Shared by Barbara DiLorenzo
The Places We Shop - Lillipies
Barbara DiLorenzo focuses on the warmth of Lillipies, where the smell of fresh baking and handmade treats make it hard to leave empty-handed.
A youth-led community archive
Every place has stories.
These are ours.
Celebrating the traditions, memories, and cultural identities of Princeton residents through storytelling and art.
40.3573° NPrinceton, New Jersey74.6672° W
The exchange
A living portrait of the people who make Princeton home.
Every story in this archive comes from someone in our community—a family tradition, a migration journey, a holiday recipe, a meaningful photograph, or a memory passed down through generations.
You’ll find these voices here and at Cultural Pathway Stations across town, each connecting our everyday places to the lives and histories around them.
The digital archive
Stories from our community
Memories, objects, recipes, photographs, and experiences shared by Princeton residents. The archive is just beginning.
Shared by Barbara DiLorenzo
The Places We Shop - Whole Earth Center
Barbara DiLorenzo highlights the everyday life of Whole Earth Center, from its shelves of organic foods to the people who make it a familiar part of the Princeton community.
Shared by Barbara DiLorenzo
The Places We Shop - jaZams
Barbara DiLorenzo brings jaZams to life, showing the colorful shelves, tucked-away corners, and little moments with customers that make the toy store so special.
Shared by Barbara DiLorenzo
The Places We Shop - The Princeton Record Exchange
Barbara DiLorenzo captures the lively atmosphere of Princeton Record Exchange, where music plays in the background and people come together over their shared love of records.
Shared by Anonymous
Branching Out
A painting reflecting the growth that comes from building new relationships after moving. Stepping outside familiar friendships offers an opportunity to embrace new connections and discover a sense of belonging in unexpected places.
Shared by Rachael Meng
Chinese Lanterns
A striking photo of traditional Chinese lanterns. Releasing them serves as a wish for community harmony and a prosperous future.
Shared by Anonymous
The Perfect Thanksgiving Bite
For some families, Thanksgiving traditions are defined by recipes. For others, they're defined by how the meal comes together on the plate. This story celebrates a Thanksgiving ritual where every forkful is a different combination of familiar flavors.
Shared by Anonymous
Bulgogi: A meal meant to be shared
A classic Korean dish of thinly sliced, marinated beef, bulgogi has long been enjoyed at family meals, celebrations, and gatherings with friends.
08 Published community stories in the growing archive.
Across town
Find a Cultural Pathway Station
Small public displays bring local stories into libraries, cafés, community centers, and other places woven into daily life.
Coming Soon
Each station includes a story excerpt, artwork, and a QR code linking back to the full archive.
About the project
Built by young people.
Shaped by a whole town.
The Princeton Cultural Exchange is a youth-led community initiative that collects and shares cultural stories from residents across Princeton.
Founded through the ONE Project, it aims to create a growing record of Princeton’s cultural diversity—one that is accessible, welcoming, and shaped directly by the voices of the people who live here.
The project is led by Nicola Schmidt, an incoming junior at Princeton High School, with guidance from mentors and support from community partners.
Contact Nicola
Add your voice
What story would you like Princeton to remember?
Share a memory, family ritual, holiday celebration, migration journey, recipe, object, place, or moment that reflects your heritage and identity.
Formats:
- Artwork
- Written story
- Short audio (up to 3 minutes)
- Interview
100+ characters requiredOptional photos or artworkYour choice how the story may be used