The Town of Somerset Historical Society serves as the guardian of our local narrative, ensuring that the unique history of our region is not only preserved but actively celebrated by residents of all ages. We believe that understanding where we came from is essential to building a vibrant and connected future.
About us
The Town of Somerset Historical Society stands as a vital cornerstone of cultural life in Barker and the surrounding Somerset area, providing a sense of continuity in an ever-changing world. Our organization is wholeheartedly dedicated to the meticulous preservation and presentation of the documents, physical artifacts, and oral histories that define our rich rural heritage. We view ourselves as far more than just a traditional museum; we are a living, breathing classroom where the past actively informs the present and inspires the future. Our educational philosophy centers on the transformative idea that history should be tactile, engaging, and deeply personal for every visitor who walks through our doors. We strive to make our extensive archives accessible to everyone, from professional historians seeking rare primary sources to young students discovering the wonders of local lore for the very first time. What makes our organization truly unique is our deep and authentic integration with the local community, which allows us to act as a bridge between generations. We don’t just collect history in a vacuum; we facilitate its creation by encouraging residents to share their family stories and contribute to our constantly growing collection. This collaborative and inclusive approach ensures that our historical narrative is representative, diverse, and constantly evolving to reflect the unique experiences of everyone who has contributed to the growth of our town.
Our Story
The story of the Town of Somerset Historical Society began many decades ago with a small but visionary group of residents who recognized that the rapid pace of modern technological life was threatening to erase the physical and cultural landmarks of our town. These dedicated founders spent countless hours gathering discarded farm implements, yellowed letters, and fading photographs from attics, barns, and basements, understanding that these seemingly mundane items were actually the silent, powerful witnesses to our collective experience. From these early, informal gatherings in living rooms and community halls, the society has grown into a structured, professional, and highly respected institution housed in the heart of Barker. Our journey has been defined by steady, purposeful growth and an unwavering commitment to our original mission of preservation and education. Over the years, we have expanded our physical archives, developed a robust and specialized educational curriculum, and established ourselves as a vital regional resource for genealogical and historical research. The impact of our work is felt throughout the community as we help residents connect with their ancestors and foster a sense of deep pride in our local achievements and agricultural roots. Our story is still being written today by every volunteer, donor, and visitor who steps through our doors to help us honor the legacy of Somerset and ensure its preservation for the centuries to come.
What We Do
At the Town of Somerset Historical Society, our daily activities are centered around the twin pillars of professional preservation and community education. We manage an extensive and well-organized archive that serves as a primary resource for researchers, students, and local enthusiasts who wish to delve into the records of the past to find answers for the present. Our program overview includes a diverse range of offerings, from guided tours of historic sites and landmarks to specialized workshops on archival techniques and family tree construction. We believe firmly in an active learning approach, where history is experienced through direct interaction rather than through passive observation or distant reading. Visitors to our society might find themselves examining a hand-written 19th-century ledger, participating in a traditional craft demonstration led by a local artisan, or attending a lecture on the fascinating agricultural evolution of the Niagara region. We actively encourage community participation and collaboration to foster a deeper, more nuanced appreciation of Somerset’s historical narrative. By providing these valuable resources and engaging programs, we empower our members and visitors to become the primary stewards of their own history, ensuring that the rich heritage of Somerset remains a vibrant, living part of our daily lives. Whether we are digitizing old records or hosting a school field trip, our focus remains on making history a shared and accessible human experience.
Our society is dedicated to the comprehensive protection, professional preservation, and enthusiastic promotion of the diverse history of the Town of Somerset. We aim to enrich our community by providing a deep sense of place and continuity, ensuring that every resident understands the profound historical forces that have shaped our local landscape and culture. This mission is the driving force behind every exhibit we create and every artifact we catalogue, as we strive to create a permanent record of the lives lived within our borders. We believe that by protecting our historical assets, we are protecting the soul of our community, offering a compass for future generations to navigate the complexities of the modern world. Our commitment extends to every corner of our town, from the oldest homesteads to the newest developments, as we seek to capture the full spectrum of the human experience in Somerset. Through our mission, we provide the essential resources for historians, genealogists, and casual visitors to connect with the past in a way that is respectful, accurate, and deeply moving. We are not merely keepers of objects; we are tellers of truths and preservers of the human spirit that has flourished here for over two centuries. Our work is a promise to the past that its stories will not be forgotten, and a gift to the future that its foundation will remain secure and visible.
