Somerset County is celebrating America’s 250th anniversary with a series of free, family‑friendly events that bring history to life. Residents are invited to attend cornerstone programs in July and August that highlight community, local heritage, and the Country’s enduring spirit of independence.
“Honoring America’s 250th anniversary means recognizing the important role Somerset County played in our nation’s early history,” said Commissioner Director Shanel Y. Robinson. “These programs provide residents a chance to learn, connect, and experience history in ways that are meaningful for families today. Bringing these events into our downtowns, parks, and historic sites, creates meaningful opportunities for residents to celebrate this milestone.”
History on the Green – A living history event
On Saturday, July 18, 2026, Somerset County will present History on the Green from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Somerset County Courthouse Green, located at 20 North Bridge Street in Somerville.
“This family-friendly annual event provides residents the chance to see what daily life looked like in the early days of our founding,” said Commissioner Elizabeth Graner. “By bringing together reenactors, artisans, and historians, we’re creating an event where residents can watch demonstrations and experience the traditions that shaped Somerset County’s earliest communities.”
The free event will transform the Courthouse Green into an 18th‑century gathering place, inviting visitors to meet General George Washington; his wife, Martha Washington; and Benjamin Franklin as they share stories from the Revolutionary Era. Historical reenactors will bring a pop-up military encampment to life with demonstrations of how soldiers cooked, trained, played games, and prepared for service.
Music will fill the Courthouse Green with colonial ballads by Tom and Marianne Tucker, along with late 18th‑century military music by the New Jersey Fifes & Drums. Visitors can also enjoy artisan demonstrations, including hand‑cut silhouettes, colonial lacemaking, quill writing, ink making, blacksmithing, stone cutting, and carpentry. Additional hands-on activities will give attendees the chance to explore colonial toys and games, learn how beeswax was made and used, and collect semiquincentennial special-edition history trading cards highlighting notable people and events from Somerset County’s past.
To learn more about History on the Green, visit: https://www.somersetcountynj.gov/government/public-works/cultural-heritage/history-on-the-green
Somerset County’s Annual 4-H Fair
From Wednesday, August 5 through Friday, August 7, 2026, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Somerset County will celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary at the annual 4‑H Fair, located at North Branch Park, 310 Milltown Road in Bridgewater.
“The 4‑H Fair is one of Somerset County’s most joyful traditions, and America’s 250 celebration makes it even more special. Every summer, families come together to support our youth, enjoy agricultural exhibits, and connect with the heart of our community,” said Commissioner Melonie Marano. “This is truly my favorite event of the year because it brings people together in a way that reflects the very best of Somerset County. I encourage everyone to stop by the Somerset County tent, where our departments will be sharing resources, answering questions, and helping residents learn more about the services available to them. It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet our staff, explore programs, and experience the sense of community that makes this fair such a cherished event annually.”
The Somerset County tent will serve as a central hub for residents to meet staff from a wide range of County departments that include the Health Department, Public Works, Human Services, Engineering and Planning, Social Services, and more. Additionally, representatives from the County Clerk, Prosecutor, Surrogate, and Sheriff’s Offices will also be available to help inform residents about their unique services. Inside the County tent, residents can learn about health-related resources, connect with helpful services that are offered by the County, and more.
Beyond the Somerset County tent, fairgoers can experience the many ways Somerset County 4-H youth learn, lead, and serve throughout the year. Visitors can meet 4-H members and learn about their hands-on projects in animal science, agriculture, STEM, creative arts, cultural arts, environmental education, and community service. Youth exhibitors will showcase the knowledge and skills they have developed through their 4-H experiences, while 4-H clubs will host interactive activities and demonstrations for all ages.
Guests can also meet all the animals cared for by Somerset County 4-H members, including sheep, goats, alpaca, cows, dogs, reptiles and more. They can explore educational displays created by 4-H members and enjoy classic fair favorites from nonprofit food vendors serving funnel cakes, lemonade, fresh milkshakes, sausage and pepper sandwiches, and more.
As part of the America 250 celebration, several Somerset County 4-H clubs will offer games and activities inspired by those enjoyed by young people 250 years ago, and club exhibits throughout the fair will reflect this year’s theme: Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday.
Learn more about the 4-H Fair by visiting: https://4histops.org/visitors
