The Van Horne House in Bridgewater, home to the Heritage Trail Association, served as headquarters for General William Alexander (Lord Stirling), Washington's second in command that winter. General Washington and his wife, Martha, spent time in the Wallace House in Somerville. Derrick Van Veghten's home in Finderne was occupied by the Quartermaster General Nathaniel Green and an entire division of American troops was quartered near the house that now serves as the headquarters for the Somerset County Historical Society. Abraham Staats was host to Inspector General Frederick Von Steuben in his South Bound Brook home; Von Steuben was involved with the Middlebrook Encampment to train the 8,000-10,000 men in the Continental Army. General Henry Knox, one of Washington's closest advisors, stayed at the Jacobus Vanderveer House along Route 202-206 in Bedminster; he was one of the founders of the township's Dutch Reformed Church in 1758. The bus tour is free of charge, but reservations are required.

For reservations: call 732-356-8856, or use the online registration form.

Saturday, March 15, 2008: History Roundtable Meeting

In January 2006, the Cultural and Heritage Commission conducted a countywide assessment of arts and heritage opportunities and needs to be used in formulating the Commission's long-range plans. One of the results of the study was the recommendation that the community come together to exchange ideas, make recommendations for collaborative efforts, and reexamine how the cultural and heritage community conducts business. To review the complete needs assessment report, select Assessment.

The first meeting of the history community, the "History Roundtable", will be held Saturday morning, March 15, 9:30 AM, at the Van Horne House, 941 Main Street, Bridgewater, NJ. Parking is available behind the Target store at 200 Promenade Boulevard or on the east side of Main Street in the Commerce Bank Stadium parking lot. Refreshments will be served. 

If you are unable to attend the first meeting, please provide your contact information so you can be contacted about forthcoming meetings. Select Contact Form.

The Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, in conjunction with local historical organizations, has designated the weekend of October 11-12, 2008, "Weekend Journey through the Past." During the two-day period, twenty-five of the County's significant historic sites will be open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday and 12:00 am to 5:00 pm on Sunday. Many of the sites will offer special exhibits, programs, and tours. Admission and parking at each site are free. For more information select: Weekend Journey

2005 CHHP Projects:

Green Brook Township will hold a History Day Celebration on Saturday, May 7, at the Green Brook Middle School, 132 Jefferson Ave., Green Brook, NJ. The event, which is open to the public, will feature a dozen exhibits covering the Township's 325-year history. The exhibits will include the lifestyle and artifacts of the area's Native Americans; early settlers and their building techniques; the Revolutionary War period with live musket and cannon firing demonstrations; and much more. The program will conclude with the opening and display of the contents from a time capsule recovered during construction at the Irene E. Feldkirchner Elementary School.

While most Green Brook residents know the story of Washington Rock and its role as an observation post during the Revolutionary War, few appreciate the richness of the Township's history. For example, Green Brook Township was the location of Matapes' wigwam. Chief Sachems Metapes of Toponemose was a signatory of several Indian purchases dating from the 1680's. As indicated on an early map, his wigwam was located on Green Brook at the intersection Sebring Mill Road and Rt. 22. A variety of early maps showing roads, boundaries, and the first plantations will be on display.   

During the Colonial period, the Township had four water-powered mills which were used to grind grain, saw lumber, and power other early industries. While the mill structures are gone, the millraces can still be seen along Green Brook and a number of artifacts including a pair of millstones have recently been recovered. Early maps of Green Brook, a model of a mill, and recovered artifacts will be on display. 

During the Revolutionary War, the first Watchung Mountain above Green Brook played a significant role in determining the outcome of the war. Serving as a natural fortress for the Continental Army, the mountains prevented Clinton from attacking Washington at Morristown in the spring of 1777, and, perhaps, bringing the war to an early end. The mountains also served as a platform for signal beacons in 1780. The beacons were burned as a call-to-arms for the local militia prior to the battles of Connecticut Farms and Springfield, the last two significant revolutionary battles fought on New Jersey soil. Several exhibits will focus on Washington Rock, the local militia, and the mountain defenses. 

Residents will be encouraged to bring artifacts, photos, or documents to the event. The CHHP staff will be on had to offer evaluations and documentation for inclusion in Green Brooks historical record.

 Planned exhibit include:

        Pre-revolution War Period

• Geology (natural resources, copper mines, clay pits)
• Native Americans (local way of life and artifacts)
• Early settlers and boundaries
• First houses, construction techniques, tools
• Colonial farming techniques
• Gristmills and saw mills

     Revolutionary War Period

• Defending the Gaps (cannon demonstration)
• Washington Rock (observation and communication post)
• Local Militia (history and musket demonstration)

     Post-revolutionary War Period

• Early industries
• History of Green Brook Schools
• Development of the Rt. 29 / Rt. 22 corridor
• Volunteer Organizations