Township of Ocean Historical Museum

Takanassee, Lifesaving and Shipwrecks at the Jersey Shore - Tuesday March 6, 2012, 7:15 pm

2012-02-21T06:58:00.000-08:00

Winter Speaker Event - Takanassee, Lifesaving and Shipwrecks at the Jersey Shore - Tuesday March 6, 2012, 7:15 pm - Old Oakhurst School Auditorium

In centuries past, New Jersey was the mariner’s nightmare—arguably the deadliest coast in the world. It is said that if all the ships wrecked along its expanse were laid end to end, the string of sunken hulls would stretch from Sandy Hook t...o Cape May. A deadly combination of shallow and shifting shoals, strong in-shore currents, heavy ship traffic, North Atlantic storms, and primitive navigational and weather forecasting tools together made the Jersey coast the “graveyard of the Atlantic.”

An appeal for help came from a NJ Congressman William Newell (later governor). At his urging, the federal government appropriated funds to establish life-saving stations along the coast. The first federally-equipped station was built at Sandy Hook. Not long after, another was set up at Takanassee beach in Long Branch. The three distinctive buildings that still stand at Takanassee beach were part of the U.S. Life-Saving Service, created in 1848 in response to the alarming loss of life and property from ships wrecked off our shores.

In 1915, the Life-Saving Service merged with the Revenue Cutter Service to form the U.S. Coast Guard, and Guardsmen continued for decades to operate out of Takanassee. The stations were deactivated in 1928 by the Coast Guard, and the site eventually became the Takanassee Beach Club.

Local historians Dr. Richard Fernicola and Jim Foley lent artifacts as well as their expertise to the current Township of Ocean Historical Museum exhibit, Shipwrecks, Life-Saving, and the Story of Takanassee. This fascinating tale of the treacherous nature of early sea travel, New Jerseys’ role in the country’s response and the heroism of Life Saving Station #5 is featured at the Eden Woolley House, 703 Deal Road, Ocean.

In conjunction with this exhibit, on Tuesday, March 6 at 7:15 pm at the Old Oakhurst School Auditorium, 163 Monmouth Road, Oakhurst, these popular guest speakers will bring to life engaging tales of tragic maritime wrecks, heroic deeds of early life-savers, as well as an update on the fate of the historic buildings of the former lifesaving station.

The program is open to the public free of charge. (Donations are welcome.) Refreshments will be served.

Township of Ocean Historical Museum

Keep in touch with us at:

Our web site: http://www.OceanMuseum.org/
Our Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/OceanMuseum
Our Twitter Page: http://twitter.com/OceanMuseum
Our Blogspot page: http://OceanMuseum.blogspot.com/

Eden Woolley's Birthday Party, Sunday March 4, 2012, 1:00pm-4:00pm

2012-02-19T13:10:00.000-08:00

REMINDER -

Sunday, March 4, 2012, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Eden Woolley House, Oakhurst

Heart of Gold (and Silver) Fundraiser - Continued

2012-02-10T07:47:00.000-08:00

Well our Heart of Gold Fundraiser was a rousing success. In fact, Earth Treasures has offered to extend the Fundraiser for a week at its store in Eatontown. Earth Treasures, will buy your unwanted gold and other precious metals. They will donate a percentage of their profit to support the Museum. You can exchange gold, platinum and silver jewelry. Earth Treasures will also buy silver place settings, candlesticks, trays etc.

If you were not able to make it to the event last night, you may still be able to trade in your gold silver or platinum and help the Museum at the same time. Go to Earth Treasures anytime up till next Saturday (February 18, 2012) and mention that you are there to help the Ocean Township Historical Museum, and they will not only give you the money for your jewelry, but a percentage will go the Museum as well.

Earth Treasures is located at:

Office Max Shopping Center

178 State Route 35 South
Eatontown, NJ 07724

(732) 542-5444

So, if you were not able to come last night, or if you came but forgot to bring something, there is still time to help.

Thank you for your support,

Township of Ocean Historical Museum

http://www.OceanMuseum.org

Turn Your Gold (and Silver) into Cash and Benefit the Museum

2012-01-23T08:33:00.000-08:00

A Tribute to Norma Eberhardt Duaphin

2012-01-19T07:46:00.000-08:00

Our friend and founding member of the Township of Ocean Historical Museum, Norma Eberhardt Duaphin recently passed away. We will have a tribute to her and her film career at the Museum.

