Choose Your Own Adventure as You Journey Through the Past

News from the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners

Shanel Y. Robinson, Commissioner Director | Sara Sooy, Commissioner Deputy Director

Melonie Marano, Commissioner | Paul Drake, Commissioner | Doug Singleterry, Commissioner

October 4, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Choose Your Own Adventure as You Journey Through the Past

Select In-Person Tours, Virtual Experiences, or Self-Guided Tours

And Share Photos of Your Experience

SOMERVILLE, NJ – Somerset County invites you to explore our county’s rich past, learn what life was like here between 50 and 200 years ago, and discover our Revolutionary War history during the 2021 Journey Through the Past. Somerset County’s rich history helped designate the county as a Crossroads of the American Revolution State Heritage Area.

“Because Somerset County is proud of our rich heritage, we celebrate it every fall through our Journey through the Past event, when many historic sites are open to the public, free of charge,” said Commissioner Melonie Marano, Cultural and Heritage liaison. “Whether you prefer the social interaction of visiting historic sites in person, our award-winning virtual experience, or self-guided driving tours, the 2021 Somerset County Journey Through the Past has you covered.”

Before traveling, participants are invited to explore www.visitsomersetnj.org to find restaurants, shops, and parks that they might want to include in their weekend. Somerset County has everything you need to make your Journey Through the Past an adventure to remember.

Visit www.SCHistoryWeekend.com to find all of the ways you can choose your own adventure and step back into Somerset County’s past.

SITE VISITS

For those who prefer an interactive experience, over 20 historic sites around the county will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 9, and from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 10.

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.

SOMERSET COUNTY COMMEMORATIVE HISTORY TRADING CARDS

Returning this year are Somerset County Commemorative History Trading Cards – a fun way to learn about the people and events that shaped life in Somerset County and beyond. Each card features a notable person, place, event or theme taken from four centuries of Somerset County’s rich history and deals out fun facts, activities and even a few mysteries to solve. Cards are only available Oct. 9 and 10. Ask for them when visiting this year’s participating historic sites.

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 five prizes. Participants must visit at least three sites and complete a brief online survey to be entered to win. Details can be found at https://www.co.somerset.nj.us/government/public-works/cultural-heritage/weekend-journey/history-traveler-contest.

SOMERSET COUNTY HISTORY HUNT

Somerset County’s History Hunt highlights some of the many hidden history gems in the county. Travelers can visit these sites independently throughout October. The Somerset 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.

NATIONAL AWARD-WINNING VIRTUAL JOURNEY THROUGH THE PAST –

The county’s Virtual Journey Through the Past, a National Association of Counties 2021 Achievement Award recipient, is a great way for those who prefer exploring Somerset County’s history from the comfort of their own homes or phones to discover the county’s history. This virtual experience includes interactive maps, videos, stunning images and brief story bites created especially for the Journey through the Past. Find out more at www.SCHistoryWeekend.com.

SELF-GUIDED DRIVING TOUR

Our friends at the Millstone Valley Preservation Coalition have created a self-guided driving tour of the Millstone Valley National Scenic Byway. In partnership with the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, the Millstone Valley Preservation Coalition will be sharing tour information from their headquarters at the Griggstown Bridgetenders House during Journey through the Past event hours on Oct. 9 and 10.

Visit www.SCHistoryWeekend.com to find out all the ways you can choose your own adventure during the 2020 Journey through the Past.

Somerset County’s annual Weekend 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.

2021 Weekend Journey through the Past Participating Sites

Sites that will be open to the Public on October 9th and 10th*

1860 School House, Millstone Borough

Abraham Staats House, South Bound Brook

Andrew Ten Eyck House, Branchburg

Boudinot-Southard-Ross Estate, Bernards

Brick Academy, Bernards

Dirck Gulick House, Montgomery – NEW SITE

Daniel Robert House § Somerville Borough Hall, Somerville

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

General John Frelinghuysen House § Raritan Public Library, Raritan

Griggstown Bridge-tenders House, Franklin