The Historical Society of Princeton and Nassau Presbyterian Church will present an evening of history and music to honor the 200^th anniversary of the War of 1812.

On Friday, September 28, “O Say Can You See?” Music of the War of 1812 begins at 7:30 with a lecture by Dr. David Hildebrand of The Colonial Music Institute (in Severna Park, Md.) followed by an 8 p.m. concert and post-performance reception. Guest artists will include singers from Westminster Choir College and recorder player John Burkhalter of The Practitioners of Musick.

Last spring, WWFM The Classical Network sponsored Dr. Hildebrand to produce a one-hour radio program entitled Broadside to Anthem: Music of the War of 1812, which was largely recorded at Nassau Presbyterian Church. Much of thatmaterial will be presented during this concert, which will showcase the huge variety of American songs inspired by the war. The program culminates in the true telling of the birth of the Star-Spangled Banner in September, 1814, dispelling several lingering myths along the way.

From the early stirrings of party politics under President Adams, the traumatic effect of Jefferson's Embargo in 1807, through the triumph at Fort McHenry, Americans took pen to paper to tear at political opponents, to dramatize the great sea battles between huge frigates in full sail and to laud battle heroes, like William Hull and Oliver Perry. In addition, marches, dance tunes and songs, both for and against the war, were sung at home, on the streets and in theaters. 

Tickets prices are $20 for adults; $15 students/seniors/Historical Society members. A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen.

For more information, or to purchase advanced tickets, please visit www.princetonhistory.org, or call (609) 921-6748, x105. Same day tickets will be available at the door, starting at 7 p.m.