1845 - Grant Barney Schley, a founding father of Far Hills, was born in 1845 at Chapinville, N.Y., near Syracuse, to a farm family of humble circumstances. He obtained only an elementary school education. At the age of 16 he went to work for as a peach picker and shipping clerk for Wells, Butterfield and Company, a Syracuse firm which later merged with others (George F. Baker's First National Bank) to become the American Express Company.
1933 - Upon Walter Graeme Ladd's death of pneumonia on May 21, noted that after his wife Kate Macy's death (1945) the Natirar Estate in Peapack would become a convalescent home for women until May 21, 1983 - 50 years from his death, which is why the estate was sold in 1983.
Looking for something? Give the site search a try!
For a list of CURRENT EVENTS SCHEDULED for THSSH - Click Here
Previous Events
Detailed Listings of each event follow the chronological listing.
2018 THSSH Field Trip Announced
Tour and a Tea - The Liberty Hall Museum and Gardens at Kean University
Our 2018 field trip will be an exciting afternoon of history, gardens and one of the best tea services in New Jersey.
Back by popular demand, enjoy the tremendously popular tea service outside in our beautiful gardens! The tea includes a sumptuous selection of scones, assorted pastries, traditional finger sandwiches, and the freshest of fruit. As you enjoy your afternoon tea experience, listen to a talk about the history of the gardens of Liberty Hall and receive gardening tips on the proper care of roses. A tour of Liberty Hall Museum including the historic 1772-built Victorian-style mansion filled with antique furniture, ceramics, toys & tools.
Looking for a fun day out? We're bringing back the Walking Tour of Historic Basking Ridge Village.
Take in the village center, which remains a favorite Bernards Township
gathering place, with attractive shops and restaurants, churches, and what will be the last chance to see the historic great white oak before it is taken down.
One of the best events you'll ever experience. Walk and learn about famous, and not so famous, historic tidbits as you walk the historic downtown village of Basking Ridge in Bernards Township
Get your tickets today for this limited private tour - Click Here
Free Speaker Series Returns
What's Cookin'
Thursday, April 19, 2018 - 7:30pm2-4pm - Brick Academy
Partnering with Madison's Museum of Early Trades and Crafts come join THSSH as participants learn about old-fashioned food preparation and cooking techniques through hands-on examination of cooking utensils and food-related artifacts from the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts' collection.
The program concludes with an excerpt from a memoir, and participants are encouraged to reminisce about favorite recipes and food/cooking memories. More info - Click Here
Free - Please RSVP with a simple email to info@thssh.org
Learning History from those who lived it
Elder Voices Series Returns
Sunday, April 8, 2018 - 2-4pm - Brick Academy
Maybe you've only lived in town a few years? Just move here? Or maybe you have questions about what used to be in the area or what it was like? If so, this event is for you! Join us for a two hour storytelling session about topics, places, and the untold history of Basking Ridge, Bernardsville, and the other Somerset Hills towns.
But you have to RSVP. Seating is limited.
A "Pass the hat" donation event. RSVP requested
Somerset County's Journey Through the Past Weekend
Tour the most prominent historic properties in Somerset County.
Visit 5 properties right here in the Somerset Hills
Saturday, October 9, 10:00 AM - 5 PM
Sunday, October 10, Noon - 4:00 PM
Somerset County's Premiere Historic Event - For more information...Read More
The Lord Stirling 1770s Festival - October 2, 2016
It's Living History Day at 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 conduct maneuvers.
Detailed Listings of each event follow the chronological listing.
November 30-December 2 and December 7-9, 2012
Colonial Christmas Celebration
November 30-December 2 and December 7-9, 2012
The historic Vanderveer/Knox 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.
Craft Session:
Decorated Buckskin Shirts are Sunday Craft on Nov. 4
Celebrate our local history. Join us to decorate asample of a Native American buckskin shirt.
Who? 3rd and 4th grade students When? Sunday, November 4th from 2-3 P.M. Where? The Brick Academy, 15 W. Oak Street, Basking Ridge
Sponsored by: The Historical Society of the Somerset Hills Education Committee
Bernards Twp. -- Twenty elementary school children will take home their decorated "buckskin shirts", made during the Sunday, November 4 fall craft session, sponsored by the Education Committee of The Historical Society of the Somerset Hills.
In addition to decorating the shirts, students will hear about the Lenni Lenape Indians, who inhabited the Somerset Hills area until the 1800s. This free activity will be open to 3rd and 4th graders and will be held in the Brick Academy, 15 West Oak Street, Basking Ridge, the society's headquarters at 2:00 P.M.
Participants will be the first 20 registrations received.
Bernards Twp. -- Twenty elementary school children will take home their decorated "buckskin shirts", made during the Sunday, November 4 fall craft session, sponsored by the Education Committee of The Historical Society of the Somerset Hills.