The Museum's hours are:

Tuesdays - 1:00 to 4:00 P.M.

Wednesdays - 1:00 to 4:00 P.M.

Thursdays - 1:00 to 4:00 P.M.

Thursdays - 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.

Sundays - First and Second Sunday of the month 1:00 to 4:00 P.M.

Shipwrecks, Life-Saving, and the Story of Takanassee

2012-01-11T11:09:00.000-08:00

In centuries past, New Jersey was the mariner’s nightmare—arguably the deadliest coast in the world. It is said that if all the ships wrecked along its expanse were laid end to end, the string of sunken hulls would stretch from Sandy Hook to Cape May. A deadly combination of shallow and shifting shoals, strong in-shore currents, heavy ship traffic, North Atlantic storms, and primitive navigational and weather forecasting tools together made the Jersey coast the “graveyard of the Atlantic.”

An appeal for help came from a NJ Congressman William Newell (later governor). At his urging, the federal government appropriated funds to establish life-saving stations along the coast. The first federally-equipped station was built at Sandy Hook. Not long after, another was set up at Takanassee beach in Long Branch.

The three distinctive buildings that still stand at Takanassee beach were part of the U.S. Life-Saving Service, created in 1848 in response to the alarming loss of life and property from ships wrecked off our shores.

In 1915, the Life-Saving Service merged with the Revenue Cutter Service to form the U.S. Coast Guard, and Guardsmen continued for decades to operate out of Takanassee. The stations were deactivated in 1928 by the Coast Guard, and the site eventually became the Takanassee Beach Club.

Local historians Dr. Richard Fernicola and Jim Foley lent artifacts as well as their expertise to the current Township of Ocean Historical Museum exhibit, Shipwrecks, Life-Saving, and the Story of Takanassee. This fascinating tale of the treacherous nature of early sea travel, New Jerseys’ role in the country’s response and the heroism of Life Saving Station #5 is featured at the Eden Woolley House, 703 Deal Road, Ocean.

In conjunction with this exhibit, on Tuesday, March 6 at 7:15 pm at the Old Oakhurst School Auditorium, 163 Monmouth Road, Oakhurst, these popular guest speakers will bring to life engaging tales of tragic maritime wrecks, heroic deeds of early life-savers, as well as an update on the fate of the historic buildings of the former lifesaving station.

The program is open to the public free of charge. (Donations are welcome.) Refreshments will be served.

New Jersey Monthly Magazine - Best of New Jersey Voting

2011-12-19T10:41:00.000-08:00

Friends and Members:

New Jersey Monthly has a poll similar to the Asbury Park Press "Best of New Jersey". I have attached a link to the entry page where you can vote for The Township of Ocean Historical Museum and leave a comment at the bottom of the page. The comments will be added to their link for viewers to read.. The deadline is January 15.

Here is what to do: Once you click on the link and the page comes up, scroll down to MUSEUM (in the Recreation & Attractions Section) and type in Township of Ocean Historical Museum - Oakhurst NJ, then scroll down to the bottom of the page, leave a comment, then click on submit.

Last year's winner was The Newark Museum. The runner's up - Montclair Museum, Liberty Science Museum, Paranormal Museum - Asbury Park, and Museum of New Jersey Maritime History - Beach Haven.

If you are interested, New Jersey Monthly is also running a contest, if you vote in 10 different categories you will become eligible for a prize. (see contest rules on NJ Monthly link)

Please feel free to send this link to friends and family who enjoy our museum.

Thank you,

Brenda Wityk
President

Township of Ocean Historical Museum

http://njmonthly.com/articles/best-of-Jersey/2012-jersey-choice-the-best-of-new-jersey.html

Reminder - This Weekend Is the Museum's Holiday Show and Craft Sale

2011-11-29T06:28:00.000-08:00

For many it’s become a traditional way to start the holiday season. For the rest, it’s a delight waiting to be discovered. It’s the Museum’s annual Holiday Exhibit, 11 to 4, the first weekend of December.

For two days, December 3 and 4, the Eden Woolley House is transformed for Christmas and Hanukkah. The child-like magic of the season is brought to life. Model trains encircle “Christmas in the City.” Doll houses, decorated to the smallest detail, line the walls. “Toys from the attic” are on display, triggering memories of holidays past.

