As Somerset entered the last decade of the 20th century, fifty-four homes were designated by Montgomery County as a historic district. It was July 18, 1990. Of those fifty-four homes, thirty-one, built before 1915, are considered "primary resources".       

Historic preservationists believe we are custodians of the buildings, sites, and structures that define our history. State law establishes preservation of historic resources throughout Maryland as a public goal of the public good. Thus just as the Somerset historic district belonged to those who came before, it will be preserved and belong to those who come after us. This doesn't mean that homes in the district may never be changed; it means that special care and attention is paid to ensuring they are preserved, rather than demolished, and that modifications, renovations and additions are appropriate.

The houses in our historic district are not frozen in time. Many changes took place before historic designation occurred; many have taken place since; and constant construction work throughout the historic district suggests there will be many more to come. The County Historic Preservation Commission reviews all proposed changes and, in making its decisions, follows the requirements of the Historic Preservation Ordinance and the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.