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 community of history enthusiasts of all ages.
- Preserve and maintain the Van Veghten House, a National and State Historic Site.
- Restore and creatively reuse the Howe Homestead in partnership with the County Cultural and Heritage Commission.
- Collect and maintain archives of manuscripts, photographs, and ephemera related to Somerset County history.
- Build and maintain a library of state and local history books and genealogical resources.
- Conduct and assist the public with genealogical and local history research.
- Communicate through a quarterly electronic newsletter, social media, video vignettes, and our website.
- Publish materials and videos of local historical interest.
- Host authors and speakers.
- Maintain a Revolutionary War Museum highlighting the 1778–1779 Middlebrook Encampment in Somerset.
Some of Our 2025 Accomplishments
In 2025, the Society:
- Held weekly open house hours and responded to over 180 public inquiries.
- Participated in County-led docent training and welcomed five new interns and members.
- Partnered with the other Five Generals Houses for the spring bus tour.
- Contributed to the Middlebrook Symposium, with one member serving as a speaker.
- Sponsored a joint program with the County highlighting Dutch barns in Somerset.
- Participated in History on the Green in Somerville.
- Hosted a basket-making workshop during the all-county “Journey Through the Past.”
- Met with the State Historic Preservation Commission regarding flood mitigation efforts.
- Attended New Jersey League of Historical Societies meetings.
- Remodeled museum rooms to create a Revolutionary War display featuring the Middlebrook Encampment and Van Veghten involvement.
- Published How Central Jersey Won the Revolutionary War.
- Completed exterior restoration of the Howe Farmstead in Franklin Township.
None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the active support of our volunteers and members. Thank you for helping us preserve and celebrate Somerset County’s history!