There is a walking tour of the Museum grounds and sites surrounding it at 1 and 3 on Saturday and again at 1 on Sunday. There are story times throughout the weekend for the little ones, who are invited to bring their dolls or teddies with them, as well as a “teddy bear hunt” and other surprises.

On top of all that, the oldest room in the house (circa 1750) becomes a Holiday Shoppe, full of wonderful handmade items—perfect gifts. Charming outfits for American Girl Dolls and teddy bears. Hand-knit hats for children of all ages. Hand-quilted throws and much more.

There is a bakery with homemade goodies—just right for home or hostess gift. The porch becomes a florist shop—where the Ocean Township Garden Club offers wreathes and swags they have crafted for the holiday.

To top the weekend, our handmade quilt winning raffle ticket is drawn at 3 p.m. on Sunday. All in all, it’s a chance to start the season in style, share memories with family and friends, and get a jump on holiday shopping with one-of-a-kind, Museum-made treasures.

We hope to see you there!

$3 donation suggested. Children free.

QUILT RAFFLE TICKET RETURNS

2011-11-21T08:26:00.000-08:00

THANK YOU TO ALL MEMBERS WHO HAVE RETURNED THEIR QUILT RAFFLE TICKET STUBS AND MONEY. This is a major fund raiser for the museum. If you have not returned your raffle stubs and money, PLEASE do it now. A return envelope was enclosed with the raffle book for mailing or bring it to the museum during our open hours. We need everyone’s support. Our mailing address is: Township of Ocean Historical Museum, P.O. Box 516, Oakhurst, NJ 07755

The drawing will be Sunday, December 4, 2011 at 3:00 pm during the Holiday Show and Craft Show at the Museum.

Thank you very much.

Museum Raffle Committee.

Barnes and Noble Gift Wrap Fundraiser - Nov 27, Dec 6 and Dec 18, 2011

2011-11-21T06:14:00.001-08:00

As the holiday shopping season is about to begin, we want everyone to know about an upcoming fund raiser for the Township of Ocean Historical Museum. Once again this year, we will be helping out wrapping books, CD’s and other items purchased at Barnes and Nobles. The events to benefit the Museum will be as follows:

Location                                   Date .                                          Times

Barnes and Noble                    Sun. Nov. 27th                            10:00 am to 7:00 pm                   Monmouth Mall (Eatontown) (Sunday of Thanksgiving
                                                 Weekend)

Barnes and Noble                     Tues. Dec, 6th                             4:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Monmouth Mall (Eatontown)

Barnes and Noble                      Sun. Dec. 18th                            3:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Route 35 (Holmdel)

Once you have picked your holiday gifts, bring them to the volunteer desk and a member of the Museum will be happy to gift wrap your items. Pick out gifts at Barnes and Noble and help the Museum, what a great idea.

Longwood Gardens Holiday Show Bus Trip

2011-11-08T06:54:00.000-08:00

We still have a few seats available for the Longwood Gardens Holiday Bus Trip. The theme of the exhibit this year is “A Gingerbread Christmas.” We will be leaving from the Oakhurst First Methodist Church parking lot at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, December 7, 2011, and will be returning at approximately 11:00 pm. The Trip is $65.00 per person and includes bus transportation, admission to Longwood Gardens and dinner at Longwood Gardens. The additional number of spaces are limited. Respond ASAP to Paul Edelson (732) 531-9187 or the Museum (732) 531-2136 to reserve a seat.

Reminder - New Jersey Goes To War - The Civil War in New Jersey - November 1, 2011 - 7:15 PM

2011-10-25T08:51:00.000-07:00

This year marks the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, which has been called the gravest war in American history. Local historical consultant and writer, Joe Bilby, will tell fascinating stories about New Jerseyans caught up in this struggle, including soldiers, civilians, men, women, heroes, scoundrels and those just getting by in “New Jersey Goes to War”.

Among his many accomplishments, Mr. Bilby is the author, editor or ...co-author of 14 books and over 400 articles on New Jersey history and folklore, military history and outdoor subjects, including Sea Girt: a Brief History and Asbury Park: a Brief History, for the History Press. He has also lectured widely on those subjects and is a columnist for The Civil War News and New Jersey Sportsmen News.

He serves as assistant curator of the New Jersey National Guard and Militia Museum in Sea Girt, is publications editor for the New Jersey Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee and editor of and contributor to New Jersey Goes to War as well as New Jersey’s Civil War Odyssey. Both books will be available for purchase at $20 each.

