BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Somerset County Commissioner Melonie Marano joined state and local history advocates on October 21 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the County History Partnership Program (CHPP) during a public meeting hosted by the New Jersey Historical Commission at the historic Kennedy-Martin-Stelle Farmstead in Basking Ridge.
The gathering highlighted a decade of investment in local history organizations and preservation efforts across Somerset County. Since 2017, the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission has distributed a total of $478,328 in County History Partnership Program grants, helping local organizations expand educational programming, preserve historical resources, and engage residents in learning about the county's rich heritage.
"Since 2017, the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission has been able to regrant a total of $478,328 through the County History Partnership Program Grant," said Commissioner Marano. "In the last year alone, the CHPP program has supported several history organizations and municipalities throughout Somerset County as they engaged our residents in 250th celebrations."
The event was held at the Kennedy-Martin-Stelle Farmstead, home to Farmstead Arts Center, one of nine history organizations that received CHPP support in 2026. Through grant funding, the center continues to serve as a vibrant cultural destination, offering art exhibitions, educational classes, lectures, workshops, theatrical performances, concerts, and other community-focused programming.
Marano emphasized the importance of making Somerset County's historical sites and educational opportunities accessible to residents of all ages and backgrounds.
"We have fabulous sites throughout Somerset County and our goal is to make them accessible to everyone," she said. "CHPP grants also funded history lecture series, reenactments and special events, walking tours, festivals, and educational outreach, expanding our organizations' reach into the community during this important milestone."
As communities across the region commemorate America's upcoming 250th anniversary, county officials say the partnership program continues to play a key role in preserving local history while helping residents connect with the stories, traditions, and landmarks that define Somerset County.
48° and Clear