Happy Holidays. Stay Warm.
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.
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!
Opportunities Coming up
Howe Farmstead
Howe Farmstead
Howe Farmstead
Preservation in Action News
Thank you to Somerset County for the grant for ongoing work in 2025. President Frank McGonigle and Trustee Alan Hurley accepted the award for the Society at the October Commission meeting.
Construction permit from Franklin Township was issued and work to replace gutters and roof of the main house is completed. Repairs to south wall in oldest section of the house are completed. Lovely white siding and a multipaned window have been installed. (This is the section that previously connected to the gazebo hothouse, which was removed.)
For your safety, PLEASE do not visit the site. We have pictures of ongoing work available at The Van Veghten House.
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Become a historic preservationist with our team and reach out today! Give us a call or email to register as a volunteer for Howe Farmstead's news and work day announcements
732-305-0265
Society Activities
Howe Farmstead
Howe Farmstead
Van Veghten Open House Tuesdays from 11 am to 3 pm and second and fourth Saturdays from 12 pm to 3 pm. Special dates by appointment.
The Van Veghten House will be closed to the public for the rest of the month of December Tuesdays Dec 10, 17, 24, 31
and Saturday Dec 28. We will be checking emails and phone messages.
See you again in January
Mark your calendars for a gathering January 18 at Manville Liberary to celebrate the Weston Mill, the site of one of the first battles of the Forage Wars in 1777.
It's time to Renew Your Membership for 2025. Watch for the mailing
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
- With the County Cultural and Heritage Commission restore and put to creative reuse the Howe Farmstead in Franklin Township
- 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, and a Website
- Issue Publications and video's of local interest
- Present authors and speakers
OUR 2023 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
In addition to holding weekly open house hours and handling numerous research requests, we also conducted another 50/50 raffle , created a new display highlighting Nathaneal Green's Quartermaster responsibilities and updated the display of attendees at "the pretty little Frisk", cleaned up after flooding from tropical storm Ida, welcomed our first student memberships, conducted a business membership solicitation, and was gifted with a Federal award. On our preservation project, electricity has been re-installed at last, and the County has agreed to restore the carriage house.
None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the active support of our membership . Thank You
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Somerset County Historical Society.
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