Somerset County's Annual Journey Through The Past Weekend

Press release from the Somerset County Government:

09/29/2022 9:48 AM

History comes alive in Somerset County during our annual Journey Through the Past weekend being held 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8; and 12 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 9.

“Somerset County is so proud of our rich heritage that we celebrate it every year during our Journey Through the Past weekend,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Melonie Marano, Cultural and Heritage liaison. “We’re excited to have 30 historic sites participate this year. We’re also thrilled to host a replica of General Washington’s Revolutionary War tent, from the Museum of the American Revolution, for visitors to explore.”

Because of our Revolutionary War history, Somerset County has been designated as a Crossroads of the American Revolution State Heritage Area. Visitors will find that General George Washington, the Marquis de Lafayette, General von Steuben, and Major General Lord Stirling used their time in Somerset County to plan campaigns, monitor the British army, train troops and participate in skirmishes.

Somerset County has everything you need to make your Journey Through the Past an adventure to remember. Before traveling on Oct. 8 or 9, we encourage you to explore www.visitsomersetnj.org to find local restaurants, shops, and parks that you may wish to include in your Journey.

The county Cultural & Heritage Commission encourages you to share photos along your journey. Upload photos to Instagram or Facebook and tag them @SomersetCountyNJ. Photos tagged @somersetcountynj may be shared on the County’s social media platforms.

SITE VISITS

Saturday, Oct. 8 – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 9 - 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Thirty historic sites around the county will be open to the public for Journey Through the Past. Additionally, and unique this year is a replica of George Washington’s Revolutionary War tent from the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia that will be on the Somerset County Historic Courthouse Green in Somerville. Visitors can meet Washington’s bodyguard who will give guided tours of the tent.

2022 Weekend Journey through the Past Participating Sites
Sites that will be open to the public on Oct. 8 and 9

1860 School House, Millstone Borough

Abraham Staats House, South Bound Brook

Andrew Ten Eyck House, Branchburg

Bedensville Schoolhouse, Montgomery - NEW

Blawenburg Reformed Church, Skillman

Boudinot-Southard-Ross Estate, Bernards

Brick Academy, Bernards

Daniel Robert House § Somerville Borough Hall, Somerville

Dirck Gulick House, Belle Mead

Dr. John Vermeule House, Green Brook

East Millstone Bridgetender's Home and Station, East Millstone (Franklin Township) - NEW

Fisher Family & St. Andrew's Cemeteries, South Bound Brook

General John Frelinghuysen House § Raritan Public Library, Raritan

Griggstown Bridge-tenders House, Franklin

Hageman Farm, Somerset

Historic Brook Theater, Bound Brook

Jacobus Vanderveer House, Bedminster

Kennedy-Martin-Stelle Farmstead, Bernards

Kirch-Ford-Terrill House, Warren

Mount Bethel Baptist Meeting House, Warren

Old Presbyterian Graveyard, Bound Brook

Philip Van Horne House, Bridgewater

Pluckemin Schoolhouse, Bedminster

Somerville Exempt Fire Museum, Somerville

Stoutsburg, Sourland African American Museum, Skillman

Texier House Museum, Watchung

USGA Golf Museum, Liberty Corner

Van Veghten House, Bridgewater

Wallace House and Old Dutch Parsonage, Somerville

Washington Rock Park, Green Brook

*List subject to change. Websites linked where available.

SPECIAL EVENT - Replica of George Washington's Revolutionary War Tent, Courthouse Green in Somerville

The Somerset County Cultural and Heritage Commission asks that all visitors, and all participating historic sites and their attendant organizations comply with current State and County health, safety and social distancing protocols during this event.

For the most up-to-date information on in-person tours, exhibits and special events, please visit www.schistoryweekend.com.

HISTORY TRAVELER CONTEST

Journey Through the Past travelers will have the opportunity to give feedback on this year’s event and be entered to win one of four prizes. Participants must visit at least three sites and complete a brief online survey to be entered to win. Details will be placed on the website. Contact CulturalHeritage@co.somerset.nj.us for more information.

Somerset County’s annual Journey Through the Past is an initiative of the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners and the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, in collaboration with many countywide local historical organizations and commissions and other county organizations. It is made possible in part by funds from the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and the New Jersey Historical Commission.

This press release was produced by the Somerset County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.