Journey Through the Past
Make a vibrant connection to history at Somerset County’s 20th annual Journey Through the Past! During this free, family-friendly weekend of activities, Somerset County invites you to:
EXPLORE the vast history of Somerset County through a variety of different experiences and activities at each historic site!
LEARN what life was like 50…100…or even 200 years ago!
DISCOVER Somerset County’s rich Revolutionary War history – and more!
Which historic sites will you visit during your Journey Through the Past?
33 unique historic sites throughout Somerset County will be open, free to the public on:
– Saturday, October 11th, 2025 from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. and
– Sunday, October 12th, 2025 from 12:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.
CLICK HERE to download the 2025 Guidebook
CLICK HERE to see a list of historic sites participating in 2025
UPDATE:
Please note that the Philip Van Horne House is unable to participate this year due to construction.
CORRECTION:
Earlier print versions of the 2025 Guidebook list the incorrect address for the Wallace House & Old Dutch Parsonage. The correct address is: 71 Somerset Street, Somerville, NJ 08876. The address has been updated and highlighted in the digital guidebook above and corrected information will be printed for future guidebooks.
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NEW! JOURNEY THROUGH THE PAST PASSPORT PROGRAM!
VISIT SITES – COLLECT STAMPS – TAKE OUR SURVEY – WIN PRIZES!
Participate in the NEW Journey Through the Past Passport Program! Each historic site has their own unique stamp to be collected and placed within your event Guidebook!
Visit at least three (3) sites to be entered to win some great prizes from Somerset County Tourism and several of the County’s amazing local businesses!
Visit at least five (5) sites to earn a limited-edition 20th Anniversary Journey Through the Past Commemorative Coin! To celebrate the upcoming 250th Anniversary of the Nation, only the first 250 people to visit at least five (5) sites and let us know through the History Traveler Contest survey will win a coin!
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Activities Brochure
Each historic site participating in Journey Through the Past offers unique activities, such as historic house tours, living history events, colonial artisans, period music, and so much more! Learn more about each site’s activities and start planning your Journey!
CLICK HERE to download the Activities Brochure
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Journey Through the Past
Virtual Map
The Journey Through the Past Virtual Map is an easy-to-use map that utilizes Google Maps to provide you with directions to each site.
CLICK HERE to view the virtual map!
Pictured Above: The Dr. John Vermeule House, Green Brook
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History Trading Cards!
During your Journey Through the Past, collect Somerset County’s commemorative history trading cards! Each site has at least one card. Try to find yourself a complete set!
CLICK HERE to see previous years’ trading cards!
Pictured Above: The Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum
(also known as Mount Zion AME Church), Skillman
Somerset County’s annual 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 county-wide local historical organizations and commissions and other county organizations.
Made possible by funds from the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and the New Jersey Historical Commission.