Building a future where every resident feels a personal connection
We envision a community that is deeply rooted in its history and inspired by the lessons of the past to create a more thoughtful and connected tomorrow. Our primary goal for the future is to significantly expand our reach through comprehensive digital archiving projects and expanded physical exhibits that reflect the full, diverse spectrum of the Somerset experience. By creating a world-class historical resource right here in Barker, we aim to become a premier destination for historians, researchers, and families from across the region. We strive to be the primary catalyst for historical awareness and cultural literacy in our area, ensuring that no story goes untold and no significant artifact is lost to the passage of time. Our vision includes the development of more interactive technology integrated with our physical artifacts to bring history to life for a new generation of digital natives. We look forward to a time when every student in Somerset feels a personal stake in the preservation of our town’s landmarks and when our society is recognized as a national model for rural historical preservation. By fostering this vision, we ensure that the unique character of our region remains protected against the tides of time, providing a solid ground of identity for all who come after us.
Integrity stewardship and a commitment to inclusive storytelling
Our core principles are centered on the ethical preservation of artifacts and the honest, unbiased representation of historical facts. We believe in the power of collaboration and strive to work closely with local families, businesses, and civic organizations to build a comprehensive and accurate record of our town. We value the immense trust the community places in us to safeguard their most precious memories and irreplaceable records. This commitment to integrity and high standards guides every decision we make, from the acquisition of new collections to the development of our daily educational content. We are dedicated to creating a warm and welcoming environment where every individual, regardless of their background, feels that their personal and family history is valued and protected. Our stewardship extends beyond the walls of our building to the preservation of the historic character of Somerset itself. We believe in being transparent in our research, meticulous in our conservation efforts, and open-hearted in our engagement with the public, ensuring that the historical society remains a trusted and beloved institution for all.
Transforming lives through the power of connection and historical understanding
The profound impact of the Town of Somerset Historical Society is seen every day in the eyes of a child discovering a distant relative’s name in a 100-year-old census record or a community coming together to save a historic barn from demolition. We contribute to the community by fostering social cohesion and providing a vital sense of continuity in an increasingly fragmented world. Our work supports local tourism, aids in rigorous academic research, and provides a unique, hands-on educational resource for local school districts. By preserving our historical narrative, we strengthen the cultural fabric of Somerset and ensure that our collective identity remains strong and resilient for generations to come. We believe that by understanding the hardships and triumphs of our predecessors, our citizens are better equipped to face modern challenges with perspective, wisdom, and a sense of shared purpose. Our impact is measured in the stories we save, the landmarks we protect, and the newfound pride our neighbors feel when they discover the incredible history hidden in their own backyards. We provide the roots that allow our community to grow taller and stronger, anchored by the knowledge of those who came before.
Our Team
The leadership and staff at the Town of Somerset Historical Society are a diverse group of individuals who share a deep, abiding passion for the preservation of local history and the education of our community. Our team brings together decades of experience in archival management, historical research, community organizing, and professional education to ensure that our society operates at the highest level of excellence. We believe that a successful historical society requires a blend of academic rigor and genuine community warmth, and our staff embodies these qualities in every interaction. Whether we are helping a researcher navigate our archives or hosting a large-scale heritage festival, our team works collaboratively to provide an exceptional experience for every visitor. We are dedicated to continuous professional development, staying abreast of the latest conservation techniques and pedagogical approaches to ensure that our collection and programs remain world-class. Our team is not just a group of employees; we are a family of history enthusiasts who feel privileged to serve as the caretakers of Barker’s incredible legacy, and we invite you to get to know the individuals who make our mission possible every day.
