Princeton University’s campus is a testament to its centuries of academic excellence; however, the University’s history is far more nuanced than what is visible at first glance. The (In)Visible History tours provide more than just a glimpse into the prestigious Ivy League experience; they invite participants to explore the campus in a way that encourages a re-examination of the past and its implications for the present and future.

Initially developed by the Campus Iconography Committee and launched in 2018, the (In)Visible History tours offer a guided exploration of the Firsts at Princeton, Traditions at Princeton, Women at Princeton, African Americans at Princeton, and Asians and Asian Americans at Princeton. The tours focus on aspects of Princeton’s history that have been less frequently discussed but have significantly contributed to shaping the campus and its community into what it is today. 

“We are delighted to continue the important work to develop a more complete narrative of Princeton’s history. As a community devoted to learning, we strive to provide opportunities for members of campus and beyond to understand and explore this history,” said Shawn Maxam, associate provost for institutional diversity and inclusion.

Users can access the tours via mobile devices or personal computers, allowing individuals or groups to take a self-guided walking tour on campus or follow the audio tour remotely. While on campus, tour followers can view the first stop of each of the five tours or by simply scanning the QR codes on the (In)Visible History banners in the Frist Campus Center.

Each tour stop features multimedia elements, including audio, images and videos, that enhance the storytelling and provide a richer understanding of the narratives featured.

Since their initial launch, the tours have been updated by the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity to reflect changing staff members, recently named spaces such as the Ikeda Arch, and other essential information.

“The University’s efforts are dynamic, so the tours have been refreshed to include the most recent historical markers and honorific namings. As the campus continues to evolve, we look forward to further updating the existing tours and adding more as appropriate,” said John Delap, institutional diversity and inclusion specialist.

For those interested in examining themes of the University's history, these tours offer a captivating and essential journey into Princeton’s nuanced history. Discover each tour's distinct features and notable highlights, which shed light on the lesser-known stories that have shaped the institution.

Highlights from the (In)Visible History tours 

Stories of African American Life at Princeton

Duration: 1 hour
Itinerary: 11 stops

Beginning at the Maclean House, the tour delves into Princeton’s ties to slavery from 1756 to 1822, illustrating the University’s transformation over time. It concludes with a focus on diversity and inclusion initiatives in the 21st century. The tour highlights the challenges, important milestones and continuous efforts of the University's Black students, faculty and staff.

Tour highlight: The stop at Cannon Green tells the story of John Leroy Howard, the first African American student to receive an undergraduate degree from Princeton in 1947. Howard was one of four Black undergraduates who came to Princeton during World War II through a U.S. Navy training program.

Stories of Asians and Asian Americans at Princeton

Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Itinerary: 12 stops

Explore the history of Asians and Asian Americans affiliated with Princeton, from the international students who enrolled in the 19th century to the contributions of notable Asian American scholars and students, as well as the creation of Asian American student organizations and their role in advocating for greater inclusivity and cultural awareness.

Tour highlight:  A stop at Lockhart Hall spotlights World War II and Princeton’s only Japanese student, Kentaro Ikeda ’44, who was confined to campus due to wartime restrictions that called for the incarceration of people of Japanese descent. Ikeda was one of approximately 4,000 people of Japanese descent approved by the U.S. government to continue his college education under confinement during the war. Lockhart Hall is the dormitory where Ikeda lived as a student, and the building’s archway was named in his honor in 2022. 

Stories of Women at Princeton

Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Itinerary: 15 stops

Women were only formally admitted to the University as students in 1969; however, long before this milestone, women played a pivotal role at Princeton. Tracing the history from the enslaved women owned by faculty and administrators in the 1700s to the roles of the wives of University presidents and the first female faculty and administrators, this tour offers insight into the challenges and triumphs of women at Princeton, both academically and socially.

Tour highlight: A stop at Alexander Hall tells the story of hidden donors and the secrets behind buildings around campus named in honor of men but financed by women. Here, we are introduced to Harriet Crocker Alexander, a socialite and the daughter of a railroad magnate, who donated $350,000 around 1892. That is the equivalent of more than $9.5 million in 2018, which built Alexander Hall in honor of three generations of alumni and trustees in her husband’s family.

Stories of “Firsts” at Princeton

Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Itinerary: 13 stops

Honor the journeys of cultural and identity groups at Princeton across different areas, from academics to athletics to student activism, religion and leadership. Tourists will discover the individual obstacles faced by the “firsts,” the resilience these groups showcased and the legacies they established. The tour further delves into overarching themes of inclusion, progress and the importance of representation.

Tour highlight: A stop at Dillon Gym, once the hub of all varsity sports, shares the origins of athletics at the University from the perspective of student athletes. Princeton has competed in intercollegiate sports since 1864, with the first women’s intercollegiate competition taking place in 1971. Title IX, enacted in 1972, ensured equal access to athletics facilities and competition for women at Princeton.

Stories of Traditions at Princeton

Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Itinerary: 14 stops

Take a fascinating look at the long-standing customs, rituals and practices that have shaped University culture over the centuries. From the eating clubs to the annual Princeton Reunions and the origins of the iconic beer jackets, this tour also displays how traditions have evolved to be more accessible, inclusive and meaningful to better represent changing University demographics.

Tour highlight: The first stop on the tour, Nassau Hall, shares the legend surrounding the FitzRandolph Gate. This tall, black, wrought-iron entrance to Princeton’s campus has stood since 1905. According to the enduring myth, students who exit the campus through the gate before graduation will not graduate.