Somerset 250 Top Events

Celebrate America 250 all summer at Pendry Natirar with a spirited interpretation of the classic afternoon tea. Thoughtfully inspired by timeless American flavors, the experience pairs tea-inspired cocktails with refined sweet and savory selections including bourbon infused creations, elevated tea sandwiches, and seasonal pastries. Set against the historic backdrop of Natirar, enjoy a modern tribute to American heritage, hospitality, and the art of gathering. Each tea service includes a selection of black, green or herbal teas.

Join the Van Harlingen Historical Society for an interactive, family-friendly program celebrating Montgomery’s rich history at the Montgomery Library! Explore a hands-on “show and tell” experience featuring artifacts, maps, photographs, and postcards from Montgomery’s past. Families can move from table to table to examine historic objects up close and learn about the stories behind these pieces of local history. Made possible with 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.

“Nothing is more agreeable, and ornamental,” George Washington wrote at Middle Brook, New Jersey 250 years ago, “than good music.” John Burkhalter and the Practitioners of Musick, drawing from research in manuscript documents and rare books and playing period instruments, present a lecture and musical entertainment of “Good Music” the Washingtons knew. The Rockingham Association, friends of Rockingham State Historic Site, sponsor this program hosted at Kingston United Methodist Church. Free Registration Online: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nothing-more-agreeable-george-washingtons-good-music-tickets-1996236288476?aff=oddtdtcreator ? Revolution NJ is New Jersey’s official observance of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution on now through the 250th anniversary of George Washington’s Final Wartime Headquarters at Rockingham in 2033. George Washington, whilst a fine dancer and avid theatergoer, is not known to have ever played a musical instrument of any sort. When Francis Hopkinson, a Signer of the Declaration of Independence from New Jersey, composed of a book of songs dedicated to George Washington, he wrote in reply, “I can neither sing one of the songs nor raise a single note on any instrument.” A recently-identified ledger book entry however reveals that an adolescent Washington on September 10, 1748 paid 3 shillings, 9 pence to “a music master for my entrance,” suggesting the

What was life like for children during colonial times? Step back in time with the Somerset County Historical Society for this fun, hands-on history program at the Wilson Memorial Church! Young historians and their families will rotate through interactive stations where they can examine real artifacts, discover colonial toys and games, make their own whirly-gig toy and tricorn hat, learn about clothes of the past, and more! This program is recommended for children ages 8-12 and their families. Made possible with 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.

Saturday, September 26, 2026, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. & Sunday, September 27, 2026, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Rockingham State Historic Site, N.J. 84 Laurel Ave., Kingston, NJ 08528 Enjoy “A Taste of Cacao: The Mount Vernon Way” at Washington’s Headquarters. Susan McLellan Plaisted, Proprietress of Heart to Hearth Cookery, makes chocolate cakes on traditional metates, roasting fermented cacao beans and processing them into 100% pure chocolate. Susan introduces the cacao tree, explains the types of cacao, and follows the entire process from cacao bean to chocolate cake with tasting of an eighteenth-century chocolate beverage too. Free Registration Online: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-taste-of-cacao-the-mount-vernon-way-at-washingtons-headquarters-tickets-1996238815033?aff=oddtdtcreator The Rockingham Association, friends of Rockingham State Historic Site, sponsor this program as part of Rocky Hill Day. ? Revolution NJ is New Jersey’s official observance of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution on now through the 250th anniversary of George Washington’s Final Wartime Headquarters at Rockingham in 2033. The Borough of Rocky Hill is a Revolution NJ Community.

Listen to and illustrate the story of Liberty Hall Museum’s mascot, Livingston Fox, and explore the tall tales of the heroes of the American Revolution at the Bridgewater Library. Read, draw, and play with Liberty Hall Museum! Tall tales and folktales have been passed down through generations and offer a rich tradition to be shared in stories, illustrations, and music! This program is recommended for children ages 3-12 and their families. Made possible with 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.

Visit Somerset County for our 21st annual Journey Through the Past! Collect stamps in your Journey through the Past passport while you visit historic sites throughout the County – all open and free to the public on Saturday, October 10th, from 10am-5pm and Sunday, October 11th, from 12-4pm. Explore the vast history of Somerset County through a variety of different experiences! Join a tour of a historic house, participate in family-friendly activities, listen to live music, see blacksmithing demonstrations, and so much more! Where will you visit on your Journey? Learn more about each participating historic site and their activities at: www.schistoryweekend.com.