Be Well and Stay Safe in these history making times.
Your Source for Local & Family History Research in Somerset County, NJ
Open House Hours resumed July 14th. with special conditions. Please see the "New Normal" guidelines
"New Normal" Procedures In a Covid 19 World
Effective Tuesday July 14 we have reopened using the following guidelines:
Access is limited.
- We are open to the public 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.
- Tours of the building will be limited to 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.
- We have cancelled all speaker programs for the rest of the year and will not participate in the County’s Weekend Journey To the Past event in early October. “Lunch on the Lawn” informal gatherings on Tuesdays and Walking tours in the Wetlands Mitigation Area will continue. Watch the website and our Facebook page for dates.
Upcoming Opportunities in October
Tuesdays, 11 - 3 Open to public.
Research by Appointment
Second Saturday, November 14, 12-3. Open House under new procedures described above
Sunday, November 15, Board Meeting and Annual Meeting
Sunday, November 22 at 2:00 PM
Walking Tour in Wetlands Mitigation. Be prepared for mud if there has been rain. We will access the property using the Trail Head in our parking lot. Bring your mask. Meet at the House. SEE YOU THERE1
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 discovering, procuring and preserving 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 2019 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Great stuff happened in 2019 here at the Somerset County Historical Society and Van Veghten National Historic Site.
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, 4-H Fair, Weekend Journey Through the Past, TriCounty History Fair (at Plainfield Public Library), Martinsville Community Fall Festival, and the Manville Community Day.
- Partnered with The Heritage Trail to conduct the third symposium about the 1778-79 Middlebrook Encampment.
- Held 5 public History Talk lectures; hosted 5 walking tours in the Wetlands Mitigation Project on the flood plain of the Raritan River in front of the house; and held our 2nd Annual Hungry for Heritage picnic and Pop Up Museum in August.
- Welcomed family genealogical researchers from as far away as South Carolina and Florida to the Van Horn library.
- Received the second phase of funding from the Society of Colonial Wars in the State of New Jersey to conserve the remaining two 18th century manuscripts and one map which were donated to the Society in 2015.
- Raised matching funds so the Society qualified for an Operating Grant from Somerset County Cultural and Heritage Commission.
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!
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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