Arthur Miller has dedicated over thirty years of his life to the deep study of local history and brings a wealth of leadership experience to the Town of Somerset Historical Society. His background in non-profit management and his deep, multi-generational roots in the Somerset area allow him to lead the organization with both professional expertise and a personal passion that is evident in everything he does. Arthur believes that a historical society should be the heartbeat of a community, and he works tirelessly to ensure that our programs are inclusive and accessible to all residents, regardless of their prior knowledge of history. His caring and mentorship-focused approach is seen in the way he guides new volunteers and takes the time to engage in lengthy conversations with every visitor who enters our building. He is a firm believer that every person has a story worth telling and that our job is to provide the platform for those stories to be heard.
Sarah Jenkins holds an advanced degree in Museum Studies and has spent the last decade perfecting the intricate art of archival preservation and collection management. Her meticulous attention to detail and her deep, fundamental respect for historical artifacts ensure that our collection is maintained to the highest professional museum standards in the country. Sarah is incredibly passionate about making history come alive through creative, thematic exhibits and interactive displays that challenge visitors to think critically about the past. She approaches her daily work with a warm and welcoming spirit, always eager to help a researcher find a specific, needle-in-a-haystack document or to explain the complex significance of a newly acquired artifact to a group of curious students. Her expertise in textile preservation and document stabilization has saved hundreds of local items from certain decay, ensuring they remain for future study.
Robert Henderson is a former career educator with a lifelong passion for bringing history to life for young learners in a way that feels relevant to their modern lives. He oversees all of our school programs and community workshops, ensuring that our curriculum is both historically accurate and pedagogically sound for various developmental stages. Robert’s extensive background in child development allows him to create programs that are engaging, age-appropriate, and exciting for the many hundreds of students who visit us each year on field trips. He believes that history should be an adventure of discovery rather than a list of dates to memorize, and his enthusiastic, storytelling teaching style has inspired countless local youths to take an active interest in the heritage of their own hometown. He is often found in the “discovery room,” helping children understand the physics of old farm machinery or the chemistry of traditional soap making.
Eleanor Vance is the primary and vital link between the society and the local families and businesses of the Somerset region. With a background in sociology and community organizing, she excels at building lasting partnerships and organizing large-scale events that bring people together in a spirit of celebration and learning. Eleanor is responsible for our extensive volunteer programs and family-focused weekend events, always striving to ensure that every participant feels welcome, valued, and heard. Her warm personality, infectious laugh, and genuine interest in people’s personal stories make her a beloved and indispensable figure in our organization. She is dedicated to ensuring that the historical society remains a vibrant, inclusive, and bustling space for the entire community to gather. Whether she is coordinating a heritage festival or a small genealogy workshop, her focus is always on the human connections that history facilitates.
Our Work
The work we do at the Town of Somerset Historical Society is designed to be comprehensive and multifaceted, touching every aspect of our community’s cultural life. We approach historical stewardship with the understanding that history is not just about the past—it is about how we understand ourselves today and how we build our collective future. Our efforts are divided into several key areas of focus, each aimed at engaging a different segment of our population and fulfilling a specific part of our mission. From the rigorous academic work of archival preservation to the joyful, hands-on discovery found in our youth programs, we strive to create a holistic environment where history is accessible to everyone. We believe that by providing a diverse range of ways to interact with the past, we ensure that every member of the Somerset community can find a personal connection to our shared heritage. Our work is a continuous process of discovery and sharing, as we uncover new layers of Barker’s story and find innovative ways to bring those stories to light for our neighbors.
Education and Learning
Our education and learning initiatives are carefully designed to cater to a wide range of interests, ages, and skill levels within our community. We collaborate closely with local school districts to provide curriculum-aligned programs that bring history out of the dusty textbooks and into the vibrant, real world. Our workshops cover a vast array of topics, from advanced genealogical research techniques to the hands-on preservation of physical family heirlooms like photos and textiles. We believe that learning is a lifelong, continuous journey, and we are committed to providing the professional resources and expert guidance necessary for every member of our community to discover the fascinating, often hidden stories that define our region. Through our lecture series and guided research sessions, we help adults and students alike develop critical thinking skills by analyzing primary sources and understanding the context of historical events. Our goal is to create an environment where curiosity is celebrated and where every question leads to a deeper understanding of our shared human experience.