Join us November 1 at the Old Oakhurst Schoolhouse, 163 Monmouth Road, 7:15pm for this enlightening presentation. Open to the public free of charge. (Donations gratefully accepted.) Refreshments will be served. Please bring a non-perishable item for the Township of Ocean Holiday Appeal.

Reminder - This weekend Museum Ghost Walk Conjures Up Historic Spirits

2011-10-17T07:50:00.000-07:00

When the Ocean Township Museum hosts a ghost walk, it doesn’t engage a psychic. It enlists the talents of young volunteers who “channel” the spirits of colorful—and actual—local historical figures. This year’s historical ghosts come straight from the Museum’s current exhibit: “Shipwrecks, Life-Saving, and the Story of Takanassee.” The date is Sunday October 23 (rain date October 30) 5:30pm, at the Eden Woolley House, in the Library complex on Deal Road, Ocean.

Spirit guides will lead guests through the museum grounds and introduce them to the heroes, scoundrels, and victims of the past. The Jersey coast was among the world’s deadliest for the sailing ships of the 19th century. The ghosts will tell the exciting story of sea travel, shipwreck, and life-saving. Inside the Library’s Terner Gallery, guests will join a pirate crew and learn the perils of seafaring in an even earlier era.

The actor ghosts are talented teens and adults, some the newly opened Actor’s Workshop on Monmouth Road in Oakhurst. The pirate crew is led by the singing Sea Dogs, seasoned troupe live-history performers.

The Ghost Walk is a child-friendly, a more-fun-than-scary, event. There will be Halloween treats, face painting, and crafts. Cost is $7 for adults, $3 for children. Visit oceanmuseum.org for more information. Call 732-531-2136 for reservations.

Congratulations on the 2011 Best of Monmouth County Museum Award

2011-10-11T17:15:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to the Township of Ocean Historical Museum Staff for 2011 Best of Monmouth County Museum Award, presented today at the Museum. Thank you so much to all of our members, friends and people who just enjoyed visiting our Museum. It provides a great deal of satisfaction to all of those who work at the Museum that their efforts are enjoyed by the public.

Township of Ocean Historical Museum

Museum Ghost Walk Conjures Up Historic Spirits

2011-10-11T17:13:00.000-07:00

the Ocean Township Museum hosts a ghost walk, it doesn’t engage a psychic. It enlists the talents of young volunteers who “channel” the spirits of colorful—and actual—local historical figures. This year’s historical ghosts come straight from the Museum’s current exhibit: “Shipwrecks, Life-Saving, and the Story of Takanassee.” The date is Sunday October 23 (rain date October 30) at the Eden Woolley House, in the Library c...omplex on Deal Road, Ocean.

Spirit guides will lead guests through the museum grounds and introduce them to the heroes, scoundrels, and victims of the past. The Jersey coast was among the world’s deadliest for the sailing ships of the 19th century. The ghosts will tell the exciting story of sea travel, shipwreck, and life-saving. Inside the Library’s Terner Gallery, guests will join a pirate crew and learn the perils of seafaring in an even earlier era.

The actor ghosts are talented teens and adults, some the newly opened Actor’s Workshop on Monmouth Road in Oakhurst. The pirate crew is led by the singing Sea Dogs, seasoned troupe live-history performers.

The Ghost Walk is a child-friendly, a more-fun-than-scary, event. There will be Halloween treats, face painting, and crafts. Cost is $7 for adults, $3 for children. Visit oceanmuseum.org for more information. Call 732-531-2136 for reservations.

Additional Seating On Longwood Gardens Bus Trip 12/7/2011

2011-10-05T14:04:00.000-07:00

Due to some cancellations, we have seating available for the Longwood Gardens Bus Trip. The trip will be on December 7, 2011. The cost is $65.00 per person. There are ten (10) seats available. Those seats will be filled on a “first come-first serve” basis. Make your reservations by calling the Museum at (732) 531-2136. Payment will be due for this trip by November 1, 2011.

Township of Ocean Historical Museum

New Jersey Goes To War - The Civil War in New Jersey

2011-09-09T06:02:00.001-07:00

Women Flying into History——the "Women Airforce Service Pilots” (W.A.S.P.)

2011-09-06T16:16:00.000-07:00

World War II needed pilots. Nearly 2,000 women answered the call 68 years ago to become the Women Airforce Service Pilots (W.A.S.P). More than 1,000 of them earned their wings and flew every aircraft manufactured for the War, freeing male pilots for active duty overseas.

