register to receive the link to the program.

Author Talk: Courtly Intrigue & Whispers as Weapons with Historical Fiction Queen Philippa Gregory
2025-10-29 14:00 - 15:00 | Zoom Online
Coined as the “queen of British historical fiction,” Philippa Gregory returns to the infamous Tudor Court with a tale that is both timely and timeless. We invite you to sit down with us for an intriguing conversation with Gregory about her newest novel Boleyn Traitor.
Jane Boleyn watches from the shadows of the Tudor Court, where secrets are currency, every choice is dangerous, and even the faintest whisper can seal the fate of queens. For Jane, survival demands playing every role required of her: a loving wife who conceals her doubts, a devoted sister to Anne Boleyn at the height of her power, and an obedient spy who carefully wields her words. But in a court ruled by ambition and a tyrant’s sword, Jane must rely on her sharp wit and skillful maneuvering to outthink those around her, knowing that one wrong move could cost her everything.
With a rich tapestry of new historical insights and lyrical language honed over decades of writing, Gregory’s return to the Tudors is a new definition of this most fascinating era. As the world becomes more extreme and unpredictable, Jane’s story of survival and ingenuity offers a compelling parallel, serving as both a powerful historical narrative and an echo of the challenges we face. This is a riveting tale of loyalty and betrayal, ambition and love—one that should not be missed by readers this fall.
About the Author: Dr. Philippa Gregory is one of the world’s foremost historical novelists. She wrote her first ever novel, Wideacre, when she was completing her PhD in eighteenth-century literature and it sold worldwide, heralding a new era for historical fiction. Her flair for blending history and imagination developed into a signature style and Philippa went on to write many bestselling novels, including The Other Boleyn Girl and The White Queen.
Dr. Gregory studied history at the University of Sussex and was awarded a PhD by the University of Edinburgh where she is a Regent and was made Alumna of the Year in 2009. She holds an honorary degree from Teesside University, and is a fellow of the Universities of Sussex and Cardiff. Philippa is a member of the Society of Authors and in 2016, was presented with the Outstanding Contribution to Historical Fiction Award by the Historical Writers’ Association. In 2018, she was awarded an Honorary Platinum Award by Neilsen for achieving significant lifetime sales across her entire book output. In 2021, she was awarded a CBE for services to literature and to her charity Gardens for the Gambia, and was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.

Sunday of Service
2025-11-02 10:00 - 14:00
Join neighbors for a one-day volunteer event with many ways to serve, including:

Stomp Out Hunger 5K Walk at St. Michaels Preserve benefiting Chubby’s Project (9:30 a.m.–noon)

Sewing for Chubby’s Project at Hopewell Presbyterian Church

Helping Sourland Conservancy at the Native Plant Nursery (183 Hollow Rd., Skillman; please complete the waiver in the sign-up)

Cards of Comfort at Hopewell United Methodist Church

Peanut Butter and Jelly for TASK at Hopewell Presbyterian Church

Cookie baking for the Flemington Lunch Program (bake on Nov. 2 or drop off two dozen labeled cookies at Hopewell Presbyterian Church on Nov. 1 or Nov. 2)

Date: Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025Time: 10 a.m. at project locations (Stomp Out Hunger 5K Walk runs 9:30 a.m.–noon)Location: Multiple sites in Hopewell and Skillman; see sign-up link for detailsHost: Hopewell Council of Churches
Details and sign-up: https://hopewellpres.org/announcements/sunday-of-service-112255K Walk registration (separate): https://chubbysproject-bloom.kindful.com/?campaign=1384622
Questions about sewing project equipment: Renee Richardson, rerichardson@verizon.net
Note: This event is hosted by the Hopewell Council of Churches

Our Lenape Heritage
2025-11-03 19:00 - 20:00
Monday, November 3, 7:00 pm

This presentation reviews the history of the original people of the area we now call New Jersey, giving an overview of life and culture before and during the settlement of Europeans. It reviews names of places that still exist today and Lenape words that are included in everyday communication. The historic records show land transactions, paths and trails that have become our modern highway system, and communities that are still in existence. Presented by Claire Garland, Director of Sand Hill Indian Historical Association and member of the New Jersey American Indian Affairs Commission. Please visit events.mcl.org to register to receive the link to the program.

Understanding Memory & Communication in Aging
2025-11-10 19:00
Monday, November 10, 7:00 pm

Aging can bring changes in memory, speech, and communication that affect daily life and relationships. This program explores those age-related common challenges that often emerge over time and offers practical strategies to support cognitive health, stay socially connected, and communicate more effectively. Ideal for caregivers, professionals, and older adults. Led by Erin Coulter, Lead Speech Language Pathologist with Penn Medicine. Presented as part of the Penn Medicine Princeton Health Community Wellness Program. Please visit events.mcl.org to register to receive the link to the program.

Sweden Holiday Traditions & Today
2025-11-20 18:00
Thursday, November 20, 6:00 pm

What do you know about Sweden? Get a glimpse into life in Sweden today and learn about the traditions that are special to this Nordic nation. Join us as we explore Swedish culture, technology, environmentalism, and holiday celebrations, including a special look into Christmas and the December Lucia festival. Presented by the American Swedish Historical Museum of Philadelphia, which welcomes everyone to explore cultural identity through stories of Swedes and all Scandinavians, and to connect with a vibrant community dedicated to preserving and interpreting culture. Sponsored by Hightstown Library Association. Please visit events.mcl.org to register to receive the link to the program.

Pennington 41st Annual Holiday Walk
2025-12-05 18:00 - 21:00 | Pennington Borough, Pennington, NJ, United States
Celebrate the season in downtown Pennington at the 41st Annual Holiday Walk. Main Street will be filled with lights, music, and family-friendly festivities as shops and organizations welcome visitors for an evening in the heart of the borough.
Date: Friday, December 5, 2025Time: 6–9 p.m.Location: Downtown Pennington, NJ 08534
More information: Visit the Pennington Borough website for the Holiday Walk flyer.

