The Historical Society of the Somerset Hills presents a variety of programs throughout the year, providing many opportunities to learn more about the history of our community.
Check out our Upcoming Programs & Events, or look back through time to see what you missed!
Upcoming Programs
Meet a Black Revolutionary War Soldier
at the Brick Academy
April 23, 2023
On Sunday, April 23, Meet a Black Revolutionary War Soldier at the Brick Academy. You will meet Ned Hector, who was a teamster (wagon driver) and artillerist for Proctor’s 3rd Pa Artillery in the Battle of Brandywine and Germantown. His reenactor, Noah Lewis, brings to life the struggles and bravery of African American soldiers fighting... Learn more
The Gilded Frame
May 10, 2023
On Wednesday, May 10, at 7:00 pm at the Brick Academy in Basking Ridge, the Historical Society of the Somerset Hills (THSSH) will host a book reading and signing by Peter Gilbertson, the author of The Gilded Frame, the recently published “mystery in history” set in the Somerset Hills of 110 years ago. Copies of... Learn more
Upcoming Events
Charter Day Historic Street Fair & Festival
May 20, 2023
Rain or Shine Saturday, May 20, 2023 Shows, Rides, Games, Food, Entertainment, Street Acts Celebrate the rich history of Bernards Township with The Historical Society of the Somerset Hills (THSSH). Make your own history with us by bringing your camera, or smartphone, and post pictures of your Charter Day activities on our Instagram page. Visitors... Learn more
The Lord Stirling 1770s Festival
October 1, 2023
Lord Stirling Park in Basking Ridge, NJ Colonial history lives at the Somerset County Park Commission’s annual 1770s Festival when Lord Stirling’s grand manor house and estate come to life in Lord Stirling Park in Basking Ridge, NJ. The event promotes historical and environmental education by familiarizing people with the rich local history of Basking... Learn more
Somerset County’s Weekend Journey through the Past
October 7, 2023
Want something fun to do with friends or family? Why not explore some of the most historic properties across Somerset County for FREE! Yes, 29 local historic minded organizations are participating this year and three historical properties are located right here in the Somerset Hills!... Learn more
Past Programs
MARTA McDOWELL and the WHITE HOUSE GARDENS
March 26, 2023
On Sunday, March 26, The Historical Society of the Somerset Hills will host a brunch event at the Grain House restaurant at the Olde Mill Inn in Basking Ridge featuring a presentation by Marta McDowell, the noted author and teacher about gardens, landscape history, and horticulture. Marta’s illustrated presentation will focus on her book, “All... Learn more
Early American Schoolhouse
October 17, 2022
Somerset Hills elementary grade students will be immersed in our Early American Schoolhouse program, discovering what it was like to attend a typical one-room schoolhouse in the mid-1800s. Young students role play by arriving at the Brick Academy with such ‘school supplies’ as water buckets, fire logs for the potbelly stove, study books, and writing... Learn more
DOCUMENTARY FILM
April 3, 2022
GEORGE B. POST’S GROTESQUES We invite you to the Brick Academy in Basking Ridge, NJ to watch a documentary film about George B. Post’s grotesques on display in the Brick Academy Museum. Produced and presented by architectural historian W. Barry Thomson, followed by a discussion of the many terra cotta grotesques that were incorporated into... Learn more
Past Events
How The Somerset Hills Became The Somerset Hills
November 6, 2022
The Historical Society of the Somerset Hills is pleased to announce that on Sunday, November 6, from 2 to 5 pm, we will be sponsoring a fund-raising presentation and reception in the historic stone carriage barn and stable on the Upton Pyne estate in Bernardsville. One of our trustees, local and architectural historian W. Barry Thomson, who was... Learn more
Somerset County’s Weekend Journey Through the Past
October 8, 2022
Want something fun to do with friends or family? Why not explore some of the most historic properties across Somerset County for FREE! Yes, 29 local historic minded organizations are participating this year and three historical properties are located right here in the Somerset Hills!... Learn more
The Lord Stirling 1770s Festival
October 2, 2022
It’s The Lord Stirling 1770s Festival Colonial history lives at the Somerset County Park Commission’s annual 1770s Festival when Lord Stirling’s grand manor house and estate come to life in Lord Stirling Park in Basking Ridge, NJ. Colonial craftspeople ply their trades and a Revolutionary War military detachment camp on the former estate lawns and... Learn more
