Book Launch: "The Princeton University Trivia Book"

Helene van Rossum and Daniel J. Linke discuss their book and share their favorite Princeton University trivia.

Members of the audience will be invited to test their trivia knowledge at this event. 

About the book (from the publisher): 

"The Princeton University Trivia Book" features a wealth of historic and recent facts, with over 650 questions (with answers!) and quotations spanning nearly three centuries of Princeton history, ranging from the fun to the significant, and from the bizarre to the informative. This book is the quintessential source of information about one of the world’s most respected universities, perfect for current and prospective students, alumni, and locals.

Discover obscure facts, forgotten lore, and exciting tidbits about everything from student life and traditions to Town and Gown, including:

• Campus myths that may be true . . . or false . . . or funny!
• The University’s many connections to TV and movies
• Einstein’s true relationship to the University
• The when and how of Princeton’s informal motto “In the Nation’s Service and the Service of Humanity”
• The time a student rivalry with Rutgers led to football and cannon wars

About the authors: 

Helene van Rossum is a Dutch-born archivist, historical researcher, and writer who has lived and worked in Princeton most of her life. At Mudd Manuscript Library, which holds the Princeton University Archives, she processed and wrote about collections and curated exhibits, often working closely with Daniel Linke. She is passionate about finding stories behind archival documents and engaging with history creatively. As a children's book writer, she has written several picture books. She is presently focusing on historical fiction and sharing instructions and patterns to act out stories from the past with shadow or silhouette puppets.

Daniel J. Linke received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Case Western Reserve University and worked at three archives before starting at Princeton University Library in 1994 as head of Mudd Library’s technical services. Between 2002 and 2019, he served as the University Archivist and Curator of Public Policy Papers, supervising the acquisition, description, promotion, and access to the University Archives. As the University has reckoned with its past, he coordinated the archival exhibit about Woodrow Wilson’s contested legacy and served on the Princeton and Slavery project. He became the University Archivist and Deputy Head of Special Collections in April 2020.

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• Assistive listening system compatible with personal T-coil-enabled devices (compatible headphones also available for use during programs)
• English-language subtitles for films (when available)
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