Michael L. Rosenthal, Princeton
To the editor:
The ongoing concern over allowing the Institute for Advanced Study to construct faculty homes on the exact portion, or even near it on the Princeton Battlefield, is totally and completely contrary to the historical significance of this piece of ground so hallowed in and precious to American History —- and it is certainly our local tradition to preserve our history.
The Princeton community itself has been a vital part of American History since before the United States was founded, and as such has established a solid platform in our community for the appreciation of the historical events that happened here and elsewhere.
The institute has continued this tradition since the time of its founding, back in the 1930’s, when a young Jewish person was repeatedly denied permission to immigrate to America because there was at that time a quota on Jewish immigration. After much wrangling, it was decided that this person would be allowed, IF a job could be found for him so that there would be no danger of him becoming a public charge. The group of people endeavoring to negate the IF decided that a teaching facility would be ideal, because not only would it bring this person to America, it would provide teaching positions for others as well. The result was the Institute for Advanced Study that has brought many renowned scholars to Princeton. — and it needs to continue doing so.
The institute selects its professors and research professionals from among the finest in the world. This is its tradition and it is one that must certainly continue. It is undisputed that those who come to the institute must have the best housing possible so that they can do their work. But there are many other suitable places conveniently located in areas owned by the institute that will more than adequately meet their requirements — not of necessity the Princeton Battlefield.
Both the issues of the Princeton Battlefield Society and the needs of the institute are of importance. What is also important is that these two groups of highly learned and respectable people are locked in a needless power struggle that saps the vital energies and resources of both. It also makes no sense to have a tiny non-profit, the Battlefield Society, deadlocked with the powerful institute, again wasting energies that could be put to better use. Perhaps the Battlefield Society and the institute could, instead of bickering, cooperate and publish scholarly research incorporating the emerging evidence the Battlefield Society is uncovering.
Also to be considered is the concept of noblesse oblige, a concept and tradition from the late 19th century in which the wealthier helped those who were less so. This tradition was followed in Princeton (Marquand Park, for example) and it is hoped that it will continue in a way that the Princeton Battlefield will remain untouched and enjoyed by all, including the members of the institute. Doing so will negate the later erection of a memorial to “a most valuable historic site” when said site is already present and pristine — an idea that makes no sense. Also studies have shown that there are wetlands on site that are unbuildable as well as further evidence that the Battle of Princeton was fought right there.
Perhaps both groups of these truly learned and respectable people will be able to understand that one really does not have to be an Einstein (the person around whom the institute was started) to determine what to do — and quickly! After all, as the institute is also part of our Princeton community tradition, it must allow the preservation of our national and local heritage.
Michael L. Rosenthal, Ed.D.
Princeton
