Princeton Prepares For Pi Day Keeping Einstein Front & Center

PRINCETON, NJ - National Pi Day is March 14 and Princeton is gearing up to celebrate with several events scheduled.

What is Pi Day you ask? Well, it’s simple – it's because the date is 3/14, the first three digits of the irrational number π (Pi).

And like every year, all Pi Day events have Princeton’s most famous resident Albert Einstein, front and center as he was born on March 14, 1879.

The Historical Society of Princeton is cosponsoring three Pi Day events at the Princeton Public Library.

On Friday, March 14, an Open Archive will be presented by staff of the Historical Society, home to one of the world’s largest collections of Einstein’s personal belongings.

Visitors can stop by the Library’s Discovery Center, starting at 3:14 p.m., to view artifacts and materials that capture the human side of the renowned physicist. The material is presented with minimal interpretation, encouraging visitors to make observations, ask questions, and be historians themselves.

Two additional events take place on Saturday, March 15. At 2:30 p.m. in the Library’s Story Room, families can learn some “Einstein Facts and Fun.” This event is recommended for ages 6 and up, topics include Einstein’s family, pets, love of science and music, and efforts to promote social justice.

At 4 p.m., author and journalist Benyamin Cohen will speak in the Library’s Community Room about his book, “The Einstein Effect: How the World's Favorite Genius Got into Our Cars, Our Bathrooms, and Our Minds.”

Cohen manages the official social media accounts of Albert Einstein, where he posts every day to the 20 million fans who follow the world’s favorite genius across Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter).

All events are free with no registration required. To check out the full schedule of activities visit https://princetontourcompany.com/tours/pi-day/

There are also several fun events planned for the day, like Pie Eating Contests, Pie Judging Experience, Tours and more.

Princeton Public Library will host the Einstein Look ALike Contest, Pi Recitation and PiRade; Princeton Shopping Center and McCaffrey’s will host the Pie Eating Contest, LiLLiPies manages the Best Pie Experience, the Bent Spoon and LiLLiPies offer their annual fundraising event while Princeton Tour Company offers the Adult Pub Crawl with The Graduate Hotel and Nassau Inn and self-guided Albert Einstein tours available during the celebration at the pizza shops Conte’s, Jules, D’Angelo, Ivy Inn, Nomad Pizza and PJ’s Pancake House. For more information on these events and to register for the look-alike contest, click here.

For the Einstein Look-ALike and Pi Recitation Contests, winners take home $314.15.

For the non- competitive types, there are Dinky Rides with Einstein (featuring Bill Agress, professional reenactor), a Pi-Rade, author presentations, family friendly self-guided Albert Einstein tours and even a Genius Pub Crawl for Adults!

“Pi Day Princeton is a real treat for anyone who loves Pi, Pie, and Einstein!” said Mimi Omiecinski, founder and coordinator for the delightful event.

“The residents of Princeton adore this quirky event and hope everyone will come visit our town to celebrate Pi Day Princeton! With events on Friday and Saturday, it’s the perfect year to stay overnight and really experience Einstein’s hometown!”

The celebration is meant to honor Pi, mathematics, science, famous Princeton geniuses, local merchants, and, of course, Einstein’s big day.

Omiecinski encourages everyone to come and enjoy the activities and see first-hand how Princeton residents, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and business communities work together brilliantly to celebrate the Municipality.

You’ll find the full-day schedule here.

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com