Bernice ""Bee"" Falk was one of them. An experienced aviator, Miss Falk was accepted into the WASP in February 1944. Traveling at her own expense to Sweetwater, Texas, she successfully completed an extensive, highly demanding program of both ground school and flight training.

In addition to performing all stateside flying duties, the WASP tested radio controlled aircraft, were flight instructors, utility pilots, performed engineering test flying, towed targets for infantry to practice with live ammunition, and flew missions for tracking, smoke laying, searchlight strafing and simulated bombing.

After the WASP was disbanded in December 1944, Bee obtained her instructor’’s training and did freelance teaching in flying and ground school. She also ferried surplus aircraft from bases all over the country to points in the northeast, where they were sold.
She eventually owned a Cessna dealership, and then joined a group of veterans who formed a flight school.

After marrying Joe Haydu in 1951, Bee reared a family who all learned to love flying. Aviation and piloting continued to be an important part of her life.

In 1975, Bee was elected president of the WASP organization, serving two terms. During this time, she championed the effort to gain veteran status for the WASP.
From 1976-77, she appeared on more than 14 TV and radio programs, including Good Morning America and To Tell the Truth, and was interviewed by many newspapers nationwide.

Finally, with the help and support of Col. Bruce Arnold, Sen. Barry Goldwater, House Representatives Lindy Boggs and Margaret Heckler, as well as the WASP membership, Congress voted to have them declared veterans of WWII. President Jimmy Carter signed this bill into law in November, 1977.

Her uniform is on display at the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum in Washington, D.C. She was also inducted into the Aviation Hall of Fame, Teterboro Airport, Teterboro, NJ, and continued to fly until her late 70’’s.

Bee was present July 1, 2009 in the Oval Office witnessing President Obama sign a bill awarding the WASP the Congressional Gold Medal. The following year, Congress gave all WASP the Congressional Gold Medal at a ceremony at the Capitol.

A courageous, accomplished woman who has led an extraordinary life, Bee Falk Haydu’’s multimedia presentation will inspire you.

Join us Tuesday, September 13 at 7:15 pm at the Old Oakhurst School house, 163 Monmouth Road, where you can meet her. Copies of her book, ""Letters Home 1944-1945"" will be available for sale at $15.00.

Open to the public free of charge. (Donations are welcome.) Refreshments will be served. Please bring a non-perishable item for the Monmouth County Food Bank.

Township of Ocean Historical Museum - Facebook Page

2011-07-27T17:17:00.000-07:00

Just to let everyone know, the Township of Ocean Historical Museum has qualified to designate it's own page on Facebook. Our Museum's Facebook page is now:

http://www.facebook.com/OceanMuseum

(In order to keep it the same as our web site). Nothing is changed, but if you have a "like" to our Facebook page, you may want to check that it is the correct page name. If you get to us by typing Ocean Museum in the Facebook search bar, no problem, it will send you right to our site.

Township of Ocean Historical Museum

The Township of Ocean Historical Museum now posts on

FACEBOOK (http://www.facebook.com/OceanMuseum)

TWITTER (http://twitter.com/OceanMuseum)

BLOGGER [formerly Blogspot] (http://OceanMuseum.blogspot.com)

And YouTube

Another Home Run Scored by the "American Doll Team"

2011-07-26T16:18:00.000-07:00

The American Doll and Teddy Bear Tea Party was another “sell out” with 77 Moms and daughters enjoying the delightful hospitality and activities despite a very hot summer day. Over $1000 was raised in reservations and over $500 in the Doll Shop.
Thank you, thank you, thank you to our committee, our volunteers, our quilters and knitters, our bakers, our doll and bear exhibitors, our support people, and our hardy guests who cheerfully remained “cool” in
spite of Mother Nature.
Geri Applegate
Mike Berzansky
Ann Marie Capponi

