The preservation, restoration, and reuse of historic Bainbridge House constitute an important resource for and contribution to the town, an emblem of the University’s commitment to community engagement. From 1967 until 2015, Bainbridge House was home to the Historical Society of Princeton, which left in late 2015 to concentrate its activities at Updike Farm. Owned by Princeton University since 1877, for more than 50 years it served as the home of the Princeton Public Library.

Important historic events occurred there, including serving as lodging for members of the Continental Congress in 1783, and witnessing the birth of William Bainbridge, a hero of the War of 1812.

Bainbridge House, built in 1766 by Job Stockton, is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Princeton, New Jersey.