In addition to decorating the shirts, students will hear about the Lenni Lenape Indians, who inhabited the Somerset Hills area until the 1800s. This free activity will be open to 3rd and 4th graders and will be held in the Brick Academy, 15 West Oak Street, Basking Ridge, the society's headquarters at 2:00 P.M.
Participants will be the first 20 registrations received.
Include the student's name, age, and a phone number. Registration will be confirmed.
September 26, 2012
Speaker Series - The History of Peapack-Gladstone
Wednesday, September 26th at 7:30 p.m. at the Brick Academy in Basking Ridge. We will welcome John C. Smith, Chairman of the Peapack-Gladstone Historic Preservation Commission and board member of the Jacobus Vanderveer House.
The subject of the lecture will be the History of Peapack-Gladstone since 1701, it's separation from Bedminster Township 100 years ago and the accompanying circumstances that led to this historic event.
John C. Smith has been practicing landscape architecture for more than 40 years and his latest work included design of the Froh Heim Estate for the "Mansion in May" event.
Please do not hesitate and let us welcome you with your families and friends on Wednesday!
Location: The Brick Academy, 15 West Oak Street, Basking Ridge
Time: 7:30pm
May 19, 2012
BERNARDS TWP CHARTER DAY STREET FAIR & FESTIVAL
251st Anniversary
"Tell Me of Lincoln", Memories of Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War
Date/Time: Thursday, April 19, 2012 7:30pm
Location: The Brick Academy, 15 West Oak Street, Basking Ridge
Presenter: William B. Styple
Program Description:
In celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, The Historical Society of Somerset Hills will be having William Styple, a resident of Chatham, present a program on Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Styple has written close to twenty books on the Civil War and his most recent book is “Tell Me of Lincoln”.
The presentation will uncover fascinating stories, documented interviews and other accounts of President Lincoln by James Kelly (1855-1933), the renowned artist and sculptor of Lincoln. James Kelly’s ambition was not only to create a bronze of President Lincoln, but he was also known to have conducted interviews in order to seek out living witnesses of this strong and vigorous leader.
Mr. Styple is an excellent speaker who leaves the audience asking for more. Whether you are history buff, or just interested in the Civil War era, this is a program not to miss!
March 10, 2012
Railroads of the Peapack Valley
Date/Time: March 10, 2012, 2:00PM
Location: St. Luke’s Great Hall, Gladstone, NJ
Presenter: Mark A. Corigliano, Peapack, NJ
The lecture will feature a slideshow presentation showing the development of the railroads in and around Peapack & Gladstone from their inception to the present.
The different companies that have operated the Gladstone Branch from when it was built to the present will be discussed, along with operations, equipment and structures to be found along the line. The Rockaway Valley Railroad will be reviewed along with a number of photos of that railroad.
The author will supplement his discussion with some “show and tell” items and a few other surprises.
The lecture is sponsored by the Peapack & Gladstone Library and is to start at 2:00PM. Refreshments, courtesy of the library, will be served
2011 Events
Detailed Listings of each event follow the chronological listing.
December 2011
Colonial Christmas Celebration
Wednesday thru Sunday - November 30 thru Dec 4, 2011
The historic Vanderveer/Knox 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.
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 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 conduct maneuvers. The event promotes historical and environmental education by familiarizing people with the rich local history of Basking Ridge, highlighting an unsung Revolutionary War hero, demonstrating the colonial heritage of New Jersey, and recreating a typical autumn afternoon in 1770.
In 2006, the Lord Stirling 1770s Festival won the Cultural and History Commission of Somerset County History Award for Education. Period re-enactors attired in replicas of 1770s clothing participate in the festival demonstrating their trades and crafts (no crafts are sold). These crafts people make articles such as buttons, rifles, brooms, furniture, lace, stained glass, redware pottery, and powder horns. Other trades and crafts include a blacksmith, tinsmith, wool spinning, decoy carving, and colonial herbs. Children of all ages enjoy the hay rides, clay crafts using Stirling clay, stenciling, and toy making. Visitors may try on colonial costumes and have their photograph taken while restrained to the Somerset Gaoler's wooden stock.
$4 per person suggested donation
Sunday, October 2, 2011
10:30am - 4:30pm
During this 'first person' performance, Kimberly 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 hauntings and ghostly encounters that have followed the woman throughout her travels.
A friendly, frightfully delightful event for the entire family.
Free Admission- Programs are free • 7:30 pm at the Brick Academy
Refreshments • Family & Friends welcome!
Click Here to view additional information on the entire Speaker Series
Sept 26, 2011
Teen Volunteer Night
" History VolunTEENS" Program
Brings New Perspectives to Local History
High school volunteer registration night at the Bernards Twp library - 6-8pm - REGISTER TO GET YOUR 2011 COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS (typical hours range from 5-20 total hours).
Do you like local history? Here's a great way to become involved in working with other teens from around the Somerset Hills area and build friendships, share ideas, and increase your knowledge of history in your community. It's your history....help preserve it! .
