1749 - Did you know that the Township of Bedminster, Chartered on April 4, 1749 in the name of King George II, includes the historic villages of Burnt Mill, Vliettown, Pluckemin, Lamington, Pottersville, Greater Crossroads, and Bedminster districts.
Did you know that the original document chartering the Township of Bedminster, is owned by the Forbes Family of Bedminster.
Exhibit:
Hauntings in the Somerset Hills:
Fact or Fiction?
A new exhibit, "Hauntings in the Somerset Hills: Fact or Fiction" opens at the Brick Academy on Sunday, October 2. On display will be historical photographs and story boards of two intriguing properties: The Vealtown Tavern, formerly the Bernardsville Library and now Meli Melo, and the Blairsden Estate in Peapack-Gladstone. The exhibit can be viewed each Sunday in October 2011 during the hours 2-4:00 PM. Learn More
October 20, 2011
Ghost Tales of a Wary Traveler
During this 'first person' performance, Beverly Costa, a historic character interpreter, gives her guests the chance to meet and listen to a woman traveling across New Jersey by stage.
Listen to strange tales of 18th century haunting's and ghostly encounters that have followed the woman throughout her travels.
A friendly, frightfully delightful event for the entire family.
Thursday, October 20, 2011 - 7:30pm at the Brick Academy
September 20 , 2011
Bedminster Fall Fest Membership Drive
As the leaves turn to orange and red and the crisp clear fall days give way to cool nights, there comes Fall Fest, Bedminster's celebration to Fall and community. The Historical Society of the Somerset Hills participated as a community service organization promoting the history of the local area including Pluckemin, the Vanderveer Knox House, and other Bedminster historic landmarks.
For 2011 THSSH welcomed the Vanderveer Knox House and General George Washingtion, as well as the Bernardsville Historic Preservation Commission to join THSSH promoting local history.
In addition to hand pressed apple cider and tractor hayrides, Brooks Betz, THSSH Trustee and Daniel Lincoln, President of the Bernardsville HPAC joined over a thousand guests at River Road Park in Bedminster for a great afternoon of sharing information and stories of historic happenings in and around the Somerset Hills.
The Basking Ridge Garden Club and The Historical Society of the Somerset Hills
invite you to visit the Gardens of the Historic Somerset Hills -
Friday, June 17 - 10 AM to 3 PM (Rain or Shine)
Nine Private Gardens
The Wandering Garden at the VNA
Garden Gift Boutique
Master Gardener Information Table
Floral Art Show at the Brick Academy
A portion of the proceeds to benefit the Memorial Garden at the Center for Families of the Fallen, Dover, Delaware - Learn More
May 2011
Civil War Exhibit Marks
150th Anniversary
Did you know that the Civil War had direct involvement in the Somerset Hills area. A new exhibit sponsored by THSSH at the Bernards Twp library reminds us all about this important 150th anniversary. Learn More
May 21, 2011
BERNARDS TWP CHARTER DAY
Learn about the grand history and celebrate the 251st Anniversary -
Click the image to enlarge! Visit www.charterday.com
May 2011
June Kennedy - THSSH Trustee and Local Historian
BERNARDS TWP. - May 2011
What Are Some Interesting Historic Sites in Basking Ridge?
Even local history groups like us use FACEBOOK...
BECOME A FAN and get quick updates, news, events, and local historic infomation.
January 2011
What Happened in 2010?
THSSH's 2010 Annual Report is now available for download
December 2010
New Scholarship Program
The Lorraine Passmore Historic Preservation Scholarship Program honors a dedicated member and encourages historic preservation practice. Read more
December 5, 2010
Tickets on Sale Now!
Tour six properties of historic significance and architectural distinction decked in festive holiday decor! Refreshments at the Brick Academy
Sponsored by The Historical Society of the Somerset Hills
$25 per ticket Please send a check with a business size, self-addressed, stamped envelope to: THSSH, P.O. Box 136, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
Checks must be received by November 26 Event to be held regardless of weather conditions.
Shop with a Purpose!
If you haven't heard about this program, we hope you'll join and participate. It's simple, just click the Shop for Museums.com logo above,
or
just Click Here to learn more about the program.
October 17, 2010
Walking Tour of Historic Basking Ridge
Come to the Brick Academy on Sunday, October 17, 2010 and experience the NEW walking Tour!
Walking Tour of Historic Basking Ridge Village now mashed with Google Maps
Two versions are now available - online and downloadable.
A great way to see some of the most noted historical sites
in and around the downtown Basking Ridge area.
Taken from the historic pamphlet from our online archives, here's a new way to get a virtual look at the historic hamlet of Basking Ridge.
