Somerset County Launches Second Round of Award-Winning History Docent Training Program for Fall 2026

(For Immediate Release – Somerset County, NJ): Learn how to make history come to life by joining the Somerset County Docent Training Program, New Jersey’s first collaborative training program for history docents in New Jersey. This free training program is open to New Jersey residents aged 18 and older.

Following its successful launch in 2025, the innovative program quickly reached capacity attracting residents statewide. In response to overwhelming demand, the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission is launching a second round of applications for the program which prepares volunteer history docents to support local historic sites throughout Somerset County.

“This program has strengthened our historic preservation efforts by pairing trained volunteers with local historic sites to educate, guide, and welcome visitors,” said Somerset County Commissioner Melonie Marano, liaison to the Cultural & Heritage Commission. “The program’s tremendous impact was recognized with the 2026 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award for strengthening the community, improving services for residents, and preserving local history. Exhibits, displays, and historic artifacts are great educational tools for visitors. However, the experience becomes more immersive when visitors can interact with a trained docent that’s knowledgeable about the history and culture of a specific site.”

Docents are trained volunteers that support historic sites by leading historic house tours, assisting with public programming, and helping to provide an immersive experience for visitors. They play an important role in the community by preserving local history through engaging and educating the public.

The in-person, four-month training program, running from September 2026 to December 2026, offers participants the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of New Jersey history while developing the skills and confidence needed to engage the public and help bring local stories and historic places to life.

Amy Bigge, a docent graduate from the pilot program, volunteered at the Abraham Staats House in South Bound Brook and explained the value of serving as a history docent.

“Docents are an integral part of historical organizations because of their enthusiasm, dedication, and passion for preserving history,” Bigge said. “They play a vital role in engaging with the public in a real and meaningful way, with the goal of getting people more interested in learning about local history. This helps ensure current and future generations will continue to learn from the past and are more likely to continue the legacy of preserving our history.”

Through a combination of classroom instruction and field-based learning, participants gain local history knowledge, connect with a community of history enthusiasts and learners, and develop essential skills in public speaking, visitor engagement, and historical interpretation.

“Classes were very informative,” said Bigge. “Every aspect of the program was fun and a great opportunity to learn more about the local area and its history. After the program officially ended, I continued volunteering at the Abraham Staats House as a docent and am proud to also have had the opportunity to serve on their board. I’ve met really great people, made new friends, have learned so much and am happy to serve as an ambassador of our local history!”

To help build the foundational content knowledge and skills needed to serve as docents, participants attend interactive workshops and lectures, engage in hands-on training activities, learn from experienced docents, and take field trips to local historic sites.

To learn more about the Fall 2026 class schedule and register to participate, visit: www.somersetcountynj.gov/DocentProgram.

Registration closes on Friday, August 21, 2026. No prior experience is required to apply. Space is limited.

As part of Somerset County’s commitment to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment, all participants will be required to complete a background check, free of charge, prior to October 2026. This quick and simple process helps protect participants, community members, and site-based partners throughout the training and volunteer experience.

For more information about the Somerset County Docent Training Program, contact the Cultural & Heritage Commission Office at CulturalHeritage@somersetcountynj.gov or call (908) 231-7022.

The Somerset County Docent Training Program is made possible by the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey Historical Commission.

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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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