Play and Exploration
We believe that play and exploration are essential and foundational components of the learning process, especially for our younger visitors who are just beginning to form their worldview. Our society features specially designed interactive exhibits where children can experience what daily life was actually like in Somerset during different eras through dress-up, traditional games, and hands-on demonstrations of 19th-century chores. This immersive approach allows visitors of all ages to engage with history in a way that is both fun, tactile, and highly memorable. By creating an environment that encourages natural curiosity and physical interaction with history, we help foster a deep-seated love of heritage that will last a lifetime. Exploration is the key to understanding the complex nuances of the past, and we provide the safe, encouraging space needed for that exploration to happen. Whether it’s “milking” a wooden cow or trying out a quill pen, these activities create lasting neural connections between the child and their community’s history.
Social and Emotional Development
The study of history provides a unique and powerful opportunity for social and emotional growth as individuals reflect on the immense challenges and significant triumphs of those who came before them. Our community lectures and group tours provide a safe and welcoming space for residents to connect with one another over shared stories and local pride. By understanding the collective struggles, resilience, and successes of our ancestors, we develop deeper empathy and a stronger sense of social responsibility toward our neighbors today. Our society serves as a vital gathering place where people of all backgrounds can come together to celebrate their shared heritage and build stronger, more resilient community bonds. We believe that knowing one’s history provides a sense of “grounding” that is essential for emotional well-being and a sense of identity. In an era of digital isolation, the historical society offers a physical space for intergenerational conversation and the passing down of wisdom from elders to the youth.
Programs and Services
Our programs are designed to engage residents across all age groups and backgrounds, from the young children in our elementary outreach programs to the seniors involved in our vital oral history recording projects. We offer a robust and academically sound educational curriculum that covers the agricultural, industrial, and social history of the Somerset region in great detail. Special activities include our highly anticipated annual heritage festival, historic cemetery walks that bring local legends to life, and specialized research assistance in our temperature-controlled archives. We also provide extensive classroom resources and traveling “history trunks” for local teachers and offer customized guided tours for civic groups, historical clubs, and senior centers. Our goal is to ensure that every single member of the community has a meaningful opportunity to engage with their history in a way that is both accessible and intellectually stimulating. We are constantly updating our offerings to include new research and more diverse perspectives on our town’s development. Whether you are a professional researcher or a family looking for a unique weekend outing, our programs and services are designed to inspire a lifelong love of local history and a deep pride in our shared Somerset heritage.
Community and Engagement
Family involvement is the absolute cornerstone of our organization and we offer numerous opportunities for parents and children to explore history together through our weekend workshops and monthly family day events. We pride ourselves on our strong and productive community partnerships with local businesses, schools, and other non-profit organizations, which allow us to expand our collective impact and reach more people than ever before. Our calendar is filled with events and activities designed to celebrate the unique and resilient culture of Somerset, from seasonal lectures and craft fairs to community preservation projects aimed at saving local landmarks. We believe that by working together as a united community, we can ensure that our local narrative remains a vibrant, essential, and protected part of our shared identity. Our engagement efforts extend to local government as well, as we advocate for the preservation of historic zoning and the protection of Somerset’s rural character against urban sprawl. Through this active engagement, we transform the historical society from a static archive into a dynamic community center that is alive with conversation, discovery, and a shared passion for our unique corner of the world.
Testimonials
We are incredibly proud of the impact we have on the families and individuals who visit the Town of Somerset Historical Society, and their feedback is the greatest testament to the value of our work. Over the years, we have collected countless testimonials from parents, students, and professional researchers who have found a deep sense of connection and discovery within our walls. These stories highlight the power of local history to inspire curiosity, foster family bonds, and provide a lasting sense of belonging in our community. We believe that the authentic voices of our neighbors are the most powerful way to share the magic of what we do, showing how a single artifact or a well-told story can change someone’s perspective on where they live. Our visitors often speak of the warmth of our staff, the depth of our resources, and the joy of finding a piece of their own family’s puzzle in our archives. These testimonials serve as a constant source of inspiration for our team, reminding us every day why the work of preservation is so vital and so deeply rewarding for everyone involved. We invite you to read through these experiences and discover for yourself why the historical society has become such a beloved institution for so many in the Somerset region.