Start at the Brick Academy, home to the Historical Society of the Somerset Hills (it's marked with a "Circled Question Mark".) Created by Trustee member Brooks Betz, "the interactive map allows people to recognize some of the historic buildings in the township without going outside". "Guided tours are given periodically by local historians, but we felt this might be a good way to allow visitors to familarize themselves witht the logistics of the tour before they visit," stated Betz.
Somerset County's
Weekend Journey Through the Past
See five great historical sites in and around the historic Somerset Hills of New Jersey!
Saturday & Sunday, October 9-10,
2010
Weekend Journey through the Past.
Visit any of 27
local historic sites for free tours, exhibits and family
activities - Learn More
May 19 , 2010
2010 Historic Preservation Awards
The Historical Society of the Somerset Hills is pleased to announce its 2010 Historic Preservation Award. In special recognition of the 250th anniversary of Bernards Township, a single project that represents three centuries of Township history has been selected for honor. The Kennedy-Martin-Stelle Farmstead has been chosen as an outstanding example of achievement in historic preservation. ....learn more
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. Learn More
May 12 , 2010
History Quilt - Patchwork Tells History
Expressing our heritage and history is alive and well, firmly sewn into the fabric of our community ...literally.
Volunteers from a Somerset Hills area quilting group called the "Piecemakers" who gather weekly at the Bishop Janes United Methodist Church in Basking Ridge, have created a handmade quilt depicting some of the most historic sites in Bernards Township to mark the 250th anniversary of Bernards Township.
BERNARDS TWP CHARTER DAY
Learn about the grand history and celebrate the 250th Anniversary -
Click the image to enlarge!
March 12 , 2010
Exhibits on Display at the Brick Academy
The main floor of the Brick Academy has been updated with new exhibits and displays ranging from local historic timelines, to general store displays, school house materials from the early 1900's, and a look back at antique kitchen items.
In an effort to bring out more and more of our collection, the main floor of the academy will be used more frequently with rotating displays in the glass display cases that surround the main floor...more
March 12 , 2010
Video House Tour created by Local High School
History Volunteer
See the production of a local high school volunteer who tells the story about the history of a Bedminster Township historic landmark. Bianca Pichamuthu, a Ridge High school sophmore creates a video that introduces the Vanderveer House to online visitors.
See what's behind the history of your street name...more
March 12 , 2010
Historic Profile
Historic Boudinot House in Basking Ridge Makes National Register
Named after the Continental Congress President and Resident Elias Boudinot. The Boudinot House was placed on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places Sept. 11, 2009 and Dec. 18, 2009 respectively. Elias Boudinot (1740-1821) is believed to have built the house in 1771. A resident of Elizabethtown, he joined the drive for independence and later moved his family to Bernards to escape the British. ....learn more
March 12 , 2010
Historic Barn Relocated and Restored in Liberty Corner
This is a story about how a twenty year dream to build a garage/barn evolved into an elaborate twisting tale of historic preservation and innovative thinking.
"I always wanted another barn on our property," noted Carolyn Knox of the Liberty Corner section of Bernards Twp. ...read more
March 12 , 2010
Teen captures essence of HistoricVanderveer House as part of her Community Service project.
See the production of a local high school volunteer who tells the story about the history of a Bedminster Township historic landmark. Bianca Pichamuthu, a Ridge High school sophmore creates a video that introduces the Vanderveer House to online visitors.
The Peapack-Gladstone Historic Preservation Commission is presenting a lecture detailing the history of ‘Blairsden’, the legendary 1903 Peapack estate of C. Ledyard Blair. Well known history enthusiasts including John C. Smith, local landscape architect and Chairman of the PGHPC; W. Barry Thomson, author and historian; and Mark Alan Hewitt, author and architect will give a Power Point presentation at the Bedminster Township Municipal Building, One Miller Lane, Bedminster.
R.S.V. P. 908-234-1121
Blairsden Estate Update - Learn about the illustrious past and the current state of one of the country's most prominent mansions ...more
February 13 , 2009
Betsy Ross in Basking Ridge
Over the past two decades, more than half a dozen references to this story have been uncovered in our archives at the Brick Academy and in the files of the Bernards Township Library History Room. The first mention appeared in a clippings scrapbook compiled by retired physician, Dr. William Pennington, who lived around the turn of the 19th century and spent much of his life collecting newspaper articles....learn more
December 2-6 , 2009
Colonial Christmas Celebration
In lieu of our rescheduling of THSSH Holiday house tour to 2010, the Vanderveer / Knox Colonial Christmas is a wonderful event to attend.
