Introducing The Flemington Lyceum Society Lecture Series!

Did you know that over 100 years ago, Flemington Borough was the was one of the places where something called the Lyceum Movement took place? It was a national effort to bring communities together through public lectures, storytelling, music, and good conversation. It was about sharing ideas—and building a stronger civic life.

Councilman Jeremy Long is launching the Flemington Lyceum Society—a modern lecture and story-sharing series by and for our local community.

The Flemington Lyceum Society: Ideas Worth Sharing. Community Worth Building.

Lecture/Talk Topics
Below is a list of the tentative lectures that need volunteers. ALL of these can be adjusted to suit the presenter and guest needs! If you have an idea for a lecture NOT listed here, feel free to suggest it! If you know someone with a great story, want to help with music, food, or organizing a potential lecture experience, contact Councilman Long at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call/text 609-608-2763.

1. “Civic Engagement: What’s Possible When a Community Connects” (MAY)
   (Launch topic – the origin point: dreams, contribution, belonging. Presented by Councilman Jeremy Long with guest(s)--TBD
2. “From Main Street Up: Local Business as Civic Infrastructure” (JUNE)
   • How small businesses shape public life
   • The shop as town square
   • Challenges & opportunities of community-minded commerce
3. “Who Lives Here? Housing, Access, and Equity in Our Town” (JULY)
   • Housing affordability and local identity
   • Renters, newcomers, and generational residents
   • Civic participation for all—not just property owners
4. “Public Spaces, Shared Places: Why Where We Gather Matters” (AUGUST)
   • Parks, libraries, sidewalks, coffee shops
   • Who uses public space—and who doesn’t?
   • Design for inclusion and spontaneous community
5. “How a Town Works: Inside Flemington's Local Government “(SEPTEMBER)
   • How decisions are made in Flemington
   • Where your taxes go
   • How can you get involved
6. “Youth & Civic Voice: Are We Listening to the Next Generation?” (OCTOBER)
   • What young people want from their town
   • Civic education and engagement
   • Empowering youth leadership in local decisions
7. “The Role of Arts and Culture in Building Civic Identity” (NOVEMBER)
   • Murals, music, performance, and public expression
   • Culture as a connector across difference
   • Supporting creative civic participation
8. “The Future of Flemington: Envisioning a Town We All Build Together” (DECEMBER)
   • Participatory visioning
   • Practical imagination: zoning, schools, safety, vibrancy
   • Zeroing in: from conversation to action

Proposed lecture series format
TIME: 1 hour

6:30-7:00– Prelude (Local musicians)

7:00 PM – Welcome & Opening Remarks (5 min)

• Brief intro to the Flemington Lyceum Society: “Ideas Worth Sharing. Community Worth Building.”
• Overview of the evening and acknowledgment of speakers

7:05 PM – Featured Lecture/Talk (15 min)

7:20 PM – Stories from 1-2 guests  (10 min)

• Each guest has 5-10 minutes to share their thoughts/experiences with the topic
• Focus question: Challenges, triumphs, and what civic life means to them

7:30 PM – Community Q & A (10-20 min)

• Open the floor to thoughtful questions for all speakers
• Encourage dialogue and shared stories from the audience

7:50 PM – Closing Remarks (5 min)

• Thank speakers and guests
• Invite everyone to stay for conversation and refreshments
• Share info on how to stay involved and upcoming events

8:00 PM – Event Concludes / More Music/ Optional Mingling
Light refreshments | Background music | Community connection