History of Somerset County

http://hosted-p0.vresp.com/902151/c9c76c250b/ARCHIVE#like Somerset County Historical Society FREE Public Program Sunday, November 8, 2:00 pm schs_logo_6 The Somerset County Historical Society annual meeting and election of officers and trustees will be held at 2:00 pm, followed by a very interesting program. "How Geology Shaped the History of Somerset County" by John Allen Did you know that New Jersey contains some of the oldest rocks on earth? Or that, at one time in the distant past, oceanfront property existed in Somerset County? How about the fact that the county was once the site of huge effusions of magma, without which the county would not have played its great role in the American Revolution? Somerset County was also blessed with copper ore, subsequently mined and cast into bronze cannon tubes that accompanied the Continental Army to Yorktown. How, why and when did it form where it did? These facts will be placed in their geological context during a presentation by John Allen. A tour of the geologic history of the State will be offered first, transitioning to a more focused review of Somerset County’s geological “underpinnings,” and the role it played in the development of the county from colonial times to the present day; from its agricultural heritage and its mining history through today’s position as a significant part of the economic juggernaut that is the New York City metropolitan area. Yet, despite this, there are parts of the county that remain rural in character. This, too, is attributable to geology! John Allen earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science degrees in Geology from the University of Connecticut and Rutgers University, respectively. Following completion of his degrees, John lived and worked for 34 years as a petroleum geologist, working with the subsurface of over 10 countries on three continents. He is retired and lives with his bride of 36 years, Joyce, in East Amwell Township, Hunterdon County. John has presented programs related to the impact of geology on history at several historical societies., most recently at West Portal, NJ. We are pleased that he has accepted our invitation to share his knowledge and enthusiasm with us this coming November 8th beginning at 2:00 pm at Van Veghten House.