Guided Open House Tours of Benjamin Temple House
2025-12-07 14:00 - 16:00 | Benjamin Temple House, 27 Federal City Rd, Ewing, NJ, United States
Free – circa 1750 – No reservations needed. Sunday, Dec. 7, 2 to 4 p.m., 27 Federal City Road, Ewing.
The Ewing Township Historic Preservation Society is seeking photos or photo books of the General Motors (GM) plant (also known as the Inland Fisher Guide Plant of GM) that was in operation in West Trenton from 1938 – 1998. We are helping the Township locate a few photos that might be used in the new community center currently being built on Lower Ferry Road.
If you have photos or books with photos of the GM plant including indoor shots of the assembly line or products created (with or without employees) for us to consider, please contact Site Manager Amy Karen Harter at info@ethps.org or 609-883-2455.
Additionally, the HPS is gathering stories and photos of people who immigrated or migrated to Ewing between 1840 and 1960, for use in a new museum display. If you would like to share information about your ancestors or relatives who came here from Europe or the southern states of America, please contact Marge Delaney or Becky Urban at info@ethps.org or 609-883-2455. Thank you for helping us build the legacy of Ewing Township!
Ewing Township Historic Preservation Society, 609-883-2455. ethps.org

MLK, Jr. Day(s) of Service
2026-01-03 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-01-10 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-01-17 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-01-24 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-01-31 10:00 - 16:00 | Hopewell Branch Library – MCL, 245 Pennington-Titusville Road, Pennington, 08534, United States
In the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr.’s Day of Service, we are giving back to the community! Drop in today and use materials provided to create handmade cards or write letters to be sent to homebound participants of the Mercer County Meals on Wheels program. Registration is not required.

Robotics Team Demo
2026-01-03 14:00 - 15:00 | Mercer County Library – Lawrence Branch, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ, United States
Come see the robot created by Hopewell Valley Central High School Robotics Team and do some hands-on activities! For kids ages 8 years old and up. Sponsored by Friends of the Lawrence Library. Registration is required.

Princeton and the American Revolution: The Ten Crucial Days
2026-01-08 19:00 - 20:00
This is the story of the desperate hours at the end of 1776 when the American Revolution seemed lost. Struggling through unimaginable difficulties, the Continental Army crossed the Delaware River on Christmas, winning three battles in 10 days, culminating in the Battle of Princeton on January 3, 1777. These victories changed the course of history and enabled the birth of our free nation. Presented by Barry Singer, Princeton Historical Society. Please visit events.mcl.org to register to receive the link to the program.

New Jersey Homeschooling Basics
2026-01-14 19:00 - 20:00
Join us for an overview of homeschooling in New Jersey and get answers to your questions. Are you considering homeschooling your child in NJ? Has your child asked to be homeschooled, but you don’t know where you would even start? A panel of experienced homeschooling parents will cover the basics of homeschooling in NJ, including homeschooling law, the range of approaches to homeschooling, resources and communities that support homeschooling (in-person and online), paths after homeschooling (high school, college, work, trades, etc.). A Q & A session will follow the presentation. Please visit events.mcl.org to register to receive the link to the program.

Token on the Freedman's Coat: The Story Behind Thomas Mundy Peterson's 1884 Voting Medal
2026-01-15 19:00 - 20:00
Thomas Mundy Peterson is celebrated as the first African American to vote under the Fifteenth Amendment. Gordon Bond, independent historian and publisher of NJ history website Garden State Legacy, will discuss the story of Peterson and how, on May 30, 1884, citizens of Perth Amboy, NJ, pinned a gold medal to his coat in honor of his having done something that, in another part of the nation, a noose might have been put around his neck for daring. Based on Bond’s book, To Cast a Freedman’s Vote. Sponsored by Friends of the Ewing Library. Please visit events.mcl.org to register to receive the link to the program.

Introduction to Smart and Safe Investing
2026-01-20 18:30 - 19:30
Chase Bertoldo, from the Seton Hall University School of Law FINRA Investor Advocacy Program, will cover a range of practical financial concepts, including budgeting and inflation, as well as different investment and savings products. Throughout the program, he’ll focus on smart and safe investment practices, illustrating the challenges facing every investor and how to avoid common pitfalls. Please visit events.mcl.org to register to receive the link to the program.

Islamic Contribution to Civilization
2026-01-27 19:00 - 20:00
Muslims have been influenced by and contributed to other cultures in numerous ways. Particularly, during the medieval Golden Age of Islam, Muslims made major contributions in diverse fields, including art, architecture, music, mathematics, medicine, astronomy, philosophy, and literature, as well as in hygiene, cuisine, clothing, and furniture. Presented by Samina Sattar of the New Jersey Islamic Networks Group.

Abolition and the Underground Railroad in South Jersey
2026-02-03 18:00 - 19:00
Virtual program hosted by the Mercer County Library SystemTuesday, February 3, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
This virtual presentation, hosted by the Mercer County Library System, explores Southern New Jersey during the Civil War era, when the region became a hotbed of fugitives from slavery, freedmen, and abolitionists. Activists such as Harriet Tubman, Abigail Goodwin, and Benjamin Sheppard assisted runaway slaves along the Underground Railroad through daring nighttime journeys in the Pine Barrens and coordinated signals from boats in the marshlands of Delaware Bay.
Author Ellen D. Alford will recount compelling narratives of abolition and the Underground Railroad in South Jersey.
Registration is required. Visit events.mcl.org to receive the virtual program link.
