Raritan NJ
2-13-2026 8:30pm

Somerset County Seeking Nominations for 2026 Historic Preservation and History Awards

(For Immediate Release – Somerset County, NJ): The Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission is seeking nominees across four categories for the 2026 Historic Preservation and History Awards. The awards honor individuals, groups, and organizations that demonstrate exemplary leadership in and efforts to preserve, increase public awareness of, knowledge about, or engagement with Somerset County history and historic assets.

“The Country will celebrate 250 years of American Independence in 2026, and these awards are a great reminder that history doesn’t survive without those individuals and organizations that preserve and educate the public about Somerset County’s rich history,” said Commissioner Melonie Marano, liaison to the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission. “Since 1993, over 150 awardees from all 21 municipalities in Somerset County have been recognized for their efforts. Without their hard work, residents would not be able to enter the homes that historical figures lived in, visit the places that contributed to American history, or experience living history at locations staffed by volunteer docents.”

The 2026 awards, which are sponsored by the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners and Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, are open for nominations across the following categories:

History in Action – recognizes individuals, groups, educational institutions, and government agencies that have increased public awareness of, access to, knowledge about, and engagement with Somerset County history.

Historic Preservation – recognizes individuals, groups, and organizations that have completed a preservation, rehabilitation, or restoration project in Somerset County.

Hometown Historian – recognizes a Somerset County resident that has demonstrated a commitment to preserving and promoting local history and has significantly contributed to the community’s understanding of and/or engagement with Somerset County history.

Young Historian – recognizes individual and groups of students from Somerset County schools that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to local history and historic preservation in the following categories:

  • Individual Student Award – honors a Somerset County high school or college student for their commitment to and involvement in local history or historic preservation efforts. Honoree will receive a $500 scholarship from the Friends of the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage, Inc.
  • School and Student Group Award – honors Somerset County middle or high school student groups, clubs, or classes for their commitment to and involvement in local history and historic preservation efforts.

The deadline for nomination applications is Friday, March 13, 2026.

The 2026 nomination form and guidelines can be accessed online by visiting https://bit.ly/2026NominationForm.

Paper forms and guidelines can be requested by contacting the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission office at (908) 203-6145 or CulturalHeritage@somersetcountynj.gov. Nomination forms and supporting documents can be submitted through mail to the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, 20 Grove Street, PO Box 3000, Somerville, NJ 08876-1262.

Award winners will be notified in April 2026 and honored at an awards ceremony in May 2026.

The program is administered by the Cultural & Heritage Commission's Historic Preservation and History Awards Committee, comprised of Cultural & Heritage Commission board members and advisory committee members.

To learn more about Somerset County, register for free email alerts at somersetcountynj.gov/subscribe or follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube.

About Somerset County

The County of Somerset is committed to excellence and innovation in public service, promoting the well-being of all residents and communities by providing effective, efficient, and responsive leadership.

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