Joe Carey

Allison Coffin

Peggy Dellinger

Gary Edelson

Paul Edelson

Steve Edelson

Nancy Emmons

Heather Evans

Phyllis Fyfe

Penny Gabriel

Diane Gentile

Ellen Gulick

Mary Hill

Tobi and Dave Kochel

Lois and Bob Landis

Joal Leone

Sue and Heather MacDonald

Sue and Les Mathis

Eileen McCormack

Eleanor Millar

Jeanne Ribsam

Ginny and Howard Richmond

Sarah Salmon

Ann Stiles

Alice Timms

Marion Vogler

Betty Wilderotter

Marko Wityk

Teen Volunteers

Abby Ettore

Sara Hayet

Megan Kelleher

Christina MacFarlane

Perri MacFarlane

Ariel Moynahan

Haley Smiliak

Christian Wityk

Thanks again. We could not have done it without YOU,

Marge Edelson and Brenda Wityk

One Week Left - 2011 Best of Monmouth and Ocean Counties - Asbury Park Press

2011-07-25T06:41:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that there is only one week left to vote for the Township of Ocean Historical Museum as the Best Museum in Monmouth County. Were sure you have already done so, but make sure all of your friends and family know as well (and vote for us) . What to do is contained below. Just remember to vote by Sunday July 31st.

Thanks again for your support.

Township of Ocean Historical Museum

From: Ocean Township (NJ) Museum

Sent: Thursday, July 14, 2011 9:15 PM

Subject: 2011 Best of Monmouth and Ocean Counties - Asbury Park Press - Voting Has Commenced

Well, it is that time of year again. Time to vote again in the Asbury Park Press’ “Best of” voting. We have won the “Best Museum” in Monmouth County for 2009 and 2010 and are looking for another win in 2011. Voting has commenced. PLEASE take a few minutes and vote for us in this pole. It will only take a few minutes.

Just Go to : http://bestof.app.com/

The voting screen will come up.

In the first category, select “Museum”

In the second field, place “Township of Ocean Historical Museum” (PLEASE NOTE - THE EDEN WOOLLEY HOUSE WILL NOT COUNT – IT IS NOT OUR NAME)

The third field is the “Township of Ocean”

The fourth field should be set to “Monmouth” County.

The rest of the fields are for you to fill in. Please feel free to vote on any other categories after you vote for us.

We have until July 31st to get all of our votes in. Please make sure you sent copies of this e-mail to all of your friends as well so we can get as many votes as possible before the end of the voting.

Thanks again for your support.

Township of Ocean Historical Museum

2011 Best of Monmouth and Ocean Counties - Asbury Park Press - Voting Has Commenced

2011-07-15T13:28:00.000-07:00

Just Go to : http://bestof.app.com/

The voting screen will come up.

In the first category, select “Museum”

In the second field, place “Township of Ocean Historical Museum” (PLEASE NOTE - THE EDEN WOOLLEY HOUSE WILL NOT COUNT – IT IS NOT OUR NAME)

The third field is the “Township of Ocean”

The fourth field should be set to “Monmouth” County.

The rest of the fields are for you to fill in. Please feel free to vote on any other categories after you vote for us.

Thanks again for your support.

Township of Ocean Historical Museum

Takanassee, Lifesaving and Shipwrecks at the Jersey Shore

2011-06-20T08:15:00.000-07:00

Those who come to rekindle fond memories of the Takanassee Beach Club will not be disappointed in the new exhibit opening in the West Gallery June 4 & 5. They will find beach club photos and artifacts galore. But they will discover as well another life of this small strip of Long Branch oceanfront. Shipwrecks, Life-Saving, and the Story of Takanassee features beach club memorabilia. But it also tells a fascinating tale of the treacherous nature of early sea travel, NJ’ s role in the country’s response, and the heroism of Life Saving Station #5.

The three distinctive buildings that still stand at Takanassee beach were part of the U.S. Life-Saving Service, created in 1848 in response to the alarming lose of life and property from ships wrecked off our nation’s shores—most notably along New Jersey’s coast.

NJ was the mariner’s nightmare—arguably the deadliest coast in the world. It is said that if all the ships wrecked along its expanse were laid end to end, the string of sunken hulls would stretch from Sandy Hook to Cape May. A deadly combination of shallow and shifting shoals, strong in-shore currents, heavy ship traffic, North Atlantic storms, and primitive navigational and weather forecasting tools together made the Jersey coast the “graveyard of the Atlantic.”

No surprise, then, that the appeal for help came from a NJ Congressman—William Newell (later governor). At his urging, the federal government appropriated funds to establish the U.S. Life-Saving Service. Its first station was built at Sandy Hook. Not long after, another was set up at Takanassee beach.

