Somerset County
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Saturday, July 19th, 2025 10:00AM-4:00PM
Experience living history in downtown Somerville! Step back into the past and visit Revolutionary-era New Jersey at Somerset County's free living history event for the whole family - History on the Green! Join us on the Historic Somerset County Courthouse Green in Somerville to:
- Explore a pop-up encampment & visit with Revolutionary War soldiers!
- Meet George and Martha Washington! (Don't forget to get their autographs!)
- See early-American artisans in action!
- Experience cannon and musket firing demonstrations!
- Play colonial toys & games!
- Learn to write with a quill!
- Train to become a Revolutionary War Spy!
- And SO MUCH MORE
ACTIVITIES, PERFORMANCES & DEMONSTRATIONS
Meet George and Martha Washington!
General George Washington and his wife Martha will be visiting History on the Green to tell the story of how they met and how their lives were affected by the Revolution. Don't forget to get their autographs!
New Jersey Militia - Heard's Brigade
Experience everyday life in an encampment during the American Revolution! It wasn’t all battlefields and fighting- see how the NJ Militia would have spent their time cooking, cleaning, playing games, and more.
1st Rhode Island Regiment
See Revolutionary War soldiers in action! The 1st Rhode Island Regiment was famous for being the 1st American military unit to consist of mainly non-white soldiers. The majority of soldiers were enslaved Black or Native American men serving to win their freedom.
Enjoy "Liberty Songs" of the Revolutionary War! Musicians Anne and Ridley Enslow will recreate the music of American history with an 18th century violin and hammered dulcimer. Listen to the real music of Alexander Hamilton, Colonial Drinking Songs, and more!
Enjoy the NJ Fifes & Drums live performances of late 18th-century music that would have been performed by a military corps of music during the Revolutionary War. This local group will be dressed in field musician uniforms of the 2nd New Jersey Regiment
Hand-Cut Colonial Silhouettes!
Watch in awe and excitement as professional artist Lauren Muney creates a hand-cut, colonial style portrait of you to take home. You have the easy part - sit and enjoy the experience!
Colonial Lacemaking!
Meet the Lost Art Lacers as they craft beautifully intricate lace as it would have been done in the colonial era. Then, try your hand at the art yourself on a practice pillow! Don't worry - the Lost Art Lacers will help you!
18th Century Reading & Writing!
Make your own iron gall ink and write with a quill with Stationer Benjamin Bartgis! Admire a collection of original and reproduction items and books related to colonial reading and writing.
Colonial Toys & Games with Liberty Hall Museum!
Experience the toys and games of the past with Liberty Hall Museum! Try your hand at cup-and-ball, race with a hoop-and-stick, and make your very own clay marbles to take home!
Codes and Cyphers of the American Revolution!
Train to become a Revolutionary War spy by learning the art of spycraft and the importance of espionage! Find out how spies helped turn the tide of the Revolution and try your hand with various codes and cyphers!
18th Century Carpentry Demonstration
Ever wonder how furniture and homes were made during the 18th century? Join carpenter Scott Lance as he demonstrates how colonial carpenters would have worked!
Collect History Trading Cards!
Keep your eye out for the 3rd edition of History on the Green Trading Cards! Each card features a notable person, place, event, or theme from Somerset County's rich history and deals out unique facts and activities for the whole family to enjoy. Collect them all!
2025 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
*Schedule is subject to change.
| 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. ALL DAY! |
|
| 10:30 A.M. |
Cannon Fire (accompanied by NJ FIfes & Drum) |
| 10:40 A.M. |
NJ Fifes & Drum Performance |
| 11:00 A.M. |
Musket Firing Demonstration |
| 11:30 A.M. |
"Music of the American Revolution" - Anne & Ridley Enslow |
| 12:00 P.M. |
|
| 12:45 P.M. |
NJ Fifes & Drum Performance |
| 1:15 P.M. |
"Music of the American Revolution" - Anne & Ridley Enslow |
| 1:45 P.M. |
Cannon Fire (accompanied by NJ Fifes & Drum) |
| 2:00 P.M. |
Musket Firing Demonstration |
| 2:30 P.M. |
NJ Fifes & Drum Performance |
| 3:00 P.M. |
"Music of the American Revolution" - Anne & Ridley Enslow |
| 3:30 P.M. |
Cannon Fire (accompanied by NJ Fifes & Drum) |
| 4:00 P.M. |
Event Ends |
Made possible with funds from the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and the New Jersey Historical Commission.