The Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission is accepting nominations for the 2026 Somerset County Historic Preservation and History Awards which recognize and honor outstanding efforts to preserve and interpret local history and heritage. 

The purpose of the Historic Preservation & History Awards program is to:

• Encourage the preservation of Somerset County's history and historic resources
• Increase public awareness of historic preservation and history
• Promote excellence in historic preservation and history
• Recognize worthy individuals, organizations, or projects in Somerset County

Historic Preservation is the conservation of the historically built environment and culturally important landscape. It is the act of saving or encouraging others to save from destruction historic buildings, sites, structures, districts or scenic vistas, and providing for their continued use by means of restoration, rehabilitation or adaptive use. 

View the Nomination Guidelines and learn more about the four award categories below.

Nomination Deadline: March 13, 2026

Click Here to Access the Guidelines

Click Here to Access the Nomination Form

Past Historic Preservation & History Awards Program Recipients

From left to right: County Commissioner Melonie Marano, 2022 History Award Winner Cindy Williams Newsome, and Cultural & Heritage Commission President Rory Britt

Made possible by funds from the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey Historical Commission.