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 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.