MercerMe

Democracy on the Corner
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.

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.

Literary Figures in Princeton
2025-10-29 18:30
Wednesday, October 29, 6:30 pm

For more than two centuries, Princeton has attracted some of the most important voices in American literature, whose work has shaped both the local community and the broader landscape. This program highlights a selection of writers who lived or worked in Princeton, including F. Scott Fitzgerald, T.S. Eliot, Anne M. Martin, Toni Morrison, Joyce Carol Oates, Eugene O’Neil, and Thornton Wilder. Presented by Eve Mandel, Director of Education and Outreach, Historical Society of Princeton. Please visit events.mcl.org to register to receive the link to the program.

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.

Protecting Your Financial Future: Investor Education & Fraud Prevention
2025-11-06 14:30
Thursday, November 6, 2:30 pm
This interactive presentation, hosted by law students from Seton Hall University School of Law’s FINRA Investor Advocacy Program, provides practical tools to help individuals make informed financial decisions. Participants will learn how to spot red flags of investment fraud, understand their rights as investors, and overall, how to improve their financial literacy. The session runs 30–45 minutes with a Q&A to follow. Please visit events.mcl.org to register to receive the link to the program.

2025-11-08 11:00 - 12:00 | Woolsey Park, 203 Washington Crossing- Pennington Road, Hopewell, NJ, United States
On Saturday, November 8, 2026, the Hopewell Valley Veterans Association will host its annual Veterans Day Ceremony at 11am at Woosley Park, rain or shine. Join to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States Army, Navy, and Marines with a special cake-cutting. Please bring lawn chairs. Attire is uniform-appropriate.

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.

Annual Hopewell Twp Community Tree and Menorah Lighting
2025-12-01 18:00 - 18:40 | Hopewell Township Municipal Building, 201 Washington Crossing Pennington Rd, Hopewell, NJ, United States
Hopewell Township will host its Annual Community Tree and Menorah Lighting at the Municipal Building. All are welcome to gather for a festive start to the holiday season.
Date: Monday, December 1, 2025Time: 6 p.m.Location: Hopewell Township Municipal Building,201 Washington Crossing–Pennington Road, Titusville, NJ 08560Contact: 609-737-3753

Snow Much Fun Cookie Decorating
2025-12-03 10:30 - 12:00 | Mercer County Library – Hopewell Branch, 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington, NJ, United States
Come and decorate cookies with sprinkles, frosting, and more! We’ll bring the supplies; you bring the imagination. Space is limited. Registration is required.

Through the Eyes of the Artist: Norman Rockwell
2025-12-04 19:00 | Zoom Online
Art Historian Felicia Z. Stadelman showcases the life and works of Norman Rockwell — not the image he presents in his pictures, but his much more complex life filled with twists and turns. Few people really know very much about the man who tells stories in his paintings. Sponsored by Friends of the West Windsor Library. 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

Pennington United Methodist Church Holiday Bazaar
2025-12-14 12:00 - 16:00, 2025-12-21 12:00 - 16:00 | Pennington United Methodist Church, 60 S Main Street, Pennington, NJ, United States
We are back again this year and excited to bring you the expanded North Pola Bar & Cafe, homemade baked goods, Christmas stockings, jewelry, holiday cards, AND…our special theme this year: “Nativity Sets from Around the World”! All proceeds go directly to support PUMC Missions! The bazaar is happening on two Sundays, December 14 & 21 from 12:00 – 4:00pm. The church is located at 60 South Main Street, in Pennington. Come join us!

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.

Frederick Douglass’ Birthday: Transcribe-a-thon
2026-02-13 12:00 - 15:00 | Hopewell Branch Library – MCL, 245 Pennington-Titusville Road, Pennington, 08534, United States
In-person program hosted by the Mercer County Library SystemFriday, February 13, 2026, from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.
This in-person event, hosted by the Mercer County Library System at the Hopewell Branch, invites community members to celebrate the birthday of Frederick Douglass by helping make history more accessible. Participants are encouraged to drop in with a laptop to help transcribe historical documents related to Black history and culture, contributing to projects such as The Colored Conventions Project.
Attendees may also stop by to watch the DouglassDay.org livestream, featuring inspirational speeches and songs. Light refreshments will be served.
Location:Hopewell Branch Library245 Pennington–Titusville RoadPennington, NJ 08534609-737-2610
Registration is requested.

Powers of Attorney, Guardianship, and Essential Legal Planning
2026-02-18 18:00 - 19:00
Virtual program hosted by the Mercer County Library SystemWednesday, February 18, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
This virtual program, hosted by the Mercer County Library System, is designed for families, caregivers, professionals, and community members supporting loved ones with long-term care needs. Participants will gain an overview of estate and long-term care planning, including wills, decision-making authority, guardianship, inheritance considerations, Medicaid planning, and the benefits of planning ahead rather than reacting in a crisis.
The presentation is led by Ryann Siclari, Esq., an attorney experienced in disability law, elder law, and long-term planning, and is offered as part of the Colorful Dreams Care Program Series.
Registration is required. Visit events.mcl.org to receive the virtual program link.

Hospice Care: Comfort for Patients, Support for Families
2026-03-03 18:30 - 19:30
Join us on Tuesday, March 3, 6:30 pm for a heartfelt conversation about hospice care—what it is, how it works, and the difference it can make during a challenging time. Hospice isn’t just about caring for those at the end of life; it’s about surrounding families and caregivers with compassion, guidance, and practical support. Whether you’re caring for a loved one or are interested in learning more about end-of-life support and options, join Laurie Warren, Clinical Liaison for Princeton Hospice, as she facilitates this important discussion. 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.

Heads Up! -- A Fall Prevention and Pedestrian Safety Program for Older Adults
2026-03-12 14:00 - 15:00
Designed for older adults, this workshop on Thursday, March 12, 2:00 pm focuses on strategies to best prevent falls. It also includes strategies for pedestrian safety as well as safe driving strategies. Presented by Katie Law, Public Education Coordinator, of the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey. BIANJ is a statewide nonprofit that aims to improve the quality of life for anyone impacted by brain injury by providing support, advocacy, and information, while promoting brain injury prevention. Please visit events.mcl.org to register to receive the link to the program.

Catharine "Caty" Greene: Eyewitness to the American Revolution
2026-03-18 19:00 - 20:00 | Virtual, N/A
Carol Simon Levin portrays Catharine “Caty” Greene, the indomitable wife of Nathanael Greene, one of Gen. George Washington’s most valued officers. Known as a witty raconteur, she enlivened the spirits of officers and troops alike as the war ranged from New Jersey to South Carolina, famously dancing for 3 hours straight with George Washington. Her pluck and spirit carried her through victories and tragedies not only during the war but throughout a remarkable life of resilience and reinvention. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lawrence Library on Wednesday, March 18, 7:00 pm. Please visit events.mcl.org to register to receive the link to the program.
