The Historical Society of the Somerset Hills

06/22/2026

Dr. Richard Veit of Monmouth University explains Lord Stirling’s basement in Basking Ridge. Dr. Veit will speak at the Brick Academy on historic burial grounds on October 29.

06/19/2026

Does this painted brick show a true image of Widow White's Tavern?

For America250, THSSH is taking an in-depth look at our Revolutionary War-era artifacts and documents. One of the most interesting is “Widow White’s Bri

06/15/2026

Great Flag Day event at Ross Farm last weekend.

THSSH attended the Flag Day Celebration at Ross Farm in Basking Ridge on Saturday June 13. Great display of flags, vintage fashion, music, and wonderful visitor

06/12/2026

The Lord Stirling Archaeological Site Open House is open every Saturday in June from 10am-3pm.

Somerset County hosted an open house on June 6 at the Lord Stirling Manor Archaeological Site in Basking Ridge, NJ. The manor was the home of William Alexande

06/05/2026

Old team photo preserves the signatures of athletes

Click to enlarge. It’s Spring, in the heart of track and field season, and this week we spotlight the Bernards High (NJ) Track team—from 1942. The above

06/05/2026

Frederic P. Olcott portrait, on loan from THSSH, was unveiled in Bernardsville Town Hall.

On Loan from THSSH, Olcott Portrait Unveiled May 26th in Bernardsville Borough Hall. From Left, Michael Vaccaro, THSSH Trustee; Bernardsville Mayor Mary Jane

05/29/2026

The 1959 Bernards Township reorganization meeting was a gathering of past and future mayors. Do you recognize any of the mayors?

A black-and-white photo shows the Bernards Township (NJ) Committee and staff on January 1, 1959, probably at its reorganization meeting. Click to enlarge.

05/22/2026

Tragic accident shakes school 62 years ago.

Photo courtesy: The Bernardsville News/New Jersey Hills Media Group. On February 8, 1964 on Route 22 near Newark Airport, a truck collided with a passenger c

05/18/2026

Many thanks to the many visitors at the Brick Academy on Charter Day—some visiting the museum for the first time. A special guest was Herb Ryder who was an architect who worked on the conversion of the Academy from Town Hall to Museum. A wonderful day with wonderful weather (for once!)

05/08/2026

This vintage postcard of Olcott Square reveals a sad family story.

This vintage postcard shows a photo of Olcott Square in Bernardsville, NJ, with the old fountain. Manker Hall and the Boylan House are on the right--both of whi