To the Editor:
Saturday, March 14, marked the 147th anniversary of Albert Einstein’s birth. For 15 years, Princeton Tour Company founder Mimi Omiecinski organized “Princeton Pi Day,” celebrating both the scientist and the irrational number; townwide festivities included Pi recitation and Einstein look-alike contests. While there were fewer events this year, there was no loss of enthusiasm for the occasion.
The Historical Society of Princeton welcomed close to 200 visitors to its museum, which features a collection of Einstein’s furniture and personal belongings. Reenactor Bill Agress mingled with visitors and the Princeton Einstein Museum of Science provided demonstrations and games about magnetism and black holes. The Community Room at the Princeton Public Library was filled for a talk by journalist (and Einstein social media manager) Benyamin Cohen, author of the book, The Einstein Effect: How the World’s Favorite Genius Got into Our Cars, Our Bathrooms, and Our Minds.
We are so grateful to our collaborative partners for making the day a success. Special thanks to the Graduate by Hilton Princeton for its support, which included hosting Mr. Cohen in the hotel’s Einstein-themed room. Together, we brought the community together to honor and learn about the world-renowned scientist who called Princeton home for 22 years.