The Town of Somerset Historical Society has been an absolutely incredible and indispensable resource for our family as we’ve worked to uncover our local roots over the past year. My seven-year-old son was completely fascinated by the interactive farm exhibit and hasn’t stopped talking about the “cool” old tools they used to use for harvesting. It is so wonderful to have such a professional, well-maintained, yet warm and welcoming place right in our own backyard where children can learn about their heritage in a way that is truly engaging and fun. We are so incredibly grateful for the dedication of the staff and the sheer wealth of information they make available to the public for free. It has changed the way we look at our town every time we drive past an old farmhouse or an open field. Jane Smith Parent of an Elementary School Student
I was truly amazed at the incredible depth and organization of the archives available at the society when I visited last month to research my family’s deep history in Barker. The staff members were all incredibly patient, knowledgeable, and helpful, guiding me through old plat maps, fragile census records, and local newspaper archives that I never would have found on my own. My teenage son, who is usually hard to impress, actually enjoyed looking through the old black-and-white photographs of his school from over fifty years ago. It’s a rare and truly special thing to find an organization that can bridge the generational gap so effectively through a shared love of local history and storytelling. We spent four hours there and felt like we had only scratched the surface of what there is to learn. Michael Thompson Parent of a High School Student
Our visit to the historical society was without a doubt the absolute highlight of our summer break and my five-year-old daughter still asks me every week when we can go back to see the historic dolls and the old-fashioned kitchen. The educational programs are so well thought out and the staff clearly cares deeply about both the accuracy of the history and the people they are serving. It is a family-friendly environment that manages to be both fun and incredibly informative without feeling like a boring school lesson. We feel so much more connected to our town after seeing the actual physical artifacts and hearing the personal stories of the people who built this community from the ground up. I recommend it to every new family that moves into our neighborhood. Emily Rodriguez Parent of a Preschooler
As someone who recently moved to the Somerset area from out of state, the historical society has been absolutely instrumental in helping me and my family feel at home and connected to our new surroundings. The community events are so welcoming and I’ve learned so much about the traditions, agricultural milestones, and local legends that have shaped this beautiful region. My middle-school-aged children have participated in several of the weekend “junior historian” workshops and have gained a real, tangible appreciation for the hard work and grit of the early settlers. It is a fantastic, high-quality community resource that fosters a true sense of belonging for everyone, regardless of how long they have lived here. It turned a town of strangers into a town with a story that we are now proud to be a part of. David Wilson Parent of a Middle School Student
Our volunteer
Volunteering with the Town of Somerset Historical Society is an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling way to give back to your community while simultaneously deepening your own understanding of local history. We believe that every person who chooses to donate their time becomes a vital link in the chain of preservation that connects Barker’s past to its future. By working alongside our professional staff, you gain a unique “behind the scenes” look at how history is managed, protected, and shared with the public. There is a profound sense of satisfaction that comes from knowing you are helping to safeguard the very stories that give our town its unique character and spirit. Whether you are a lifelong resident or a newcomer looking to plant roots, volunteering offers a meaningful path toward community stewardship and personal growth. Your commitment ensures that the artifacts, documents, and memories we hold in trust will remain vibrant and accessible for the next generation of Somerset families.
Ways to Help
We offer a wide and flexible range of ways to help, ensuring that every volunteer can find a role that matches their specific interests, skills, and schedule. For those who enjoy technical or quiet work, our archival cataloging and digital scanning projects provide a chance to work directly with historical documents and rare photographs. If you prefer interacting with the public, you might enjoy leading guided tours through our exhibits or acting as a greeter during our busy heritage festivals. We also need creative hands to help with exhibit preparation, gardeners to maintain our historic landscape, and organized minds to help with administrative support and community outreach. No matter your background, there is a place for you here to contribute to the rich tapestry of Somerset’s ongoing historical narrative. We believe that diversity in our volunteer team leads to a more comprehensive and inclusive representation of our town’s history, and we welcome all who are eager to learn and serve.
