News
May 19, 2025
Michael Knab elected LHS Trustee
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The Lawrence Historical Society is pleased to announce the election of Michael Knab to its board of trustees.
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Michael is a seasoned marketing director with over a decade of experience leading high-impact content and product initiatives, most recently at ETS for the TOEFL assessments of English-language proficiency. In this role, he managed international marketing campaigns and developed numerous resources for TOEFL test takers, teachers, advisors and institutions. Michael is also a former middle school English and math teacher. He holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Trinity Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts from Villanova University.
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Michael is a longtime scout leader and has served as Scoutmaster of Troop 28, chartered by the Lawrence Road Presbyterian Church. Troop 28 scouts have been the builders of the Lawrence Historical Society’s Hogmanay bonfire since 2016, and Michael has been the firemaster for the event since 2022.
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He and his wife Laurie live in Lawrence Township and have three sons, all graduates of Lawrence High School.
August 2, 2024
Rashina Mocktar elected LHS Trustee
The Lawrence Historical Society is pleased to announce the appointment of Rashina Mocktar to its board of trustees.
Rashina is a seasoned Executive Assistant with a comprehensive background in the private equity industry. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in International Trade from the University of South Africa. Rashina’s professional path led her to the heart of Wall Street, where she thrived amidst the world’s leading financial institutions in New York City. As an executive assistant in New York City’s financial sector, Rashina has developed a keen understanding of the industry’s intricacies. Currently, she brings her expertise to BlackRock in Princeton, contributing to the firm’s success with her sharp skills and industry knowledge.
Outside of her professional life, Rashina is deeply connected to the environment, a passion that manifests in her love for gardening, nature, and the great outdoors. Her commitment to environmental conservation is further demonstrated through her volunteer work at The Watershed Institute and Easel Animal Shelter, where she advocates for animal welfare and contributes to the community.
In addition to her love for animals and the environment, Rashina has a deep interest in history, particularly local history. This fascination enriches her understanding of her community and the world around her.
She finds joy and balance in her life in Lawrenceville, where she lives with her husband, three children(one of whom is a member of the Society’s Junior Historian club), and her cherished pets—two dogs and two cats.
October 2, 2023
Dana Maughan elected LHS Trustee
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The Lawrence Historical Society is pleased to announce the election of Dana Maughan to its board of trustees.
Maughan received a BS and a MS in Communication Disorders from Brigham Young University. After graduation, she worked as a speech therapist for a school district in Utah until moving to Delaware in 2020. Since then, Maughan has been fortunate enough to be a “stay-at-home” mom to her two young children. Outside of the home, Maughan has continued to hold various leadership positions within organizations of women and youth at her church’s local congregations. Maughan has a passion for all things etiquette, architecture, and American history. Since moving to Lawrence Township in 2022, she has loved getting to know the community.
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"Dana will play a key part in expanding the Society’s youth programming, “stated Society president, Joe Ciccone.
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Maughan succeeds Katherine Meeker-Cohen, who assumed emeritus status earlier this year..
September 28, 2023
Lawrence Historical Society Launches “Storytime at the Brearley House”
The Lawrence Historical Society is launching a free program aimed at young children called "Storytime at the Brearley House."
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The children can engage in story-telling, singing and hands-on activities in three storytime sessions in October. The sessions are set for Oct. 14, Oct. 21 and Oct. 28, starting at 10:30 a.m. at the historic 1761 Brearley House. The house is at the end of Meadow Road, off Princeton Pike.
The sessions are geared toward children who are 2 years old to 7 years old, and will be led by members of the Lawrence Historical Society's Junior Historians Club. Each session will revolve around a different historic theme.
Once the Junior Historians, who will be wearing period clothing, have finished reading picture books, the children will be able to take part in singalongs and other activities related to the session's theme.
In the first session on Oct. 14, children will learn what life was like for children their age in the 19th century and have a chance to practice their skills at washing clothes with an old-fashioned washboard.
In the second session on Oct. 21, children will learn about the struggle for women's right to vote and create their own suffragette sashes.
In the third and final session on Oct. 28, they will learn about the history of Halloween. They will be encouraged to wear their costumes and do some trick-or-treating.
