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Welcome to The Historical Society of the Somerset Hills

Founded in 1928 originally as the Basking Ridge Historical Society, the name was changed in 1988 to The Historical Society of the Somerset Hills to include the five communities of Bedminster Township, Bernards Township, Bernardsville, Far Hills, and Peapack-Gladstone.

THSSH’s mission is to acquire, conserve and share historic artifacts and information; cultivate interest in local history; encourage preservation; facilitate research; interpret the Brick Academy; and operate the local history museum. The By-laws of the non-profit organization calls for a Board of Trustees to govern the operation. The board meets monthly and conducts 2-4 General Membership Meetings annually.

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THSSH congratulates the historic Grain House as it marks the 250th year of its construction. This Franklin Corrners establishment in Bernards Township is full of rich local history.

In 1768, when the First Methodist church in North American colonies was initiated at Wesley Chapel in NYC and the first edition of the Encyclopedia Britannica was being published in Scotland, Samuel Lewis, a miller from Franklin Corners in Bernards Township, built a water-powered grist mill and a barn on the Passaic River on land originally acquired from William Penn.

Read this great story…


Happy Birthday THSSH

2018 Marks Society’s 90th Anniversary

From the humble beginnings, to the move into the Brick Academy, the numerous restorations, and supporting the growth of new historic organizations in our area. Take a look back at the great history of The Historical Society of the Somerset Hills.


Take a look back at 2017 at the Society along with some of our area’s historic friends.

A gift of over 200 photos. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!