Somerset County Seeks Nominees For 2026 History Awards

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — The Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission is seeking nominations for its 2026 Historic Preservation and History Awards.

These awards honor individuals, groups, and organizations that show leadership in preserving, increasing public awareness of, and engaging with Somerset County history and historic assets.

Commissioner Melonie Marano, liaison to the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, stated that the country will celebrate 250 years of American Independence in 2026.

She added that these awards remind people that history requires individuals and organizations to preserve and educate the public about Somerset County’s history. Since 1993, over 150 awardees from all 21 municipalities in Somerset County have been recognized for their efforts.

The 2026 awards are sponsored by the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners and the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission.

Nominations are open in four categories:

The History in Action category recognizes those who increase public awareness, access, knowledge, and engagement with Somerset County history.

The Historic Preservation category honors individuals, groups, and organizations that have completed preservation, rehabilitation, or restoration projects in Somerset County.

The Hometown Historian award recognizes a Somerset County resident committed to preserving and promoting local history.

New for 2026 is the Young Historian category, which recognizes students from Somerset County schools. This category includes an Individual Student Award for high school or college students, offering a $500 scholarship from the Friends of the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage, Inc. A School and Student Group Award honors middle or high school groups for their involvement in local history and preservation efforts.

The deadline for nomination applications is Friday, March 13. The nomination form and guidelines are available online at bit.ly/2026NominationForm.

Paper forms can be requested by contacting the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission office at 908-203-6145 or CulturalHeritage@somersetcountynj.gov. Submissions can also be mailed to PO Box 3000, Somerville.

Award winners will receive notification in April and be honored at an awards ceremony in May. The Historic Preservation and History Awards Committee, comprised of commission board members and advisory committee members, administers the program.