Somerset County Earns National Recognition for Innovative Docent Training Program

Somerset County has been awarded a 2026 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award for its Docent Training Program — a countywide initiative designed to strengthen volunteer engagement and preserve the rich history woven throughout our communities. Commissioner Director Shanel Y. Robinson and Commissioner Sara Sooy accepted the honor at NACo’s national conference, where the program was highlighted as a model for innovation and community impact.

NACo Achievement Awards spotlight county programs that deliver measurable results, improve services, and build stronger communities. Somerset County’s Docent Training Program does exactly that. Created to address long‑standing volunteer recruitment challenges and ensure the long‑term sustainability of local history organizations, the program brings together residents with a passion for storytelling and equips them with the skills to share Somerset County’s unique past.

Many residents first encounter this work at the Somerset County 4‑H Fair, where the County tent features images and conversations about the Five Generals Houses — historic sites that played pivotal roles during the American Revolution. In 2025, the docent program proved its success by expanding volunteer involvement at these homes, strengthening community connections, and increasing opportunities for both residents and visitors to explore Somerset County’s heritage.

These trained volunteers — our docents — have become an essential part of each historic site’s fabric. They support programming, welcome guests, and help ensure these treasured homes remain accessible and vibrant parts of the community.

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