Members of the New Jersey General Assembly and Senate gathered at Princeton University’s Nassau Hall on February 5 for a ceremonial session marking the 250th anniversary of the legislature’s first official meeting. Nassau Hall hosted the inaugural legislative session on August 27, 1776, where William Livingston was elected as New Jersey’s first governor. The legislature remained in Princeton until moving to Trenton in 1790.
“Today isn’t simply a change in venue for us — it’s a return home,” Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin said in his opening remarks: “A return to our beginnings, to the place where our legislature first met in 1776 at the dawn of a new and uncertain democracy.”
State legislators conducted their ceremonial session seated beneath portraits of George Washington and King George II. Following the event, many lawmakers took photos to commemorate returning to their original meeting place. This observance is part of broader commemorations for America’s Semiquincentennial—the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
The ceremony included members and staff from both legislative chambers, university administrators, Lt. Gov. and Secretary of State Dale Caldwell, British Consul General Oliver Christian, Princeton Mayor Mark Freda, among others. Rev. Theresa S. Thames delivered an invocation and Majority Leader Louis D. Greenwald led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Coughlin reflected on Princeton’s historical significance for New Jersey: “Princeton has always had an important role in the state of New Jersey. It’s the intersection of intellect and public service. And for generations, it has helped cultivate talents and ideas that strengthen our state and our nation, an enduring partnership for which we are deeply grateful,” he said. “It is with that shared history in mind that we’re being here today is particularly special.”
He also remarked on events witnessed by Nassau Hall over centuries: “The walls … have borne witness to moments that shape not just New Jersey, but the nation — from the first meeting of our elected Assembly to the sessions of the Constitutional Congress to leaders debating the future of a country that had yet to prove that it would survive.” Coughlin added: “It was also here that civilian authority came to rest not in a king, but in the people… And it is that same spirit of resolve and responsibility that we gather here today to commemorate.”
Princeton President Christopher L. Eisgruber welcomed attendees by noting how “Princeton University and the great state of New Jersey have grown together,” expressing gratitude for lawmakers’ leadership while affirming commitment to partnerships with legislators across New Jersey.
Eisgruber discussed Nassau Hall’s connection to American constitutional tradition: “James Madison, often referred to as ‘father of the Constitution,’ lived and studied here,” he said. “George Washington liberated Nassau Hall from the British during the Battle of Princeton… From June to November 1783, Princeton was the nation’s capital and Nassau Hall, its government home.”
Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell thanked Eisgruber for his stewardship before introducing RevolutionNJ—a state initiative highlighting New Jersey’s role in America’s founding era—and described his return as “very special and kind of surreal.”
Joseph Klett from New Jersey State Archives reviewed early state history using archival items such as minutes from that initial legislative session at Nassau Hall; Sara Cureton from NJ Historical Commission outlined plans for RevolutionNJ throughout America’s Semiquincentennial year.
British Consul General Oliver Christian spoke about evolving relations between Britain and America: “Freedom is a value right at the heart of America, but it’s also at the heart of our special relationship — … It binds us together in a shared history and our common future.”
During this session eight resolutions were approved unanimously—including recognition for this anniversary gathering at Nassau Hall; celebration of Princeton University’s founding; honors for both local contributions during Revolutionary times; recognition for military service; acknowledgment toward unsung efforts by past New Jerseyans.
Assemblyman Coughlin adjourned proceedings with thanks: “Thanks for having us back,” he said.”It’s good to be home.”
In addition to these legislative events, Princeton University will mark America’s Semiquincentennial with exhibitions featuring original copies of key documents like the Declaration of Independence and Constitution as well as panels examining U.S transformations through history—all scheduled throughout 2026 at campus venues including Firestone Library’s Milberg Gallery.
