Your Source for Local History and Family Research in Somerset County, NJ

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 and Website

•  Issue Publications of local interest

•  Present authors and speakers 

OUR 2019 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Great stuff happened in 2019 here at the Van Veghten House National Historic Site and the Somerset County Historical Society. 

 There is much to be proud of.  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,  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, 

• Partnered with The Heritage Trail  to conduct the third symposium about the 1778-9 Middlebrook Encampment where we sold reissued copies of Carl Prince’s, Middlebrook, The American's Eagle's Nest.

• Held 5 free 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 second 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 1846 map relating to land in Somerset County which were donated to the Society in 2015.

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