Founded in 1882, the Somerset County Historical Society is dedicated to discovering, procuring and preserving the history of Somerset County, New Jersey.

We accomplish this in a variety of ways including:

       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 and Website

       Issue Publications of local interest

       Present authors and speakers 

       Foster a growing local community of history lovers of all ages

                                                                                                    OUR 2018 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Great stuff happened in 2018 here at the Van Veghten House National Historic Site and the Somerset County Historical Society.  There is much to be proud of.  Thanks for your interest and support.  Following is a sampling of how members and friends helped when they donated: 

 • Helped a member’s grandson create a video tape of the interior of the house as the beginning of a virtual tour.  This will allow visitors with physical disabilities to view the upper level and museum rooms, which have the physical barrier of stairs.

  • Helped the Society increase visibility and grow the community of history lovers, by participating in the county- wide Five Generals Tour, 4H Fair, and Weekend Journey Through the Past. Manned a table at the Tricounty History Fair held at Plainfield’s Library.  Set up a table and displays at Martinsville Community Fall Festival, Bridgewater Tree4All event, and Lord Stirling Weekend in Baskingridge.  Created our first annual Hungry for Heritage picnic and Pop Up Museum at the house.

 • Expanded offerings at the gift shop store by adding handmade mop caps, counted cross stitch book marks and 3 recent publications by county residents to the items we sell/promote.  These include Mrs. Patricia Beronio’s book about her father, Mayor of Manville, George Papawick (which won an award from the County Cultural Affairs); and Mr. Mark Greico’s publication expanding on the details of the Inian Tract (the first real estate development effort by Mrs. Carteret) along the current Easton Ave.

 • Partnered with The Heritage Trail to reproduce the original Middlebush Encampment Eagle’s Nest booklet for a planned 2019 seminar. 

 • Held 5 free public History Talk lectures and hosted two walking tours in the Wetlands Mitigation Project on the flood plain of the Raritan River in front of the house.

 • Welcomed family genealogical researchers from as far away as California and Texas to the Van Horne library!

 • Approved the establishment of a standing Americans With Disability Act (ADA) Committee,  named a chairperson and approved a  Policy Statement, Grievance Process and Long Term Plan.

  • Gratefully accepted a donation of 7 indentures and a map relating to land in Somerset County in the early 1700’s  and helped coordinate funding for their conservation.  Original 18th century handwritten documents!  What a wonderful addition to the history of the County!

 • Supplied the matching funds so the Society would qualify for an Operating  Grant from Somerset County Cultural and Heritage Commission.