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 21, 2011
BERNARDS TWP CHARTER DAY STREET FAIR & FESTIVAL
251st Anniversary
The Mountain Glen Water Cure and Summer Retreat in Somerset County -- And Other Tales of Nineteenth-Century "Alternative" Medicine in the Garden State
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Presentation by:
Dr. Sandra Moss is a general internist who practiced for many years in central New Jersey. She has published over thirty articles about the history of medicine in a variety of publications, and has spoken before local, state, and national history organizations. Her research focuses on nineteenth-century medicine in New Jersey. Dr. Moss is past-president of the Medical History Society of New Jersey and is an officer in the American Osler Society, an organization for clinician historians.
Programs are free • 7:30 pm at the Brick Academy
Refreshments • Family & Friends welcomed!
Click Here to view additional information on the entire Speaker Series
2010 Events
Detailed Listings of each event follow the chronological listing.
Sunday,
Dec. 5, 2010
12-5pm
Holiday House Tour
in the Historic Somerset Hills
Sunday, December 5, 2010 12-5pm
To coincide with the grand 250th anniversary of Bernards Township, the Holiday House Tour will take place this December 2010.
(The video is the preview from the last holiday house tour back in 2007)
Click HERE for additional information. Enjoy the video though of over 100 images from our last holiday house tour in the Somerset Hills. It was a complete sell out, complete with a beautiful blanket of snow.
Nov. 18, 2010
Speaker Series: "A Printer on the Eve of Revolution‟ Second Edition! Author Gordon Bond Thursday, November 18, 2010
Author Gordon Bond
Click Here to view additional information on the entire Speaker Series
Oct, 21, 2010
Speaker Series: "Songs for Halloween Ghosts", haunted houses and holiday customs Thursday, October 21, 2010
Matthew Dodd
Click Here to view additional information on the entire Speaker Series
Oct, 21, 2010
Speaker Series: "Songs for Halloween Ghosts", haunted houses and holiday customs Thursday, October 21, 2010
Matthew Dodd
Click Here to view additional information on the entire Speaker Series
Oct 9-10, 2010
Somerset County's
Weekend Journey Through the Past
See four 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
Oct 3, 2010
Lord Stirling 1770'S Living History Festival
Lord Stirling Park, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
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.
$4 per person suggested donation
Sunday, October 3, 2010
10:30am - 4:30pm
Sept 29, 2010
Teen Volunteer Program
" History VolunTEENS" Program
Brings New Perspectives to Local History
Mark your calendars, Wednesday, September 29 is high school volunteer registration night at the Bernards Twp library - 6-8pm - REGISTER TO GET YOUR 2010 COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS (typical hours range from 5-20 total hours).
Do you like local history? Here's a great way to become involved in working with other teens from around the Somerset Hills area and build friendships, share ideas, and increase your knowledge of history in your community. It's your history....help preserve it! . ...read more
Sept 16, 2010
Speaker Series: "The War Man‟ An intimate portrait of an American Revolution Soldier Thursday, September 16, 2010
"The War Man‟ An intimate portrait of an American Revolution Soldier Author Robert A. Mayers -
Click Here to view additional information on the entire Speaker Series
May 20, 2010
Historic Preservation Awards
May 15, 2010
BERNARDS TWP CHARTER DAY STREET FAIR & FESTIVAL
250th Anniversary -
May 15, 2010
- Click Here
April 15, 2010
Speaker Series at THSSH
Music of America's History - Songs from the Pre-Revolutionary era
Nancy Schill & Charlie Pellegrino
A musical program presented by Nancy & Charlie in full regalia. The couple is from Bucks County, PA, and will accompany the program with fiddle, guitar & vocals. The couple last played for us two years ago and it was a great evening!
Programs are free • 7:30 pm at the Brick Academy
Refreshments • Family & Friends welcomed!
What not to wear in the 18th Century
Kimberly Costa
A lover of history, clothing and textiles since childhood, Kimberly Costa has been offering programs in 18th century Living History for over fifteen years, providing a unique look into life in the past. Her interactive programs allow the public to not only see, but to experience what daily life was like during our Colonial and Young Republic periods.
Learn more about Kimberly and her work - Click Here
Programs are free • 7:30 pm at the Brick Academy
Refreshments • Family & Friends welcomed!
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
2009 Events
Detailed Listings of each event follow the chronological listing.
December 17 , 2009
Christmas Holiday Social & Open House
Our last event for our 2009 Bicentennial celebration will be a Christmas Holiday Party at our home at the Brick Academy - Everyone is welcome and we hope that all our members bring a guest to help us celebrate a wonderful year.
Date: Thursday, December 17, 2009
Time: 7:00pm
Location: THSSH at the Brick Academy - For directions click here.
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 at THSSH
‘The Uncertain Revolution: Washington and the Continental Army at Morristown' Thursday, November 19, 2009
Seating is limited to 50 so please arrive early.
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 America 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!