After each session, the children and their families can tour the Brearley House. The event is free, but donations are appreciated.
"The Lawrence Historical Society has numerous programs for adults and teens, but we really didn't have anything for our youngest residents,” said Society board member and program creator Dana Maughan. “This program helps fill that gap."
Advanced registration is preferred because of space restrictions. To register for one or more sessions, visit https://tinyurl.com/lhsstory.
August 8, 2023
Lawrence Historical Society establishes Ruth Barringer lectureship
The Lawrence Historical Society is pleased to announce the creation of a lectureship in honor of longtime Society member Ruth Barringer. The new Ruth Barringer Annual Lecture Series will be held each February at the Society’s annual meeting, starting in 2024.
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“I’m thrilled the Society’s board of trustees made this decision,” stated Society president, Joe Ciccone. “This will serve as a permanent reminder of an individual who cares so deeply about preserving and promoting the history of Lawrence Township. I can’t think of anyone more deserving than Ruth.”
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A native of Wilmington, Delaware, Barringer and her late husband, Don, moved to Lawrence in 1961. In 1987, Barringer was elected to the Board of Trustees of the Lawrence Historical Society, a position she held until retiring in 2022.
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Although Barringer has had many accomplishments, her greatest undoubtedly occurred in the late 1990s when she co-chaired the fundraising committee to restore the Lawrence Township owned Brearley House, the 1761 brick farmhouse on Meadow Road. Under her stewardship, the committee’s fundraising effort exceeded the $175,000 goal established by Lawrence Township Council, which proved crucial to the restoration effort.
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“Ruth made the restoration of the Brearley House possible,” recalled Douglas Sargent, senior member of the township’s Historic Preservation Advisory Committee. “Her enthusiasm and drive inspired us all to make a difficult project possible. The result is spectacular.”
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In addition to her work with the historical society, Barringer has also served on the Lawrence Township Historic Preservation Advisory Committee and been a board member of D&R Canal Watch and Lawrenceville Point Homeowners Association. She has been honored by Lawrence League of Women Voters, Lawrence Non-Profit Housing, Princeton Area Community Foundation, and NJ Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Parks and Forestry.
June 29, 2023
Lawrence High Senior Margie-Ree Simmonds Wins 2023 Nash Scholarship
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Each year at the Lawrence High School Senior Awards Night, the Lawrence Historical Society presents The Winona Nash History Award to an outstanding high school senior who has demonstrated excellence in history and is actively involved in extracurricular activities, as determined by the faculty.
Margie-Ree Simmonds is this year’s winner.
The award was presented by Lawrence High School Assistant Principal Dr. Clifford Williams and the Society’s Junior Historians Nate Kunkel and Julia Ciccone. Dr. Williams serves on the Society’s Board of Trustees. Nate and Julia are 11th Grade students at Lawrence High School.
This Fall, Margie-Ree will begin her college studies at Howard University, with a major in Political Science and a minor in History. She would like to become a lawyer.
Margie-Ree is described by her friends as a hardworking, dedicated, loyal, and entertaining young woman. A successful extracurricular leader, her activities include the LHS Theater, International Alliance, Gospel Choir, and Students for Social Activism. An active volunteer, she participated for four years in a program called Fulfilling Destiny and Purpose for Girls. Through this program, she developed relationships with younger girls who ultimately regarded her as a big sister.
Margie-Ree has chosen to take a rigorous set of courses and has earned high marks during her years at LHS, demonstrating grit and perseverance in meeting every challenge.
Margie-Ree loves learning. She is curious about all types of subjects and has jumped at the opportunity to experience college life and college courses whenever possible. For two summers, in addition to maintaining a full schedule of courses at LHS, she attended camp at Montclair College, and currently participates in Mercer County Community College’s On-Ramps to College Program. On-Ramps to College is a college readiness program for juniors and seniors that consists of a 4-week college skills course and academic success coaching.
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Her favorite LHS courses include Modern World History because she enjoys learning about more “recent” world events, and how the actions of one country can affect another; AP US History because she enjoys learning about her country’s history and why it works the way it does; Ensemble because she enjoys group singing and making music with people; and Chemistry because she found the compounds and different things that can be done with elements interesting.
