Check out our new wearable merchandise at Shop to Support SCHS.
The Local Source for The Historian In All of us.
We can help with local research, genealogy, archives, programs and networking.
Open House Hours with special conditions.
Opportunities in February
Tuesdays, 11 - 3 Open to public.
Research by Appointment
Open House Second Saturday, February 13
Closed due to SNOW Feb 2
Tuesdays February 9, 16,23
Walking Tour Scheduled Sunday, Feb 28 2 PM (Weather Permitting)
Take a stand and join the oldest Historical Organization in the County
With your support of time, talent and treasure you join a dynamic group of history lovers united to celebrate and preserve the fascinating story of life in Somerset County then and now!
"New Normal" Procedures In a Covid 19 World
We have reopened using the following Covid Pandemic guidelines:
We have cancelled all speaker programs until further notice But...
We are open to the public with special restrictions.
For Research By Appointment Only. Please call or send an email request at least 3 weeks in advance to schedule. (This is because the house is only open one day a week and we need time to get your request and followup with you.)
- For research we will assign a research assistant who will pre-screen the people who wish to come in order to determine the information they are looking for. They will then preselect materials that may meet those needs, and shepherd materials while you are in the house. You may be asked to wear gloves when handling materials. Please expect to present information about your needs at the time the appointment is verified. The length of time for an appointment may vary based on the number of requests received for a specific day.
For Tours for small groups in order to maintain social distancing. All guests will have their temperature checked by a non–touch thermometer. If there is a fever, there will be no access. Bring your own mask.
- Because of occupancy guidelines by the federal and state authorities, occupants will wear masks and maintain at least 6 feet of social distancing in the house. To facilitate this we are limiting occupancy in each room.
- Visitors are urged to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer upon entering. Supplies will be available in the entrance hall.
- There will be no eating in the building.
- When climbing the stairs to the upper level, you are asked to take a sanitary wipe to use as you clutch the banister. Waste baskets and wipes will be available at the top and bottom of the stair.
- We will be cleaning the washrooms & entry doors after every visitor or as needed. (We will be cleaning the entire floor and all touch surfaces as part of our closing process.)
- Guests are requested not to touch displays.
Welcome
There's much to see here. So, take your time, look around, and learn all there is to know about us. We hope you enjoy our site and take a moment to drop us a line. And while you're browsing, check out our Facebook page!
OUR MISSION
Founded in 1882, the Somerset County Historical Society is dedicated to finding, saving and sharing the history of Somerset County, New Jersey
We accomplish this in a variety of ways including:
- Foster a growing local community of history lovers of all ages
- Maintain and preserve the Van Veghten House, a National and State Historic Site
- Collect and maintain an Archives of manuscripts, photographs and ephemera related to Somerset County History
- Collect and maintain a Library of State & Local History Books and Genealogical Resources
- Conduct and assist public with genealogical and local history research
- Maintain Museum of early hand tools and Native American stone tools
- Communicate through Quarterly Electronic Newsletter, Facebook , video vignettes called Sampling of Somerset, and a Website
- Issue Publications and video's of local interest
- Present authors and speakers , record and publish oral histories from County residents
OUR 2020 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Despite the Great Pandemic Shutdown, great stuff happened at the Somerset County Historical Society and Van Veghten National Historic Site in 2020. Thank you for your interest and support.
Following is a sampling of how members and friends helped when they donated:
- Participated in the countywide Five Generals Tour, and the virtual Weekend Journey Through the Past.
- Held 1 public History Talk lecture (before Pandemic shutdown); hosted several walking tours in the Wetlands Mitigation Project on the flood plain of the Raritan River in front of the house and created a brochure to share with hikers.
- Hosted a Boy Scout Eagle Project to renovate the side porch on the east end of the house, which included laying a slate floor and shingling the roof with cedar shakes.
- Raised matching funds so the Society qualified for an Operating Grant from Somerset County Cultural and Heritage Commission.
- Opened a electronic store on Etsy with Society related merchandise
- Continued improving the house's curb appeal and landscaping with donated plantings. Applied for mini-grant from Native Plant Society of NJ.
- initiated a high school internship to research part of the Van Veghten House's farm heritage.
- Handled more than 200 genealogical and local history inquiries.
Contact Us
Learn more about historic Somerset County and your family history at our research library & archive
Come and visit us. Finding us is part of the adventure. We are hidden in an industrial park on a dead end off Rt 633, also known as Finderne Avenue.
To send us an email click on the "Email Us" button below. Our email address is info@somersethistorynj.org
Somerset County Historical Society
9 Van Veghten Drive Bridgewater, New Jersey 08807, United States
Hours
Our research library and museum are open to the public at the following times:
Tuesdays: 11 am to 3 pm.
2nd Saturday of each month: 12 pm to 3 pm.
Other hours by appointment.
Funding for the Somerset County Historical Society is provided, in part,
by the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State, through the State/County History Partnership Program Grant and administered by the Somerset County Cultural and Heritage Commission.
Copyright © 2020
Somerset County Historical Society.
All Rights Reserved.
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