Josephine T. Taranto

Josephine T. Taranto holds a dual bachelor’s of arts degree from Salve Regina University (Newport, RI) in Cultural & Historic Preservation and Art History. With a background in art history and a passion for sustainability in historic architecture, she found a natural fit in the field of historic preservation.  Josephine is a preservation planner for Somerset County, where she oversees the County’s Historic Preservation Grant Program, monitors project funding, and ensures compliance with government processes and documentation. Her early experience as an archaeological field technician introduced her to mapping and ground-penetrating radar work, broadening her technical understanding of preservation practices. In her current role, Josephine also engages with land use planning, the Cultural & Heritage Commission, Open Space Committee, and handles Section 106 review responses on behalf of the County. She is actively working toward becoming a licensed planner and is proud to serve on Preservation New Jersey’s Board of Trustees.