The Kennedy Martin Stelle Farmstead
Named for three of its most prominent residents, the Kennedy Martin Stelle Farmstead is a 4-acre history site located in Bernards Township, Basking Ridge, NJ. Listed on both the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places, the Farmstead preserves the history of agricultural life in rural central New Jersey from the times of the area’s first farmers to the present day through its buildings, lectures, exhibits and educational programs The KMS Farmstead has received New Jersey’s highest honors for preservation and adaptive re-use in 2011 with the New Jersey Preservation Award and received Somerset County’s Historic Preservation Award in 2014. Managed by team of volunteers, the Friends of the KMS Farmstead work to restore, preserve and protect the culture and history of the site as well as manage Farmstead Arts Center which is located on the grounds of the Farmstead.

Buildings & Architecture
The 1700’s English-style barn, the 1750’s Farm House and the 1800’s Wagon House architectural examples from our Colonial past. Read More »

Prominent Residents
Farmstead owners included a renowned minister, a Revolutionary War hero and legislator, farmers and a Bell Labs scientist. Read More »

Historic Timeline
A chronological summary of the 300 year history of the Farmstead….from the 1700’s until today.
Read More »
Restoring New Jersey’s Colonial Past


A working farm for over 250 years, Bernards Township bought the property in 1999. With the buildings in disrepair, the township planned to raze the property, but the local historical society lobbied against it. Through grants, memberships, and donations, renovation work began in 2004 and Farmstead Arts Center opened in 2010.
The entire site continues as an on-going restoration and preservation project. Your support helps us to continue to preserve & maintain our historic buildings and grounds; keep our facilities running and perpetuate the arts in our community. Read More »
The Kennedy Martin Stelle Farmstead History website was made possible by funds from the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey Historical Commission.
Farmstead Arts Center, 450 King George Road, Basking Ridge, New Jersey 07920
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