1972 - The Hills Development Company and Toll Brothers built New Jersey's largest residential development at the time: 1,880 units in Bernards Twp. 3,200 in Bedminster (5,100 total), consisting of 610 Mt. Laurel units, single family homes and commercial sites on 1,500 acres over 20 years starting in 1972.
Did you know that Liberty Ridge, a section of The Hills Development in Basking Ridge and Bedminster, is named in memory of the Revolutionary War patriots who built the nation's first artillery school on Schley Mountain, known also as the Pluckemin Artillery Encampment, America's first military academy and forerunner to the West Point Military Academy.
We look forward to seeing all of you next year!!!!
Charter Day commemorates the anniversary of the May 24, 1760 granting of a township Charter by King George II of England, establishing Bernardston
Township.
This act was as a courtesy and in appreciation for the
services of Sir Francis Bernard, Royal Governor of New Jersey. From January 27, 1758 to July 4, 1760 Sir Francis Bernard, son of a British Reverend was appointed for two years as Royal Governor of New Jersey.
The Brick Academy, home to the Historical Society of theSomerset Hills will be open for the entire day celebrating it's 201st birthday. We hope you'll stop by for a visit. We are just off the town green.
Expect visitors to the downtown Basking Ridge section of Bernards Twp celebration to reach over 10,000 as the festivities commence with the Town Crier conducting the opening ceremonies on the downtown green at 11am. Bernards Twp includes the areas including Basking Ridge, Lyons, Liberty Corner, and West Millington.
Street Fair 11am-5pm
Entertainment – 11am-10pm
Above: Governor Francis Bernard, Governor of New Jersey (1758-1760) sits next to a replica of the official Charter of Bernardston. Click on each image to learn more.
Close Down the Streets -
It's Time for a Festival!
This will be Bernards Township's 16th
annual Charter Day Festival promises to be
a fun and festive day with food, games, rides for the kids, local vendors, art displays, service groups
and reminders of history all joined together at this annual street fair and festival right in the heart of the Bernards Twp section of downtown Basking Ridge.
The Brick Academy will be open from 11am-5pm. Stop by to see new exhibits, the new schoolhouse top floor. New gifts and keepsakes for the kids. Just off the Town Green.
Limited Engagement:
This sure to be a classic Bernards Township 250th Anniversary local collectible, "Around and About - Basking Ridge, Liberty Corner, and Lyons will be a 148 page limited release and only available from the Historical Society of the Somerset Hills at their Brick Academy home starting on May 15, 2010 commemorating the 250th Bernards Township Charter Day celebration.
The book will be available for direct purchase for $20.00 at the Brick Academy beginning on Charter Day, May 15, 2010, and Kennedy will be present from 1 - 3 p.m. for book signings.
Post Charter Day Update:
A limited number of copies are still available - Click Here for details
HISTORY, THE ARTS,
MUSIC, & FUN
Musical entertainment will include musical groups
performing on two stages and will include a local "Battle of the Bands" event at the Henry Street stage from 1-4pm.
The nearby Oak Street school field will be the place for kiddie rides, attractions,
moon bounces, slides, and other various rides for kids young and old.
The day promises to be one filled with crafts, games, rides, music,
art, food, vendors, historical displays, local school and organizations'
participation.
What better way to celebrate the Township's history than
by living it? Happy birthday, Bernards Township!
Start today and learn more about the wonderful history of Bernards Twp, and the entire Somerset Hills area. Visit http://www.thssh.org/history101.php and begin your journey!
Parking and shuttle bus available at the Municipal Complex on Collyer Lane and Ridge High School.
Exhibits & Booth Space (SOLD OUT)
To request booth space for the
Bernards Twp Charter Day Festival, please contact:
BERNARDS TWP
Close Down the Streets - 
Anniversary local collectible, "Around and About - Basking Ridge, Liberty Corner, and Lyons will be a 148 page limited release and only available from the Historical Society of the Somerset Hills at their Brick Academy home starting on May 15, 2010 commemorating the 250th Bernards Township Charter Day celebration.
Musical entertainment will include musical groups
performing on two stages and will include a local "Battle of the Bands" event at the Henry Street stage from 1-4pm.
