Somerset County Marks America 250 With Living History, 4-H Fair

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Somerset County is marking America's 250th anniversary with a series of free, family-friendly events in July and August highlighting local heritage and history, according to the county.

"Honoring America's 250th anniversary means recognizing the important role Somerset County played in our nation's early history," Commissioner Director Shanel Y. Robinson said. "These programs provide residents a chance to learn, connect, and experience history in ways that are meaningful for families today."

History on the Green

Somerset County will present History on the Green on Saturday, July 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Somerset County Courthouse Green, 20 North Bridge Street in Somerville, the county said.

"This family-friendly annual event provides residents the chance to see what daily life looked like in the early days of our founding," Commissioner Elizabeth Graner said.

The free event will transform the Courthouse Green into an 18th-century gathering place, with visitors able to meet figures portraying General George Washington, Martha Washington and Benjamin Franklin, according to the county. Historical reenactors will present a pop-up military encampment demonstrating how soldiers cooked, trained and prepared for service.

The event will also feature colonial ballads, 18th-century military music, and artisan demonstrations including silhouette cutting, lacemaking, quill writing, blacksmithing and carpentry, the county said. Attendees can explore colonial toys and games and collect special-edition history trading cards.

More information is available at somersetcountynj.gov/government/public-works/cultural-heritage/history-on-the-green.

4-H Fair

Somerset County's annual 4-H Fair will run from Wednesday, Aug. 5, through Friday, Aug. 7, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at North Branch Park, 310 Milltown Road in Bridgewater, according to the county.

"The 4-H Fair is one of Somerset County's most joyful traditions, and America's 250 celebration makes it even more special," Commissioner Melonie Marano said. "Every summer, families come together to support our youth, enjoy agricultural exhibits, and connect with the heart of our community."

A Somerset County tent will serve as a hub where residents can meet staff from departments including Health, Public Works, Human Services, Engineering and Planning, and Social Services, along with representatives from the County Clerk, Prosecutor, Surrogate and Sheriff's offices, the county said.

Fairgoers can also meet 4-H members and view their projects in animal science, agriculture, STEM, creative arts and environmental education, according to the county. Animals on-site will include sheep, goats, alpacas, cows, dogs and reptiles, and nonprofit food vendors will sell funnel cakes, lemonade, milkshakes and sausage-and-pepper sandwiches.

Several 4-H clubs will offer games and activities inspired by those from 250 years ago as part of the anniversary theme, "Celebrating America's Birthday."

More information is available at 4histops.org/visitors.

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