The Profound Impact of Service
The impact of volunteering is profound and immediate, as our dedicated helpers are the ones who allow us to keep our doors open and our programs accessible to everyone in the region. Without the tireless efforts of our community volunteers, we simply would not have the capacity to maintain our extensive archives or host the large-scale events that define our town’s cultural calendar. By sharing your unique time, talents, and enthusiasm, you become an essential and valued part of the team that ensures the legacy of Somerset is preserved for all future generations to come. Your work directly supports the education of local students, the research of family historians, and the overall cultural literacy of our region. Every photograph you catalog and every tour you lead contributes to a stronger, more informed community that understands the value of its heritage. We see the impact of your service in the smiles of visitors and the continued growth of our society as a central pillar of life in Barker.
Our Supportive Community
We provide all the necessary training and a supportive, social environment where you can meet other history enthusiasts and make lasting friendships that span generations. We believe that volunteering should be a personally enriching experience, which is why we offer specialized workshops for our team on topics like archival handling, historical research, and public speaking. Whether you can give two hours a month or twenty, your contribution helps us tell the story of Somerset more effectively while providing you with a sense of purpose and belonging. Our society is a place where wisdom is shared freely, and where volunteers of all ages can learn from one another in a spirit of mutual respect and curiosity. We are committed to providing a volunteer experience that is both professional and warm, ensuring that every individual feels their unique perspective and skills are helping us grow and evolve as an organization. Joining our volunteer team means joining a dedicated family of community guardians who are all working toward the same noble goal of honoring our past.
Frequently asked questions
We understand that you may have questions about how our historical society operates, how to access our archives, and what to expect during a visit to our facility in Barker. To help our community better understand our resources and services, we have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions we receive from residents, researchers, and families. Our goal is to make the process of historical discovery as accessible and transparent as possible for everyone. Whether you are looking for information on how to join as a member, wondering about our archival safety protocols, or seeking details on our educational curriculum for schools, you will find the answers here. We are dedicated to providing clear, helpful guidance to all of our visitors to ensure that their experience with us is productive and enjoyable. If you have a question that isn’t covered in this section, we always encourage you to reach out to our staff directly via email or by visiting us in person. We believe that information should be shared freely and that by providing these answers, we help foster a more informed and engaged community of history lovers in Somerset.
Becoming a member is a very straightforward and rewarding process that can be completed in person during any visit to our facility or through our secure online portal. Members receive a wide variety of exclusive benefits including early-bird access to special events, a subscription to our detailed quarterly newsletter, and unlimited, priority access to our research archives for personal projects. Your membership fees are a vital source of funding that goes directly toward the professional preservation of fragile artifacts and the development of new educational programs for local schoolchildren. We offer several different tiers of membership—from individual and student to family and corporate—to ensure that everyone in the community can find a level of support that works for their budget while contributing to the important work of safeguarding our shared heritage. Membership is more than just a subscription; it is a statement of support for the cultural health of our town.
The safety of our visitors and the long-term physical integrity of our collection are our absolute top priorities at all times. We utilize sophisticated, climate-controlled environments for our most sensitive documents and textiles to prevent deterioration from light, heat, and humidity. We have also implemented strict, museum-grade handling protocols for all archival materials which our staff and researchers must follow. Our facility is equipped with modern, 24/7 security and fire suppression systems, and our staff is regularly trained in emergency procedures and artifact conservation techniques. Visitors are provided with clear, friendly guidelines on how to interact with exhibits to ensure that nothing is damaged while still allowing for a meaningful, hands-on experience. We strive to find the perfect balance between the need for public accessibility and the absolute, non-negotiable necessity of preserving these irreplaceable items for the next century.
Our educational curriculum is carefully and professionally designed to directly complement the New York State social studies standards for a wide variety of grade levels, from kindergarten through high school. We provide hands-on, inquiry-based lessons that focus on local history, the evolution of agriculture, industrial changes, and civic responsibility. Teachers can choose from a menu of pre-designed thematic programs or work directly with our Director of Education to create a completely custom experience that meets the specific learning objectives of their students. Each session typically includes a mix of guided exploration, primary source analysis, and interactive, tactile activities that make history come alive. We also provide comprehensive pre-visit and post-visit materials to help educators seamlessly integrate the historical society experience into their broader classroom learning plans. We want every student to leave our facility with a better understanding of how history is “made.”