‘Ghosts of Central Jersey: Historic Haunts of the Somerset Hills’ Thursday, October 15, 2009
What ghosts roam within the historic sites and buildings of Central NJ? How accurate are the traditional stories? From his new book, local author Gordon Ward transports us from the shadowed woods of the Somerset Hills to the dappled banks of the Delaware River to deliver a rich mix of factual history and the sound investigation of ghostly phenomena.
Programs are free • 7:30 pm at the Brick Academy
Refreshments • Family & Friends welcomed!
Please join us in our efforts to promote, support, and engage the communities of the Somerset Hills while helping THSSH power into the 21st century with your spirit and insights.
New " VolunTEENS" Program
Brings New Perspectives to Local History
Do you like local history? Here's a great way to become involved in working with other teens from around the Somerset Hills area and build friendships, share ideas, and increase your knowledge of history in your community. It's your history....help preserve it! learn more
October 4, 2009
Lord Stirling 1770'S Living History Festival
Lord Stirling Park, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
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.
$4 per person suggested donation
Sunday, October 4, 2009
10:30am - 4:30pm
October 3 , 2009
Bernardsville Unity Day (Founders Day)
6th Annual Bernardsville UNITY DAY” sponsored by the Bernardsville Chamber of Commerce. This fun filled family event, benefiting the Bernardsville Fire company/First Aid Squad and The Bernardsville Senior Citizens Center, will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2009 (Rain date Sunday, October 4, 2009) at Nervine Memorial Park (on route 202, South of the Firehouse) from 11:00am to 6:00pm.
September 19 , 2009
Bedminster Fall Fest (Community Day)
Please join us as we celebrate our community day - FALL FEST at River Road Park from 12:00pm to 5:00pm.
September 17, 2009
Speaker Series at THSSH
Early American Schoolhouse Thursday, September 17, 2009
Discover what it was like to be a student attending a one-room schoolhouse in Colonial times. The school supplies then not only included slates and books, but also buckets and logs! Participants will have the opportunity to share memories of their own early school experiences. Program by Meg Wastie, Education Coordinator of the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts.
Programs are free • 7:30 pm at the Brick Academy
Refreshments • Family & Friends welcomed!
History Camp at Bedminster's Historic Jacobus Vanderveer House.
The second ever "History Camp" is open to Somerset County residents, 9 to 12 years of age. THSSH will be displaying and presenting an entire day of events in conjunction with the famed house that once housed General Knox during the Revolutionary War. Click for Details
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Basking Ridge Charter Day Street Fair & Festival
Bernards Township's
15th Running of the Annual Charter Day Festival promises
to be a fun and festive day with its vendors, displays, service
groups and strong emphasis on history...Learn More
April 16 , 2009
Speaker Series at THSSH - The way of Improvements Lead Home
April 4, 2009
The Historical Society of the Somerset Hills is sponsoring the first statewide Historic Schoolhouse Summit and Symposium at the 200 year old Brick Academy in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. more
March 19 , 2009
Speaker Series at THSSH -
George B Post - Father of New York's Tall Buildings and the Somerset Hills Mountain Colony
2008 Events
Detailed Listings of each event follow the chronological listing.
November 20, 2008
Speaker Series at THSSH - Matthew Dodd "Songs & Stories of Old Railroad Days" ...Learn More
October 18-19, 2008
Somerset County's Journey thru the Past Weekend ...Learn More
October 2008
Bedminster Founders Day (Fall Fest)
October 2008
Bernardsville Founders Day
October 16, 2008
Speaker Series at THSSH -Frank Greenagel "Historical Churches of Somerset County"...Learn More
October 12, 2008
Lord Stirling Festival - Lord Stirling Park, Basking Ridge ...Learn More
September 18, 2008
Speaker Series at THSSH- Gordon Bond "A Printer on the Eve of Revolution" ...Learn More
May 28, 2008
THSSH 5th Annual
Historic Preservation Awards ...Learn More
July 14-18, 2008
History Camp at Bedminster's Historic Jacobus Vanderveer House.
The first ever "History Camp" is open to Somerset County residents, 9 to 12 years of age. THSSH will be displaying and presenting an entire day of events in conjunction with the famed house that once housed General Knox during the Revolutionary War ...Learn More
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Basking Ridge Charter Day Festival
Bernards Township's
14th Running of the Annual Charter Day Festival promises
to be a fun and festive day with its vendors, displays, service
groups and strong emphasis on history...Learn More
Entire Month of May 2008
Mansion in May - Froh Heim (Far Hills)
The Women’s Association of Morristown Memorial Hospital once again hosts their 14th Mansion in May Designer Showhouse and Gardens tour at Froh Heim in Far Hills, New Jersey. The event showcases the talents of prominent area designers in the extraordinary setting of a historic mansion. A month of Special Events at this year's Mansion In May means visitors will enjoy an entire day full of fun when they visit Froh Heim in Far Hills. ...Learn More
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Speaker Series at THSSH
"Castles of New Jersey"
Come learn about some of New Jersey's most prominent castles. Presented by author Phil Jaeger ...Learn More
2007 Events
Detailed Listings of each event follow the chronological listing.
