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! Celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary and learn about Somerset County's rich local history during this fun-filled day of Revolutionary War-era activities and performances. 

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!
• Listen to live period music!
• And SO MUCH MORE

History on the Green is rain or shine!

History on the Green - Program Schedule
(Schedule is Subject to Change)

2026 ACTIVITIES, PERFORMANCES & DEMONSTRATIONS

 Meet Famous Historical Figures!
General George Washington and his wife Martha will visit 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! There will even be a special guest appearance by Benjamin Franklin!

Revolutionary War Reenactors!
Experience everyday life in an encampment during the American Revolution! It wasn’t all battlefields and fighting- see how the NJ Militia, Heard's Brigade, and the Sixth United States Colored Troops would have spent their time cooking, cleaning, playing games, and more. Stick around to see the musket firing and cannon demonstrations! 

Music of the Colonies
Enjoy traditional 18th century folk music! Musicians Tom and Marianne Tucker will perform colonial ballads accompanied by traditional instruments.

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 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 own clay marbles to take home!

Colonial Beekeeping!
Learn about colonial-era beekeeping and beeswax candle making with Keith Lyon of K2 Apiary. See demonstrations of colonial-era beeswax production and touch replica historic beekeeping items! 

18th Century Carpentry & Stonecutting Demonstrations!
Ever wonder how furniture and homes were made during the 18th century? Or how intricate patterns and names were carved into stone? Join carpenter Scott Lance and stonecutter John Zielenski as they demonstrate early trades and crafts! 

Blacksmithing Demonstration!
Learn about 18th century tools for blacksmithing with the Old Millstone Forge - a local historic site from right here in Somerset County! Watch a blacksmith work alongside a mobile forge.              

Collect History Trading Cards!
Collect a full set of Semiquincentennial Special Edition 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.

Visit with Local Historic Sites and Organizations!
A variety of local historic sites and organizations will be at History on the Green - be sure to stop by, learn about what they do, make a craft, and more!

 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.