Somerville Historic Advisory Committee

10/11/2026

At the Wallace House yesterday, got to see the growth of the Salem Oak seedling which former Mayor Sullivan requested be planted on the grounds of our NJ State Historic site where it was most likely to be seen and appreciated for its historical connections. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salem_Oak
Some of you may have attended the ceremonial dedication attended by local Somerville Rec and Environmental Commission and scouts. Well, the oak is thriving, protected by its own screen "Wallace House" from hungry critters and well cared for by local staff, formerly Paul Soltis and now Joe Salt.

10/08/2026

LAST CALL FOR VOLUNTEER GREETERS AT THE DANIEL ROBERT HOUSE THIS WEEKEND. WE NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU BEFORE 6pm on Friday

09/28/2026

Love Somerville history? We’re looking for volunteers!

The Somerville Historic Advisory Committee is seeking Somerville residents to help welcome visitors to Borough Hall during Somerset County’s Journey Through the Past weekend, October 10–11.

Volunteers can help in one of two ways:

• Greet visitors at the welcome table
• Assist with tours through Borough Hall

No experience is necessary. Volunteers will receive training and a private tour of Borough Hall before the event so you’ll be comfortable and prepared.

Saturday, October 10
• 9 AM–12 PM
• 12–3 PM
• 3–5 PM

Sunday, October 11
• 12–3 PM
• 2–5 PM

Interested in helping? Please send us a private message through Facebook with your name, street address, preferred shift(s), and whether you’d like to greet visitors, assist with tours, or either. Or, email [email protected]

Help us share Somerville’s history and our beautiful municipal building with our community!

Send a message to learn more

09/26/2026

Somerville residents may not recgonize this stunning building. It's the Wallace House as it now appears at the end of it's year-long restoration funded by the National Park Sservice grant. The 19th century porches have been removed and the shutters returned to all the windows. New roof, and historically correct exterior paint protects the clapboards Now we see the house as John Wallace built it and George Washington likely knew it. Looking forward to hearing the progress on the interior restoration, which should begin this fall and winter. Looking forward to the next update provided by the State Park Service and the Wallace House and Old Dutch Parsonage Association. So great to see Somerville's colonial jewel shine!

09/22/2026

Love Somerville History? Volunteer for Journey Through the Past!
The Somerville Historic Advisory Committee is looking for Somerville RESIDENTS to help welcome visitors to Borough Hall (aka the Daniel Robert House and Elks’ Ballroom) during Somerset County’s Journey Through the Past weekend, October 10–11. https://www.somersetcountynj.gov/government/public-works/cultural-heritage/journey-through-the-past
Volunteers will receive training on a private tour of Borough Hall before the event so that everyone is comfortable and prepared. Come spend a few hours helping us share Somerville’s history with our community.
HOW YOU CAN HELP: Volunteers may choose to 1) WELCOME VISITORS:
Greet guests at the welcome table, orient them when they arrive, and keep track of how many people enter the building. 2) ASSIST WITH TOURS:
Es**rt visitors through the building while sharing the history of this important Somerville landmark.
SIGN UP FOR Volunteer Shifts: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10:
9:00 AM–12:00 PM — includes setup, 12:00–3:00 PM, 3:00–5:00 PM — includes closing
OR SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11: 12:00–3:00 PM; 2:00–5:00 PM
IF INTERESTED please send us: Your NAME, Your SOMERVILLE STREET ADDRESS, PREFERRED SHIFT(S), preference to WELCOME VISITORS, ES**RT VISITORS, or are happy to do either
Contact the Marge Sullivan & Kelley Allen by email ([email protected]) or send us a message through Facebook Messenger.

Make a vibrant connection to history at Somerset County's Annual Journey Through the Past! During this free, family-friendly weekend of activities, Somerset County invites you to:

09/20/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BgeKsL5Mj/

Send a message to learn more

09/20/2026

https://www.newjerseyhills.com/echoes-sentinel/news/watchung-library-and-community-center-renovations-to-begin-mid-april/article_5b47c5bc-7184-4a26-ba5a-9f1f171abcc8.html

Watchung Library's renovations, which temporatiliy closed it's branch libary, are proceeding on schedule. Nice to see that the architect preserved the historic gambrel (Dutch colonial style) roof of the exisiting barn-like structure, while adding needed space in a compatible architectural style. This is historic preservation and sensitive development going hand in hand.
Looking forward to hearing in the near future about the partial reopening of the Bound Brook branch library which also was temporatily closed due to the need for infrastructure improvements. The Bound Brook Memorial Libary building is older than Somerville's branch library and was build as a tribute to WWI veterans.

WATCHUNG - The main construction for the renovation of the Watchung library and new community center is set to begin in mid-April, according to James Damato, borough administrator and chief

09/20/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19Lsw7dNq5/

Send a message to learn more

09/18/2026

Love Somerville History? VOLUNNTEER for Journey Through the Past!
The Somerville Historic Advisory Committee is looking for Somerville RESIDENTS to help welcome visitors to Borough Hall (aka the Daniel Robert House and Elks’ Ballroom) during Somerset County’s Journey Through the Past weekend, October 10–11. Volunteers will receive training on a private tour of Borough Hall prior to the event so that everyone is comfortable and prepared. Come spend a few hours helping us share Somerville’s history with our community.
HOW YOU CAN HELP: Volunteers may choose to 1) WELCOME VISITORS:
Greet guests at the welcome table, orient them when they arrive, and keep track of how many people enter the building.
2) ASSIST WITH TOURS:
Es**rt visitors through the building while sharing the history of this important Somerville landmark.
SIGN UP FOR Volunteer Shifts: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10:
9:00 AM–12:00 PM — includes setup, 12:00–3:00 PM, 3:00–5:00 PM — includes closing
OR SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11: 12:00–3:00 PM; 2:00–5:00 PM
IF INTERESTED please send us: Your NAME, Your SOMERVILLE STREET ADDRESS, PREFERRED SHIFT(S), preference to WELCOME VISITORS, ES**RT VISITORS, or are happy to do either.

Contact the Marge Sullivan & Kelley Allen by email ([email protected]) or send us a message through Facebook Messenger.

Step back into the past and discover something AMAZING with Somerset County's Weekend Journey Through the Past!