Sunday,
December 2, 2007
THSSH Bi-Annual Holiday House Tour -
Six Homes & Academy to Receive Visitors...more
November 15, 2007
Speaker Series at THSSH
Julie Neu presents ‘Quilts in American History’ - 7.30 pm
October 18, 2007
Speaker Series at THSSH
Fiddlesticks- Nancy Shill & Charlie Pellegrino are lovers of music and of history. They play music and sing songs from various eras in full regalia.- 7.30 pm
October 13-14,
2007
Somerset County Journey Thru the Past Weekend
October 7, 2007
Lord Stirling 1770s Festival
September 20, 2007
Speaker Series at THSSH
Julie Neu presents ‘Quilts in American History’ - 7.30 pm
May 23th, 2007
Historic Preservation Awards Presentation
May 19, 2007
CHARTER DAY MAY 19 CELEBRATES HISTORY, THE ARTS, MUSIC, & FUN (Rain or Shine) ...more
April 19, 2007
Speaker Series at THSSH
The New Jersey Folk Grave Marker Survey Project
Presented by Gordon Bond & Stephanie Hoagland Gordon and Stephanie explain what folk grave markers are and their historic, cultural and artistic importance, how we survey them, what we’ve learned to date and plenty of interesting pictures of examples. .- 7.30 pm
March 15, 2007
Speaker Series at THSSH-
Patriots, Tories, Inebriates, and Hussies: Archaeology at the Abraham Staats House, South Bound Brook, New Jersey -Presented by: Richard Veit
2006 Events
December 11, 2006
Speaking Engagement -
Navigating The Historical Society of the Somerset Hills on the Internet" Presented by Brooks Betz - -7:30 pm - 8:30pm
December 7, 2006
Speaker Series at THSSH-
Laurie MacDonnell-Gaulke- "Doughnuts for Doughboys - A Salvation Army Lassie on WW1 Battlefields"
November 9, 2006
Charlie Engelhard: The REAL Goldfinger? with Stephen Yautz - 7:30 - 8:45 pm
October 1, 2006
The Lord Stirling 1770s Festival
Sept 21, 2006
Speaker Series at THSSH-
David Cowell-"Turn your plate over and have a good Read!"
September 15-17, 2006
Washington Rochambeau revolutionary route reenactment.
Events listed above are those officially sponsored and/or
officially endorsed and supported by The Historical Society
of the Somerset Hills and it's affiliate organizations.
THSSH Bi-Annual Holiday House Tour -
Six Homes & Academy to Receive Visitors...more
Saturday & Sunday, October 13-14,
2007
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Lord Stirling 1770s Festival
Circle the date – October 7th – and
join the crowds attending the annual Lord Stirling 1770s Festival,
where life in the 18th Century will be portrayed and craftspeople
will demonstrate the various occupations and products of the
time.
The program, sponsored by the Somerset
County Park Commission, is held on the grounds of Stirling
Manor, known affectionately by neighbors of the era, as The
Buildings, manor estate of William Stirling, Lord Stirling,
the colorful Revolutionary War general and good friend of General
George Washington.
The Historical Society of the Somerset
Hills will again staff a booth, displaying educational materials
and artifacts, maps and other related objects of the time. The
event is from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M.
Awards
for noteworthy historic preservation projects in the Somerset Hills
will be presented by the Historical Society of the Somerset Hills
on Wednesday, May 23, 2007, at 7:30 in the Bernardsville
Public Library. This will be the fourth year for
this Historical Society program to recognize local projects preserving
historic buildings and enhancing neighborhood character. Presentation
of the awards will be accompanied by a narrated slide program about
the projects.
This year the Historical Society is pleased to partner with the Bernardsville
Historic Preservation Advisory Committee (HPAC) on the
presentation. Bernardsville HPAC will be hosting the event, which
will also include an exhibit of photographs of Bernardsville
landmarks and current award winning projects.
Over the past three years awards have been given to a wide variety
of realistic and practical preservation projects that have successfully
preserved and adapted familiar landmarks throughout the five communities.
This year, five more noteworthy projects that substantially enhance
the Somerset Hills communities are being recognized. “It
is gratifying to formally acknowledge a group of projects that
demonstrate some of the benefits achieved by preserving our familiar
and beloved buildings and landmarks,” said Marcella Miccolis,
Chairman of the Historical Society.
The public is welcome and encouraged to attend this wonderful
ceremony.
For Details on the Nomination Process - Click
Here
Bernardsville Public Library Directions - Click
Here
Saturday, May 19, 2007
CHARTER DAY MAY 19 CELEBRATES HISTORY,
THE ARTS, MUSIC, & FUN
Saturday, May 19, 2007 11am-10pm Rain or Shine (An Annual Event)
Bernards Township's
13th Annual Charter Day on Saturday, May 19, promises
to be a fun and festive day with its vendors, displays, service
groups and strong emphasis on history. There will be a complete
history village!
