Learning & Service | May 2025

The first month of Learning & Service has been a transformative introduction to hands-on historical education for our inaugural cohort of docents-in-training! Across our various historic sites, you have immersed yourselves in the authentic experience of bringing history to life. From mastering the intricate art of dressing in period-appropriate 18th century attire to shadowing seasoned docents on guided tours, you have begun developing the skills essential to effective historical interpretation. Your service has extended beyond the walls of the historical house museum, and you have staffed community outreach tables, supported special events on the grounds, and participated in specialized workshops that deepen your understanding of historical context and visitor engagement techniques. This foundational month has not only equipped you with practical skills but has also fostered a genuine connection to the stories and experiences you are beginning to share with visitors from all over.

The recent Living History Day event in Manville beautifully showcased the spirit of collaboration and community that defines our docent training program. Your cohort demonstrated a growing confidence as historical ambassadors, actively engaging visitors at your outreach booths and extending warm invitations to explore the Five Generals Houses. What was particularly inspiring to witness was the natural camaraderie that emerged among the cohort members and site-based trainers across organizations throughout the day. You seamlessly supported one another across different historic sites, sharing creative ideas for visitor engagement, stepping in to help manage each other's displays during busy moments, and even lending equipment when needed! This collaborative approach created a unified, welcoming atmosphere that reflected the interconnected nature of Somerset County's historical narrative and serves as a powerful reminder that preserving and sharing history is truly a community effort, one that you are already embracing wholeheartedly.

Collaboration and Community

Maryke Alburg, docent-in-training with the Somerset County Historical Society at the Van Veghten House, speaks with experienced docent Paula Podgurski of the Jacobus Vanderveer House at Living History Day on May 17th in Manville, NJ

Learning remains at the heart of your cohort’s ongoing development, manifesting through both structured educational opportunities and personal research endeavors. Formal learning sessions hosted by the Somerset County Historical Society and specialized presentations at the Wallace House and Old Dutch Parsonage have provided some docents-in-training with essential foundational knowledge, while individual preparation for events has led other docents-in-training to delve deeply into specific historical details surrounding sites like the Middlebrook Cantonment and pivotal moments such as the Battle of Bound Brook. The process of crafting and practicing your narratives has become a particular source of pride! The opportunity to shadow different volunteers has proven invaluable, exposing you to diverse approaches and allowing you to observe various highlights and focus points that can enhance your own tour techniques.

Deepening Your Learning

Your cohort is gaining invaluable firsthand experience in living history and learning to authentically represent Somerset County life during the 18th century. During a recent training session at the Abraham Staats House, docent-in-training Mark Bogetto served as a model, demonstrating the various components of gear that a Revolutionary War soldier would have worn, bringing tangible reality to life. Docent-in-training Nicole Aulicino of the Van Horne House has shared her growing expertise in women's 18th century dress in informative video, offering insights she has learned from the Heritage Trail Association about the intricate details and cultural significance of period attire for women of that era. These hands-on learning experiences allow your cohort to move beyond the foundational knowledge you have learned during collaborative training, developing an intimate understanding of daily life in colonial Somerset County that help to create engaging encounters with visitors.

Firsthand Living History Experience

Experienced docent Kathy Ormosi of the Abraham Staats House leads a training on 18th century attire while docent-in-training Mark Bogetto models a soldier’s gear.