Our Mission
Our partnerships with Somerset County and the Somerset County Park Commission, along with the efforts of many volunteers, enable us to fulfill our mission.
We invite you to explore the Ross Farm music, seasonal events, history events, and the “Boudinot Giving Garden”.
Music & Events
At The Ross Farm, we invite you to immerse yourself in a year-round celebration of music, art, history and other diverse community events that celebrate the charm of this historic estate. Participating in these varied experiences will connect you to the legacy of the Boudinot-Southard-Ross families and will help nurture a vibrant growing community.
We are powered by joyful moments, thoughtful reflection, lifelong learning and creating new connections.
Our volunteers create events which add to the rich heritage of the property, which after centuries continues to inspire.
Support The Ross Farm
As a tax-exempt 501(c)3 non-profit and all-volunteer organization, the Friends of the Boudinot-Southard-Ross Estate (aka “The Ross Farm”) thrives thanks to the generosity of our donors, “Band of Friends” subscribers, and sponsors.
The funds raised play a vital role in bringing diverse quality events to the site, the continuation of the inspiring “Boudinot’s Giving Garden”, the celebration of local and national historic events, and ongoing improvements to make the estate visitor-friendly.
Make an individual donation, join our “Band of Friends,” or become a sponsor to support the Ross Farm.
THANK YOU
To Our Incredible Sponsors!
Music & Events At The Ross Farm
At The Ross Farm, we are thrilled to bring our community together through a series of unforgettable events and music performances. Our estate transforms into a vibrant venue where the sounds of laughter and melodies fill the air, creating an atmosphere of joy and connection. Join us for our seasonal music series, featuring local artists who bring their unique sounds to our picturesque surroundings. Each event is a celebration of creativity, where you can dance under the stars or simply relax with friends while enjoying live performances.
Join The 2025 Band Of Friends
Join the Band of Friends for just $125 each year and open the door to a vibrant community where history meets camaraderie, allowing you to be part of meaningful events that celebrate our shared heritage while fostering lasting connections with fellow enthusiasts who appreciate the rich legacy of the Boudinot-Southard-Ross Estate, making it a truly rewarding experience for all who cherish the past and look forward to a brighter future together.
Benefits of Membership
- $125 donation per person includes Barn, Music Room, and Main Stage concerts during the 2025 Music Season
- Band of Friends members are automatically registered for all Main Stage concerts in 2025. Due to limited seating, Barn and Music Room concerts may require an advance RSVP
- All of our musicians and sound technicians are paid; your advance donation helps ensure we can continue to expand our reach, bringing the best in original touring musicians and bands to our audience. Extra funds benefit various activities of the Friends of the Boudinot-Southard-Ross Estate
- Join the Band of Friends by clicking the button below, or send a check ($125 per membership) payable to FoBSR with the following information to:
Nola Hansen, 47 E. Oak St., Basking Ridge, NJ 07920, and include with your check the following information:
- Member name(s)
- Email address
- Mobile number
- Mailing address
The Ross Farm Scheduled Events & Concerts
The Garden
at the Ross Farm
At The Ross Farm, we celebrate the harmonious relationship between nature and community, where each seed sown becomes a symbol of hope and generosity. Named after the philanthropic Founding Father Elias Boudinot IV who owned and farmed this land from 1771 to 1785, “Boudinot’s Giving Garden”, our garden has flourished and grown since 2015. The space is not only filled with vibrant vegetables and flowers but also with the spirit of collaboration among dedicated volunteers who make our mission possible. Every bloom tells a story, and every harvest is a collective triumph. Together, we cultivate not just crops but friendships, memories, and a legacy of giving that enriches the lives of those in need throughout our community. It is a beautiful journey of growth, compassion, toil, and connection as we nurture our gardens and each other.
The Ross Estate History
Named to the National and State Registers of Historic Places in 2009 as “The Boudinot/Southard Farmstead”, this property has been owned by a number of prominent families since 1717, when William Penn received title to it. For simplicity’s sake, most folks refer to the site as “The Ross Farm” after its last private owners, whose heirs sold the property to Somerset County, which preserved the farm as public property in perpetuity.
The Friends of the Boudinot-Southard-Ross Estate takes its official name from three of those prominent families. These three families are linked by not only ownership of this land but also by a record of service to our nation and deep ties to Princeton (known as the College of New Jersey until 1896). The three couples experienced the joy of proudly raising their offspring on this property, and the terrible grief of losing a child. All three husbands out-lived their beloved wives after half-century-long marriages. All three families farmed this property while being financially successful in other pursuits. The Friends of the Boudinot-Southard-Ross Estate are immensely proud that farming continues on site in the form of “Boudinot’s Giving Garden”.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Ross Farm?
The Ross Farm is located at 135 North Maple Avenue, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920, less than one mile southeast of Exit 30, I-287.
Is the Ross Farm open to the public?
No, the Ross Farm has gated access, and is only open to the public during scheduled events
Why is the Ross Farm sometimes called the Boudinot-Southard Estate?
The official National and State Historic Site designations were granted for the period 1771-1818 during the Boudinot and Southard ownership. Our non-profit believed it was critical to also recognize the Ross Family who owned the property from 1952 until 2005. Without the Ross Family’s desire to preserve the site as public property, which led to acquisition by Somerset County, the farm would have been privately developed. Besides, Ross Farm fits better on concert posters and hats!
Are the concerts indoors or outdoors?
Events held on our Main Stage or Tack House Stage (in front of the historic home) are outdoors, rain or shine. Events in the historic barn are indoors, also rain or shine.
Are refreshments available for purchase?
Unless otherwise noted, refreshments are not sold on-site. You’re welcome to bring your own picnic-style refreshments, we just ask that you take out what you bring in to help us keep our grounds clean.
Is seating provided?
For outdoor shows (on the Main Stage or Tack House Stage), seating is on the lawn – please bring your own folding chairs or blankets. For indoor Barn shows, or the occasional Music Room show, seating is provided.
Audience Etiquette
If you’re attending with a large group or think you may chat during the concert, we kindly ask that you sit toward the back out of respect for the artists and fellow guests.
May I bring my pet to the concert?
As much as we love furry friends, we ask that you leave pets at home to help everyone stay comfortable and focused on the music. Of course, animals trained to assist guests with disabilities are always welcome.
Are restrooms available?
Clean, regularly-serviced porta-potties, including an ADA-compliant unit, are available at each event.
Where do I park to attend a concert?
Parking is free and usually on the large hill overlooking the property. A volunteer will assist with directing parking.
What if I need accessible parking?
A few spots are set aside for those needing accommodation. If someone needs dropped off closer to the action, please carefully drive around the barrier at the main driveway to drop off near the ticket table/tent, then proceed up the hill to park.
Do I have to purchase my tickets on Eventbrite?
Advance tickets for each event are available exclusively through Eventbrite. If an event is not sold out in advance, tickets will be available at the gate. Cash/exact change is preferred.
Sponsored Content
The ads on our site help us with the cost of maintaining the website. We are a non-profit organization, and our volunteers contribute their time, resources and talents to hosting quality events, telling the site and area’s rich history, and growing and distributing healthy produce to those in need in the community. We hope you can forgive us for hosting ads, but every little click helps us direct resources back to our mission at the Ross Farm. Thank you for your understanding!
GOOGLE AD CODE WILL GO HERE AND INDIVIDUAL ADS WILL SHOW TO VIEWERS.
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