Expected visitors to the downtown Basking Ridge celebration
are about 10,000, with festivities to begin at 11 A.M., with
local, County and State dignitaries present. The Town Crier Hank
Barre and the Rural Felicity Fife and Drum Corps will conduct
opening ceremonies ..more
Monday, December 11, 2006 -7:30 pm - 8:30pm
Navigating The Historical Society of the Somerset Hills on the
Internet
With the recent launch of THSSH website, come learn how to navigate
this new and exciting window into our historical society. Learn
how the site was created, how to utilize it's information, and
how to participate in the online community discussions. No computer
experience is necessary, and a handout will be provided for new
users. Presented at the Bernards
Township Library. Come hear Brooks Betz, a Somerset Hills
Historical Society Member, who volunteered to create the website.
Thursday, December 7, 2006 - 7pm
Christmas
Party!
Celebrating our Historical past- Refreshments, music, interesting
games. Bring a "What's It" and stump our panel of experts.
At the Brick Academy in Basking Ridge. For Directions Click
Here.
Stephen Yautz, Historian, SMY
Historical Services - Charles W. Engelhard, Jr. 1917-1971,
the man the New York Times dubbed "The Platinum King," was a prominent
resident of the Somerset Hills. Learn about the lifestyle that
inspired his friend Ian Fleming to create the notorious character,
Auric Goldfinger, who attempted to monopolize the world's gold
reserves. Join Historian Stephen Yautz for this discussion of
Engelhard's extraordinary life. Refreshments will be served. Please
register for this program at the Adult Circulation Desk. more
The
Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, in conjunction
with local historical organizations, has designated the weekend
of October 14-15, 2006, "Weekend Journey through the Past."
During the two-day period, twenty-two of the County's significant
historic sites will be open at the same time - 10:00 am to 5:00
pm on Saturday and 12:00 am to 5:00 pm on Sunday. Many of the sites
will offer special exhibits, programs, and tours. Admission and
parking at each site are free.
The Weekend Journey provides the perfect opportunity
to take your family on a weekend outing. A visit to the sites will
provide a unique educational experience for students, as well as
a chance to see some of the Somerset County's most picturesque and
unspoiled areas.
Click
Here for additional details and participating historical sites
(Three Unique Tour Routes to choose from)
Sunday, October 1, 2006 - Sunday 10:30am -
4:30pm
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 conduct maneuvers. The event promotes historical
and environmental education by familiarizing people with the rich
local history of Basking Ridge, highlighting an unsung Revolutionary
War hero, demonstrating the colonial heritage of New Jersey, and
recreating a typical autumn afternoon in 1770. In 2001, the Lord
Stirling 1770s Festival won the New Jersey Recreation and Park Association's
Excellence in Educational Programming Award. Nearly 50 people attired
in replicas of 1770s clothing participate in the festival demonstrating
their trades and crafts (no crafts are sold). These crafts people
make articles such as buttons, rifles, brooms, furniture, lace,
stained glass, redware pottery, and powder horns. Other trades and
crafts include a blacksmith, tinsmith, wool spinning, decoy carving,
and colonial herbs. Children of all ages enjoy the hay rides, clay
crafts using Stirling clay, stenciling, and toy making. Visitors
may try on colonial costumes and have their photograph taken while
restrained to the Somerset Gaoler's wooden stock.
Suggested donation: $4
Washington Rochambeau Revolutionary route Reenactment
September 15-17, 2006 English Farm, Liberty Corner
District - Bernards Twp, NJ
Washington Rochambeau Revolutionary route Reenactment The French are coming. Come commemorate the 225th anniversary
of the Washington Rochambeau Revolutionary route and stop over
at the English Farm in the Liberty Corner section of Bernards
Township. Click
Here for event details. Complete W3C
route map and additional information on the Bullion's
Tavern Reenactment website.The two-day reenactment will be
held Saturday and Sunday on the English Farm, the actual location
of the French campsite August 29, 1781. Situated in the picturesque
and historic village of Liberty Corner, the working farm has been
in the same family since before the Revolutionary War. In addition
to routine camp activities, the program will include a variety
of craft, military, and weaponry demonstrations. On Sunday, there
will be a dedication ceremony for a Rochambeau monument.
