The Hillsborough Township municipality has recently received a grant from Somerset County aimed to benefit a local historic site.
Hillsborough municipal officials announced on Oct. 15 that the township received a county grant to conduct structural improvements to the Van der Veer Harris House. The historic site, located in Hillsborough Township on Route 206, is associated with the late 18th century Van der Veer family and several generations of medical practitioners.
Originally the home of Dr. Lawrence Van der Veer, a prominent local doctor, the property later came under the ownership of Dr. Robert Harris. Harris, who owned the property in the early 20th century, commissioned its present formation. The structure is also significant for its Colonial Revival appearance, a design by architect Chester Patterson.
Following the announcement of the grant award to the municipality, Hillsborough Township Mayor Frank DelCore expressed his content for the acknowledgment as well as the township’s aims to use the grant money.
“We are pleased to announce the receipt of a grant from Somerset County’s Cultural & Heritage Commission to replace the main roof of the Van der Veer Harris House,” DelCore said in a statement.
According to township officials, this grant is one of the largest grant awards this round and the $298,780 grant will fund restoration initiatives for the historic structure. DelCore was joined by Township Committeeman Shawn Lipani and Township Committeewoman Olivia Holmes at an October Somerset County Freeholder’s meeting where the grant was presented.
“The township is not responsible for any matching contributions regarding this grant,” DelCore said.
In May 2008, the Van der Veer-Harris House was officially deemed a historic site and was entered onto the New Jersey Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places. Because of this distinction, officials said a property with these credentials can’t be altered without certain approvals. In turn, the distinction also allows the property eligibility for funding on repairs and restoration projects.
“We are appreciative of any and all grant funding that comes into Hillsborough Township,” DelCore said.
The Hillsborough Township mayor also thanked the Somerset County Freeholders, led by Freeholder Director Brian Levine and Deputy Freeholder Director Patricia Walsh, for their support of the project.