Somerset County Historical Society to Host Vintage-Themed Membership Drive Ahead of America's 250th Birthday

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — The Somerset County Historical Society is ready to party like it’s 2026. In celebration of America’s upcoming 250th birthday, the organization is launching a series of events that highlight Somerset County’s deep ties to national history, especially in winning the Revolutionary War. This August, members will get an exclusive preview of the major commemorations planned for the semiquincentennial.

In partnership with Somerset County, the Historical Society will host the Vintage Vibe Membership Drive on Saturday, August 2, 2026, at Raritan Valley Community College, beginning at 1:00 PM. The event will feature live music from a retro-classic band, refreshments, and hands-on historical activities spanning several centuries. Attendees are encouraged to dress in vintage attire, learn colonial history, dance to the music, and connect with representatives from dozens of historic sites across the county—all while mingling with George and Martha Washington.

“The Somerset County Historical Society knows how to throw a party. No one else is doing a ‘pre-250’ event that gives everyone a chance to sign up for a great community organization and never miss a beat ahead of 2026,” said Rikki Lyn McCarthy, Vice President of the Somerset County Historical Society.

Admission is open to the public and includes a reduced-cost Somerset County Historical Society membership. Memberships are typically $25 for individuals and $40 for families, and include reduced fees for events, a quarterly digital newsletter with updates, articles, event announcements, and the opportunity to support historical preservation and interpretation across the county.

Founded in 1882, the Somerset County Historical Society is committed to finding, saving, and sharing the stories of Somerset County, New Jersey. For more information about the Society or the Vintage Vibe Membership Drive, please visit the Somerset County Historical Society website or follow along on Facebook and Instagram.