THSSH Speaker Series Guest Speakers
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Julie Neu presents ‘Quilts in American History’
Julie Brown Neu has been quilting for more than ten years, focusing primarily on traditional patchwork. She is a member of the Garden State Quilters Guild, a guild of 250 members that meets in Chatham, New Jersey. For the last two years, she has managed charitable activities for the guild and is now the Webmaster (www.gardenstatequilters.com) . She was the Hanging Chair for the guild’s 2005 quilt show and was at the guild show on September 29th and 30th at the Westfield Armory in Westfield. She has demonstrated hand quilting techniques at the Chatham Township Bicentennial fair and at the Fosterfields Living Historical Farm in Morristown. She lives in Chatham and is an Internet strategy consultant when she isn’t quilting. http://www.julieneu.com/
Gordon Ward presents a workshop based on his new book “A
Bit of Earth” – How to Preserve Childhood, History
and a Sense of Place
Do you want to create tangible memories for yourself, children,
grandchildren, friends, and posterity? Author and educator
Gordon Thomas Ward leads this hands-on workshop for anyone
wanting to begin to preserve their own memories as historical
links and reestablish a sense of place for an area in which
they live/have lived. This enjoyable workshop includes
exemplary readings and photos from Mr. Ward’s book A
Bit of Earth: Preserving Childhood, History, and a Sense of
Place, tips about gathering regional information, instruction
on generating ideas through “creative clustering,” and
guidance for individuals to develop and outline their
own stories within suggested categories.
Attendees need
to bring lined paper, blank paper, a pen, and perhaps a few
photos, with which they will design a personalized blueprint
for documentation. The process takes individual creativity
and various types of media into consideration so that individuals
will have the ability to incorporate written word, still photographs,
video, audio, or a multimedia collage at a later date. Upon
completion of the workshop, its members will have created their
own foundation upon which to build, recapture, and celebrate
their own “bit of earth.”
Nancy Shill & Charlie Pellegrino are lovers of music and
of history.
They play music and sing songs from various
eras in full regalia. For their Colonial/ Revolutionary War
program which reflects such a rich period from this area's
past, they will sing such standards as The Girl I left
Behind Me and Yankee Doodle.
They will also introduce songs
that you have never heard such as Revolutionary Tea and The
Young Man Who Wouldn't Hoe Corn. Originally from New York & New
Jersey, and now residing in Pennsylvania, these two feel
a strong kinship to the days of the early settlers and their
pleasures and struggles.
Charlie plays the Guitar while Nancy
plays the fiddle. They both sing. "One song can frequently
teach you a new perspective about the times and the people" says
Nancy.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
The New Jersey Folk Grave Marker Survey Project
Presented by Gordon Bond & Stephanie Hoagland
Gordon and Stephanie explain what folk grave markers are and their
historic, cultural and artistic importance, how we survey them,
what we’ve learned to date and plenty of interesting pictures
of examples.
Background: Who are we? How do we arrive at our sense of "self"?
In many ways, we are each the product of the sum total of our personal
experiences. We are shaped by the events of our lives and the influence
of people we've known. Our personal histories go into making us
who we are. Similarly, groups of people - neighborhoods, ethic
groups, religious groups, nations - derive a sense of identity
from the sum total of their collective experiences. History, personal
or collective, is a common bond we all share.
When we were looking for a name we could use for our historical
projects, we hit upon "common bond" for a number of reasons.
We view history as a common bond, not only in the sense just described,
but also between ourselves. It was one of the things which first
brought us together in our personal relationship.
We also tend to gravitate towards the history of the average
"common" people and everyday life. So "common"
here also means the vernacular.
In short, we are just a couple in New Jersey who love history
and are trying, in our small ways, to make a contribution to the
study of our shared "common bond." We've created this
website http://www.commonbondhistorians.com/index.html to
share what we've been doing with others who also enjoy history.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Patriots, Tories, Inebriates, and Hussies: Archaeology at the
Abraham Staats House, South Bound Brook, New Jersey
Presented by: Richard Veit
Monmouth University
Department of History and Anthropology
West Long Branch, NJ 07764-1898
To modern suburbanites life on a farm may seem hopelessly boring
or, alternatively, charming and idyllic. Excavations at the Abraham
Staats House in New Jersey’s Raritan Valley, just upriver
from New Brunswick, provides a glimpse of the lives of the 18th-
and 19th-century farmers who were neither boring nor idyllic. The
Staats family, part of the early 18th-century Dutch migration to
the Raritan Valley saw their lives transformed by the Revolutionary
War, the arrival of Turnpike Roads, the construction of the Delaware
and Raritan Canal, the emancipation of slaves, and family squabbles
of Macbethian proportions. Excavations at the Staats House undertaken
by volunteers from the Friends of the Staats House, the ASNJ, and
Monmouth University, combined with the rediscovery of long-forgotten
diaries and court records, allow us to better understand the complex
realities of rural life in New Brunswick’s hinterlands.
Richard F. Veit, Ph.D. (Biographical Sketch)
Richard Veit is an Associate Professor in the Department of
History and Anthropology at Monmouth University and Director
of the University’s
MA program in Liberal Arts. He received his Ph.D. in Historical
Archaeology/Anthropology from the University of Pennsylvania. His
dissertation focused on New Jersey’s architectural terra
cotta industry. He is the author of the award-winning book Digging
New Jersey's Past: Historical Archaeology in the Garden State
(Rutgers University Press 2002). Currently, he is involved in
an archaeological study of colonial life in central New Jersey
focused on the Abraham Staats House, a Dutch-American farm in
South Bound Brook.
