The Young Historian Award recognizes outstanding commitment to history and historic preservation among Somerset County’s emerging scholars and leaders. The award features two categories:

1. Individual Student Award. Suitable for a Somerset County high school or college student who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to and involvement in history and/or historic preservation efforts. Eligible students may have completed an exemplary history research project or Eagle Scout project, participated in historic preservation efforts, actively volunteered at a Somerset County historic site, or demonstrated strong leadership in the history community. The honoree will receive a $500 scholarship from the Friends of Somerset County Cultural & Heritage, Inc.
2. School / Student Group Award. Suitable for a Somerset County middle school or high school that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to and involvement in history and/or historic preservation efforts. This award recognizes a school-based group – such as a history club, class, or team of students – that has completed an outstanding collaborative project that increases public awareness of Somerset County history. Eligible projects may include community history initiatives, site-based service projects, or other group efforts that deepen public understanding of local history.

Hometown Historian

Suitable for a Somerset County resident who has demonstrated an ongoing dedication to preserving and promoting the history of Somerset County and has made significant contributions to the community’s understanding of and/or engagement with local history. This individual should exhibit strong leadership skills, a passion for history, and a portfolio of successful history projects or programs highlighting the historical significance of Somerset County. Evidence of projects or programs focused on or related to the 250th Anniversary of American Independence will strengthen a candidate’s nomination.

Individuals and organizations are invited to make nominations in any category. Nominated individuals and structures must be in Somerset County; however, the nominator may reside elsewhere. A nominator may make nominations in more than one category. Separate applications must be submitted for each nomination. Self-nominations are acceptable. 

Nominated historic preservation projects must be in Somerset County and should have historical or architectural significance; however, they do not have to be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Local landmarks erected in the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries (up to 1974) are eligible. The buildings should retain architectural integrity from the period, or periods, of their significance.

All preservation projects MUST be completed, and awards will be made only to projects where proper preservation techniques have been used. Preference will be given to projects that have sparked other preservation projects.

The nominee must be aware of and agreeable to the nomination and subsequent public recognition.

Review the nomination guidelines thoroughly prior to submitting the application.  Include all supporting materials and a detailed narrative explaining why your nominee merits a Historic Preservation & History Award with this form. Nominations may be made through the online nomination form found HERE. Physical copies of the nomination form are available upon request. 

A typed narrative explaining why you think your nominee should be honored with a 2026 Historic Preservation and History Award must be included with your nomination form. Narratives should include the nominating category and detailed information explaining why the nominee is deserving of the award (e.g. describe the nominee’s preservation project, share how the nominee has contributed to advancing local history, etc.) 

For Historic Preservation Award nominations, "before" and "after" images (jpeg format) of the completed project must be included with the application. Submitted images may be used by the Commission at the Historic Preservation Awards ceremony to illustrate exemplary preservation projects. Other supporting information such as newspaper articles and brochures may be included but is not required.

If nominating an individual who has produced a history publication (book, journal, article, etc.), a hard copy must be delivered to the address listed below before the nomination deadline. These items will not be returned.

Somerset County Administration Building
Planning Division, 2nd Floor
20 Grove Street
Somerville, NJ 08876

Please address any questions to Cultural & Heritage staff at: 

CulturalHeritage@somersetcountynj.gov

or (908) 203-6145