From December 2-6, 2009 the historic Vanderveer House opens its wreath-clad doors to an annual fundraising event, featuring the decorating talents of local designers, antiques dealers and florists.
There are plenty of new and exciting events planned for this year's Colonial Christmas celebration. ...learn more
November 19 , 2009
Speaker Series :
Events: Speaker Series at THSSH
‘The Uncertain Revolution: Washington and the Continental Army at Morristown' Thursday, November 19, 2009
New Jersey's esteemed historian John T. Cunningham explores the harsh circumstances and geography of this region during the War of Independence. This "geological fortress", Washington and the Continental Army's winter quarters for four years, may well be the place where America survived.
John Cunningham was also the writer for the recently released film Morristown, Where Ameria Survived, a 30 minute documentary recently released by NJN network. Learn more.
John T. Cunningham has long been known as "New Jersey's popular historian," a title bestowed on him by the New Jersey Historical Commission. He has written over 50 books. Cunningham's first book, This is New Jersey, published in 1953 by Rutgers University Press, is still in print and has been revised six times. Other long-popular books are New Jersey: America's Main Road; The New Jersey Sampler; NEWARK; and The New Jersey Shore. Most recently, he wrote The Uncertain Revolution: Washington and the Continental Army at Morristown, which has earned highly favorable reviews for both its careful research and its pleasant readability.
Cunningham was a co-founder of the New Jersey Historical Commission and was its chair for six years. He also served as president of the New Jersey Historical Society for six years. Currently, he is a co-founder and vice president of the North Jersey American Revolution Round Table. His works have earned him nine honorary degrees and five Awards of Merit from the American Association for State and Local History.
He resides in Florham Park, New Jersey.
Programs are free • 7:30 pm at the Brick Academy
Refreshments • Family & Friends welcomed!
Volunteen for Local History -Area students get creative on learning and presenting local history.
In conjunction with Bernards Townships Building Youth program, the community benefits when our teens engage.
Learn how you can get involved - Click Here for details
October 4 , 2009
The Living History 1770's festival
Sunday, October 4, 2009 - Click Here for details
September 19, 2009
Come visit the the Historical Society's booth and the historic Vanderveer House During Fallfest - This Saturday, Sept 19,2009 from 12-5. Free Hayrides to/from the house....more
September 17, 2009
Speaker Series :
Events: Speaker Series at THSSH
Early American Schoolhouse - Thursday, September 17, 2009 ...read more
September 2009
Bernardsville Olcott Avenue Distric
approved as a NJ State Historic District
The New Jersey State Review Board for Historic Sites approved the application to the New Jersey Register of Historic Places...more
September 2009
Historic Barn Finds a New Home -
Locals work together to save structure by relocating and restoring a classic barn. ...more
September 2009
RESCHEDULED TO 2010 -
The event has been rescheduled for December 2010.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS - Sunday, December 6, 2009 - Our 2009 bi-annual Somerset Hills Holiday House Tour - Learn more about our most grand event. Call to community volunteers!...more
September 2009
Fall Speaker Series Announced:
Events: Speaker Series at THSSH
Early American Schoolhouse - Thursday, September 17, 2009 ...read more
‘Ghosts of Central Jersey: Historic Haunts of the Somerset Hills’ - Thursday, October 15, 2009 ...read more
‘The Uncertain Revolution: Washington and the Continental Army at Morristown'Thursday, November 19, 2009 ...read more
August 25, 2009
Celebrating the Brick Academy Bicentennial, new exhibits on display now at the Brick Academy...more
August 24, 2009
Somerset County sponsors Journey Through the Past - Five Somerset Hills historic sites to take part....more
May 17, 2009
The 2009 BASKING RIDGE CHARTER DAY STREETFAIR & FESTIVAL was held Sat. May 16, 2009 ...more
April 5, 2009
Over forty participants took part in the inaugural statewide New Jersey Historic Schoolhouse Summit and Symposium where historic one-room schoolhouse operators and curators from across New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania gathered Saturday, April 4, 2009 for the first ever symposium event in the Basking Ridge section of Bernards Twp, New Jersey...more
March 21, 2009
New Member Benefit:
Now available to all THSSH members and families ...more
March 2009
The 2009 BASKING RIDGE CHARTER DAY STREETFAIR & FESTIVAL ...more
March 12, 2009
The Brick Academy will host the inaugural New Jersey Historic Schoolhouse Summit & Symposium in Basking Ridge ...more
February 6 , 2009
Digital Update - A new online virtual tour of the historic village of Basking Ridge ...more
