Event presented by Robert Lawless
Sunday, March 24, 2024, 2pm
– In person at the Hopewell Branch of the Mercer County Library
– Or online via Zoom (see Registration below for both options)
Join Bob Lawless as he recounts the origin, construction, and operations of the short-lived Mercer & Somerset Railway. Built in the early-1870’s, this railroad provided the citizens of Hopewell Valley with the means of traveling to Trenton, Philadelphia, and New York in less time than ever before. While the events surrounding the “Frog War” are the most memorable, the history of the railroad is replete with fascinating accounts related to the communities of which it served. Although service ended less than a decade after it started, many relics of the line remain as reminders of the railroad that contributed to the prosperity of the Hopewell Valley.
This presentation will provide many details about the railroad and offer a unique opportunity to those in attendance. All attendees are welcome to join the speaker at a post-presentation reception hosted by Sentiment Depot, held in the M&S Station Agent dwelling located across the road from the library. The opportunity to continue discussions about the Mercer & Somerset Railway will be afforded.
Robert Lawless is a board member of the Hopewell Valley Historical Society, and Chairperson of the Program Planning Committee. His extensive research has focused upon the development and operations of railroads in New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania. Robert has worked in the railroad industry for most of his career, and presently employed by a regional transportation authority.
Click for more information on this event
Co-sponsored by the Hopewell Valley Historical Society, The Hopewell Museum, and the Friends of the Hopewell Branch Library.
– Attend the event in person at the Hopewell Branch of the Mercer County Library,
245 Pennington-Titusville Rd., Pennington, NJ
The in-person event is free and open to the public – but has limited space
– Click here to register for in-person only (Mercer County Library)
– Or attend the event online via Zoom – Click here to register for online only
