News from PRINCETON UNIVERSITY
Office of Communications
Stanhope Hall
Princeton, New Jersey 08544-5264
Telephone 609-258-3601; Fax 609-258-1301February 20, 2001
Contact: Ben Primer, (609) 258-6345
James Madison Exhibit Opens in Princeton's Firestone Library
An exhibit in the lobby of Princeton University's Firestone Library commemorates James Madison's role in drafting the United States Constitution and highlights some of the fourth president's Princeton connections. The exhibit is one of several events marking the 250th anniversary of Madison's birth and coincides with a conference titled "A Constitution for the Ages: James Madison the Framer," sponored by Princeton University's Graduate School.
The exhibit includes not only the three sheets that comprise the first printing (1787) of the Constitution, but also the first printing of the ratified Constitution. Early printings of The Federalist, whose debates motivated ratification, are also exhibited. These rare works from the Scheide Library are accompanied by original letters from Madison and his contemporaries documenting the framing of the Constitution and its ratification. Included is a letter in the distinctive hand of George Washington, who writes from Mount Vernon in 1788 of how pleased he is with the on-going process of ratification.
Madison's Princeton connections are richly documented by letters he wrote concerning his alma mater. Madison was a member of the Class of 1771. After graduating he remained at college until the spring of 1772 reading law and studying Hebrew -- prompting many to view him as one of Princeton's first graduate students. Madison returned to Princeton in 1783 when Congress briefly made it the capital of the United States. In 1787 Princeton awarded him an honorary Doctor of Laws for his endeavors in framing the Constitution, and in 1826 he accepted election as the first president of the newly-formed Alumni Association of Nassau Hall.
In an 1831 letter Madison offers his "best wishes for the prosperity of Nassau-Hall," which he calls an "ancient seat of the Muses." Also on display is one of the affectionate letters from Madison to his wife, Dolly, a memento of a famously successful marriage. Dolly Madison's will and a miniature portrait of her painted from life can also be seen. Other items of interest include Madison's own copy of his 1809 inaugural address; an 1808 American pasport signed by Madison as Secretary of State; two objects once owned by Madison, a snuff box and an ivory handled knife; and a bas-relief portrait of Giuseppe Ceracchi.
The exhibit in the lobby of Firestone Library is accessible to visitors from 8:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. daily and will remain on view through April 14th. For further information, please call (609) 258-3184.
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