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She regards Gospel Choir as her most significant contribution and personal accomplishment in high school.
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The Society is proud to recognize Margie-Ree as an outstanding student and future leader. Margie-Ree’s award includes a mounted certificate, Pulitzer Prize winning author David McCollough’s The Great Bridge: The Epic Story of the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge, and a check for $300.00. She and her family will receive complimentary membership in the Society.
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June 5, 2023
Alden Elected to Board
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The Society’s board has elected fourth generation Lawrencian Mira Alden as its newest trustee.
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Mira Alden has broad and diverse expertise in visual communications, marketing, design, and business development. For over 10 years, she's produced beautiful, comprehensive, and memorable branding materials for global clients ranging from small tech startups to Fortune 100 companies. Industries she serves include Health/Pharma, Technology, Business Products & Services, Legal & Financial Services, Education, Environmental Science & Conservation, Fashion & Beauty, and Performing & Visual Arts. Alden holds an MFA in Graphic Design from Rhode Island School of Design and a BFA with highest honors from the University of Hawaii.
January 31, 2023
Lichtenstein and Stahl Elected to Society’s Board
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The Society’s board, at its January meeting, elected two longtime Lawrence Township residents as trustees: Alison Lichtenstein and James Stahl.
Alison Lichtenstein has over 25 years experience as a digital marketing and customer and employee experience professional, having worked at various advertising agencies and for 15 years at Dow Jones across their consumer and professional products, such as The Wall Street Journal. Ali currently works at Citi as an SVP, Customer Experience Design Lead for Personal Banking & Wealth Management. A native of Bucks County, PA and graduate of the Newhouse School at Syracuse University, she has lived in Lawrenceville with her family for over 18 years and is passionate about the history, culture, and community our town has to offer.
James Stahl is a partner in the law firm of Borrus, Goldin, Foley, Vignuolo, Hyman & Stahl, PC. He has been the Municipal Judge of The Township of East Windsor from October 2004 to present.
Jim received his Bachelor of Arts degree Juris Doctor from Rutgers University. He was admitted to the New Jersey Bar and the United States District Bar in 1972, the United States Supreme Court in 1978, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in 1981. Jim served as Municipal Court judge in Spotswood from 1974 to 1982, Municipal Court judge in Helmetta from 1979 to 1982, and Municipal Prosecutor for the Township of East Windsor from 1991 through 2004.
December 19, 2022
Hogmanay is back!
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The Lawrence Historical Society is pleased to report that after a two year absence due to COVID, the annual New Year's Eve Hogmanay bonfire is back.
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"Hogmanay has been a cherished tradition in Lawrence for more than two decades," stated Society president, Katherine Meeker-Cohen. "We are overjoyed to bring it back."
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For more information, visit the Hogmanay homepage.
August 1, 2022
We are thrilled to report we have just published the latest issue of Places in Time, the quarterly newsletter of the Lawrence Historical Society.
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Content in this issue includes:
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- "The Lawrence That Never Was", an article by Dennis Waters on some intriguing historical 'what ifs'.
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- A profile of Lawrence High Senior Reetika Agarwal, the 2022 Nash Scholarship winner.
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- Updates on the upcoming Tanner Lecture and the recent election of prominent local attorney Jeffrey Lang to the Society's board.
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Places in Time is available to all members of the Society. Back issues can be found free of charge on the Society’s website at:
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June 1, 2022
Jeffrey A. Lang was recently elected to the board of the Lawrence Historical Society.
Jeff Lang is a shareholder at the law firm of Stark & Stark. Where he is a member of the firm’s Investment Management & Securities Group. He has over 25 years of regulatory and compliance experience, including SEC, FINRA, and global corporate compliance expertise and has served as a Chief Compliance Officer with both large institutional and start-up registered investment advisers.
Lang has been a resident of Lawrence Township for more than a decade and has been a member of the township’s NJ Trails & Open Space Committee since 2014. He is also a board member of EASEL Animal Rescue League.