December 17 , 2008
Digital Update - 1872 Schoolhouse rules and Punishments document reproductions now available for download ...more
December 17 , 2008
Digital Update - Historical Society Newsletters from 1957-1976 now available for download ...more
December 1 , 2008
Spotlight Historic Profile: The Boudinot - Southard House in Basking Ridge - A gem in the Somerset Hills...more
November 27, 2008
Lorraine Passmore , Member and former Secretary of of The Historical Society of the Somerset Hills Receives Outstanding Volunteer Award" ...more
November 27, 2008
John Campbell , President of KMS Farmstead and Historical Society Trustee Receives Outstanding Volunteer Award" ...more
November 20, 2008
Event: November 20, 2008 - Speaker Series at THSSH - Matthew Dodd "Songs & Stories of Old Railroad Days" ...more
November 10, 2008
Brick Academy Opens Restored Top Floor One Room Schoolhouse ...more
November 10, 2008
Open House Celebration - Sunday, November 9, 2008 (2pm)- All Welcome to view the completed top floor of the Brick Academy Schoolhouse. Refreshments served. Come meet the people that made it happen. ALL WELCOME! ...more
October 16, 2008
Event: Speaker Series at THSSH -Frank Greenagel "Historical Churches of Somerset County" Thursday October 16th ...more
October 11,12 2008
Five Somerset Hills attractions take part in historic tour of Somerset County on October 11-12, 2008...more
September 23, 2008
Spotlight Profile: The Historic USGA Museum - A gem in the Somerset Hills...more
September 23, 2008
Happy Birthday to the Historical Society of the Somerset Hills as it turns 80 years old on September 23, 2008...more
August 29, 2008
Bernardsville looks to recognize Historic Olcott District...more
June 2008
Old Taxbook found highlights rich/famous and livestock records back to 1892...more
June 2008
Spotlight Profile: Area Attraction - The History of The Bernards Inn, a celebrated historic landmark still entertaining guests for over 100 years...more
June 15, 2008
Shop the best online stores and donate to THSSH at the same time... more
June 2008
Spotlight Profile: Blairsden Update - Learn about the illustrious past and the current state of one of the country's most prominent mansions ever built ...more
During this 'first person' performance, Beverly Costa, a historic character interpreter, gives her guests the chance to meet and listen to a woman traveling across New Jersey by stage.
As the leaves turn to orange and red and the crisp clear fall days give way to cool nights, there comes Fall Fest, Bedminster's celebration to Fall and community. The Historical Society of the Somerset Hills participated as a community service organization promoting the history of the local area including Pluckemin, the Vanderveer Knox House, and other Bedminster historic landmarks. 
Civil War Exhibit Marks 
What Are Some Interesting Historic Sites in Basking Ridge?
Bernards Township 250th Anniversary Commemorative Edition Book
Betsy Ross in Basking Ridge 
John T. Cunningham has long been known as "New Jersey's popular historian," a title bestowed on him by the New Jersey Historical Commission. He has written over 50 books. Cunningham's first book, This is New Jersey, published in 1953 by Rutgers University Press, is still in print and has been revised six times. Other long-popular books are New Jersey: America's Main Road; The New Jersey Sampler; NEWARK; and The New Jersey Shore. Most recently, he wrote The Uncertain Revolution: Washington and the Continental Army at Morristown, which has earned highly favorable reviews for both its careful research and its pleasant readability. 
‘Ghosts of Central Jersey: Historic Haunts of the Somerset Hills’ 
RESCHEDULED TO 2010 - 
Celebrating the Brick Academy Bicentennial, new exhibits on display now at the Brick Academy
The 2009 BASKING RIDGE CHARTER DAY STREETFAIR & FESTIVAL was held Sat. May 16, 2009 
Over forty participants took part in the inaugural statewide New Jersey Historic Schoolhouse Summit and Symposium where historic one-room schoolhouse operators and curators from across New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania gathered Saturday, April 4, 2009 for the first ever symposium event in the Basking Ridge section of Bernards Twp, New Jersey
The 2009 BASKING RIDGE CHARTER DAY STREETFAIR & FESTIVAL 
The Brick Academy will host the inaugural New Jersey Historic Schoolhouse Summit & Symposium in Basking Ridge 
Digital Update - A new online virtual tour of the historic village of Basking Ridge 
Digital Update - 1872 Schoolhouse rules and Punishments document reproductions now available for download 
Digital Update - Historical Society Newsletters from 1957-1976 now available for download 
Brick Academy Opens Restored Top Floor One Room Schoolhouse 
Happy Birthday to the Historical Society of the Somerset Hills as it turns 80 years old on September 23, 2008...
2008 Historic Preservation Awards presentation presented May 28, 2008
