Princeton, N.J. — September 11, 2025 — Princeton Day School (PDS) has joined the Princeton Battlefield Society (PBS) to expand the “Men Without Shoes” project, an educational initiative designed to uncover and share the stories of rank-and-file soldiers who fought at the Battle of Princeton during the American Revolution.

The project aims to highlight the sacrifices of ordinary soldiers, many of whom faced extreme hardship, lack of supplies, and even fought without proper footwear. By focusing on their lived experiences, the project seeks to create a more inclusive and human-centered understanding of the Revolutionary War.

About the Partnership

Through this collaboration, PDS Upper School students will research the lives of enlisted soldiers, weaving their findings into the school’s history curriculum. Students will gain hands-on experience analyzing primary sources and developing narratives that bring these forgotten stories to light.

The program builds on prior work with Foundation Academies in Trenton, whose students examined the role of Black Continental soldiers at Princeton. Together, these efforts will provide a richer and more complete account of the diverse individuals who fought in the Revolutionary War.

Project Leadership

Ben Strong, President of the Princeton Battlefield Society, said:
“While we know the names of the generals, too often the stories of the enlisted men have been forgotten. We will not let history forget them, especially in the year we mark the 250th anniversary of our country and the Battle of Princeton.”

Katie O’Shaughnessy, Head of the PDS Upper School, added:
“Our students will recover the forgotten stories of soldiers who were their same age, fighting for independence just miles from our campus. This is an extraordinary opportunity to connect past and present.”

Origins of the Name

The project’s name, “Men Without Shoes,” is drawn from firsthand accounts of Continental Army soldiers. Sergeant Nathaniel Root, who fought at Princeton, recalled how many men marched barefoot through snow and ice, leaving “the ground literally marked with the blood of the soldiers’ feet.”

About the Princeton Battlefield Society

The Princeton Battlefield Society is dedicated to the preservation, interpretation, and promotion of the Princeton Battlefield State Park and related Revolutionary War history. The Society advocates for historical education and commemorates the contributions of those who fought for independence.

About Princeton Day School

Princeton Day School is an independent, coeducational day school serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. The school is committed to fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and engagement with the world both inside and outside the classroom.

For more information, read the full announcement here: