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Tour of Somerville History, Part I: Initial Scrapbook Digitization Completed

About Blog Post May 14, 2026

MAY 14, 2026 – Somerset County Library System of New Jersey (SCLSNJ) recently completed the digitization of the first of two historic Tour of Somerville scrapbooks which is now available for public viewing online. This preservation project ensures that the rich legacy of the "Kentucky Derby of Cycling" is protected and accessible to researchers, cycling fans, and the local community.

Since its inception in 1940, the Tour of Somerville has grown into the oldest major bicycle race in the United States. For decades, the race’s history was housed in physical scrapbooks containing fragile newspaper clippings, rare race-day photographs, and unique memorabilia. To safeguard these documents from physical deterioration, SCLSNJ’s technical services team transitioned the collection into a high-resolution digital archive.

"These scrapbooks are a treasure trove of Somerset County history," said Teresa Bayles, Technical Services Manager at SCLSNJ. "By moving these records into the digital realm, we are fulfilling our mission to connect our customers with the resources and history that define our community. Now, anyone from a local resident to a cycling enthusiast in California can explore the evolution of this legendary race."

This project was made possible through SCLSNJ’s commitment to digital preservation and its ongoing partnership with local historical organizations. The completion of the first phase of this digitization project allows the Library to offer a searchable, user-friendly interface where the public can zoom in on high-quality scans of every page.

The release of these archives arrives just in time for the upcoming 81st Tour of Somerville on Monday, May 25, 2026. The Frank Quinn Family Fun Ride will begin at 8:00 a.m. followed by a full day of professional racing including the Mildred Kugler Women’s Pro and the Kugler-Anderson Memorial Men’s Pro races.

The Tour of Somerville scrapbooks can be accessed immediately via the SCLSNJ digital archives at sclsnj.org/somervilletour.

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