Speaker Series: Laurie MacDonnell-Gaulke- "Doughnuts
for Doughboys - A Salvation Army Lassie on WW1 Battlefields"
Right in line with the observance of Veterans Day
(Saturday, November 11th), Laurie MacDonnell-Gaulke of Long Hill
Township, will present her discussion in her uniform of the period.
Saturday, November 11, 2006 will commemorate the 88th anniversary
of the end of World War 1 in 1918. Originally called Armistice
Day, it is now observed as Veterans Day. A brief business meeting
will precede the program. The public is invited to attend. Refreshments
will be served.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Speaker
Series: Gordon Ward presents "Ghosts at Our Doorsteps"
Ghost lore is all around us, and it offers an intriguing glimpse
into our history and the fabric of our surroundings. Experiences
with ghosts have been reported by people of all ages and all walks
of life, yet most people only think of ghosts the way they are
portrayed in Hollywood movies. So...what are ghosts? How can the
phenomena be explained, and what can ghost lore teach us about
our past?
This enjoyable presentation is designed to answer
these questions, entertain, educate, and perhaps send a few chills
up your spine. Based upon many years of interest and study, the
program consists of an exciting, semi-formal lecture with Power Point
photos regarding classic tales, direct experiences, and site visits.
While it includes a review of developing theories, the format
also places an emphasis on ghost lore as entertainment and celebrates
the importance of documenting local stories and sharing them in
the oral tradition, something that is rapidly being lost in today’s
world. Specializing in ghost lore regarding historic sites, many
of the accounts are from the Somerset, Hunterdon, and Morris County
areas of New Jersey with occasional references to stories from
other counties, states, or regions. This presentation is lots
of fun and perfect for a variety of audiences at any time of year...NOT
JUST HALLOWEEN!
Thursday, Sept 21, 2006
Speaker Series:
David Cowell-"Turn your plate over and have
a good Read!"
For a list of CURRENT EVENTS SCHEDULED for THSSH - 
In celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, The Historical Society of Somerset Hills will be having William Styple, a resident of Chatham, present a program on Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Styple has written close to twenty books on the Civil War and his most recent book is “Tell Me of Lincoln”. 
During this 'first person' performance, Kimberly Costa, a historic character interpreter, gives her guests the chance to meet and listen to a woman traveling across New Jersey by stage.
The Mountain Glen Water Cure and Summer Retreat in Somerset County -- And Other Tales of Nineteenth-Century "Alternative" Medicine in the Garden State
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. 
What ghosts roam within the historic sites and buildings of Central NJ? How accurate are the traditional stories? From his new book, local author Gordon Ward transports us from the shadowed woods of the Somerset Hills to the dappled banks of the Delaware River to deliver a rich mix of factual history and the sound investigation of ghostly phenomena. 
The Historical Society of the Somerset Hills is sponsoring the first statewide Historic Schoolhouse Summit and Symposium at the 200 year old Brick Academy in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. 
Circle the date – October 7th – and
join the crowds attending the annual Lord Stirling 1770s Festival,
where life in the 18th Century will be portrayed and craftspeople
will demonstrate the various occupations and products of the
time. 
Awards
for noteworthy historic preservation projects in the Somerset Hills
will be presented by the Historical Society of the Somerset Hills
on Wednesday, May 23, 2007, at 7:30 in the Bernardsville
Public Library. This will be the fourth year for
this Historical Society program to recognize local projects preserving
historic buildings and enhancing neighborhood character. Presentation
of the awards will be accompanied by a narrated slide program about
the projects. 
Bernards Township's
13th Annual Charter Day on Saturday, May 19, promises
to be a fun and festive day with its vendors, displays, service
groups and strong emphasis on history. There will be a complete
history village!
Christmas
Party!
Charlie
Engelhard: The REAL Goldfinger? 
Julie Brown Neu has been quilting for more than ten years, focusing primarily on traditional patchwork. She is a member of the Garden State Quilters Guild, a guild of 250 members that meets in Chatham, New Jersey. For the last two years, she has managed charitable activities for the guild and is now the Webmaster (
She lives in Chatham and is an Internet strategy consultant when she isn’t quilting. 
Gordon Ward presents a workshop based on his new book “A
Bit of Earth” – How to Preserve Childhood, History
and a Sense of Place 
Ward leads this hands-on workshop for anyone
wanting to begin to preserve their own memories as historical
links and reestablish a sense of place for an area in which
they live/have lived. This enjoyable workshop includes
exemplary readings and photos from Mr. Ward’s book A
Bit of Earth: Preserving Childhood, History, and a Sense of
Place, tips about gathering regional information, instruction
on generating ideas through “creative clustering,” and
guidance for individuals to develop and outline their
own stories within suggested categories.
Nancy Shill & Charlie Pellegrino are lovers of music and
of history. 