While we do not have a full-service cafeteria or restaurant on-site to protect our collections from pests and spills, we do provide a comfortable, designated “clean zone” area where researchers and visitors can take breaks and enjoy their own snacks or packed lunches. There are also several wonderful, family-owned local eateries and cafes in the village of Barker that are within easy walking distance of our location. For our special large-scale events and group tours, we often coordinate with local caterers to provide refreshments and full meals in our outdoor pavilion area. We fully understand that historical and genealogical research can be a very long and intensive process, and we strive to ensure that our visitors are comfortable, hydrated, and have the resources they need to sustain their important work throughout the entire day. We are always happy to provide a list of local restaurant recommendations to our guests.
We maintain an incredibly busy and diverse calendar of events throughout the entire year, with activities purposefully scheduled for weekdays, evenings, and weekends to accommodate as many different residents and schedules as possible. Our regular, recurring programming includes monthly guest lectures, quarterly family-focused discovery days, and our major seasonal heritage festivals. To stay fully informed about all of our upcoming activities, we strongly encourage everyone to sign up for our digital email newsletter and follow our active social media pages on Facebook and Instagram. We also post a large, physical calendar of events in our lobby and distribute flyers to various community locations throughout Barker and the surrounding towns. Our goal is to ensure that there is always something interesting, educational, and fun happening at the society for everyone in the community to enjoy and participate in.
We highly and enthusiastically encourage parent involvement and offer many different ways for families to engage with our mission on a much deeper level over time. Parents can volunteer to help facilitate our youth programs, serve on our various event planning committees, or even contribute their own family stories and digitized artifacts to our ongoing local history projects. We believe that when parents are actively and visibly involved in the preservation of history, it sends a powerful and lasting message to their children about the importance of heritage, community, and service. We also host specialized evening workshops for adults on topics like advanced genealogy and home archival preservation, allowing parents to develop their own historical skills while supporting the society. We view the historical society as a partnership between our staff and the families we serve, and we are always open to new ideas for family engagement.
Contact Us
There are multiple, easy ways to get in touch with our professional team whether you have a very specific research question about a local ancestor or simply want to learn more about our upcoming community events and membership options. You can reach us at any time via email at info@tshs.site or by sending physical mail to our office at PO BOX 368 BARKER, NY 14012. Our staff is dedicated to providing timely, thorough, and helpful responses to all inquiries from the public. We also strongly encourage you to visit us in person during our regular public hours to experience our exhibits and archives firsthand and speak with our knowledgeable curators. For those who prefer digital connection options, we maintain an active and engaging presence on various social media platforms where we regularly share historical photos, community news, and real-time event updates. We value every single opportunity to connect with members of our community and look forward to hearing your stories and answering your questions. Our organization is built on the shared history of our neighbors, and we believe that open communication is the key to ensuring that every voice in Somerset is heard and every memory is preserved.
Join Us/Work With Us
The Town of Somerset Historical Society is always on the lookout for passionate, dedicated, and highly skilled individuals to join our professional staff and help us expand our mission. Our career opportunities range from specialized archival and curatorial roles to dynamic educational outreach and essential administrative support positions. We take immense pride in our unique team culture, which is built on a strong foundation of mutual respect, a shared passion for regional history, and an unwavering commitment to serving our community with warmth and professionalism. We offer a highly supportive and collaborative work environment where all employees are encouraged to pursue ongoing professional development and contribute their unique ideas to our growing organization. Our application process is thorough and designed to identify individuals who not only have the necessary academic and professional qualifications but also share our deep, personal commitment to the vital mission of historical preservation and public education. We believe that our team is our greatest and most valuable asset, and we are dedicated to fostering a workplace where everyone can thrive, grow, and make a truly meaningful impact on the cultural life of Somerset. Working with us means becoming a vital part of Barker’s ongoing story, as we work together to ensure that our past remains a living and inspiring part of our future.