This first Takanassee station was a simple shed, equipped with apparatus provided by the U.S. government. For decades, it—and all stations in the Service--were manned by volunteers, much like today’s fire companies. By the 1870s, pressure mounted for a professional Life-Saving Service—with oversight, paid and trained crews, and well maintained equipment. As part of this overhaul, a new station was built at Takanassee in 1879—and later two other structures, circa 1903. In 1915, the Life-Saving Service merged with the Revenue Marine Bureau to form the U.S. Coast Guard, and Guardsmen continued for decades to operate out of Takanassee.

Visitors to the exhibit will learn of the heroic deeds of these early life-savers. Take the tale of Annie and Charles Green, for instance. Charles, whose family had owned Takanassee beach and surrounds going back centuries, was one of the first of the Takanassee “keepers.” The bravery of his crew—and his wife—in rescuing the crew of the Adonis, run aground in a violent storm in 1859, earned the Service’s coveted Gold Medal (the first and last ever given to a keeper’s wife).

The exhibit tells the story of Takanassee in this broader context. On display are relics retrieved from local wrecks, the New Era (1854), the Adonis (1859), the Rusland (1877), and the Pliny (1882). It is a fascinating legacy. Come see for yourself.

The Museum's hours are:

Tuesdays - 1:00 to 4:00 P.M.
Wednesdays - 1:00 to 4:00 P.M.
Thursdays - 1:00 to 4:00 P.M.
Thursdays - 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.
Sundays - First and Second Sunday of the month 1:00 to 4:00 P.M.

American Doll Tea

2011-06-18T19:51:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, July 24th from 1:00 to 3:30, children, dolls and teddy bears will take over the grounds of the Eden Woolley House for the third annual summer afternoon tea party. This sellout event celebrates the relationship of a child and their favorite doll or teddy bear. The children will make a craft for themselves and their doll or bear, show off their doll’s or bear’s outfit in a fashion show, listen to a story, and enjoy a tasty tea party. There will be doll and teddy bear collections to see, and a Doll Shop that will feature hand made clothes and accessories for dolls The rain date for the Tea Party is Sun., July 31st.

Children 5 years and older must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are $25 for a parent and child, an additional child is $10. There is limited seating. Reservations are a must. Tickets will go on sale after June 1st. Call 732- 531-6040 or the Museum at 732-531-2136.

Clean-up of the Tower at Joe Palaia Park

2011-06-18T19:37:00.000-07:00

As most of you know The Museum is sponsoring and coordinating several local contractors who have volunteered to historically restore the historic water tower located behind the Museum and the Library. I want you to know that we need additional volunteers to help with the cleanup of the Tower interior. We are having a cleanup party on Saturday June 25th. From 9:30 AM until 4:00 PM. All are welcome to help out, work gloves will be provided.

Please note that the Museum also needs additional volunteer contractors such as carpenters, roofers, plumbers and tree experts. I am hopeful that you will spread the word to contractors and others you may know. We also need contributions of building materials and of course money.

If you wish to participate please let me know by calling 732-531-4295. Lunch will be provided.

Howard Richmond, Museum Trustee

Adding Blogger to our Web Presense

2011-06-06T13:30:00.000-07:00

Here we are moving on with Blogger as well to let people know what is going on.

Township of Ocean Historical Museum

Takanassee, Lifesaving and Shipwrecks at the Jersey Shore - Tuesday March 6, 2012, 7:15 pm

Eden Woolley's Birthday Party, Sunday March 4, 2012, 1:00pm-4:00pm

Heart of Gold (and Silver) Fundraiser - Continued

Turn Your Gold (and Silver) into Cash and Benefit the Museum

A Tribute to Norma Eberhardt Duaphin

Shipwrecks, Life-Saving, and the Story of Takanassee

New Jersey Monthly Magazine - Best of New Jersey Voting

Reminder - This Weekend Is the Museum's Holiday Show and Craft Sale

QUILT RAFFLE TICKET RETURNS

Barnes and Noble Gift Wrap Fundraiser - Nov 27, Dec 6 and Dec 18, 2011

Longwood Gardens Holiday Show Bus Trip

Reminder - New Jersey Goes To War - The Civil War in New Jersey - November 1, 2011 - 7:15 PM

Reminder - This weekend ﻿Museum Ghost Walk Conjures Up Historic Spirits

Congratulations on the 2011 Best of Monmouth County Museum Award

﻿Museum Ghost Walk Conjures Up Historic Spirits

Additional Seating On Longwood Gardens Bus Trip 12/7/2011

New Jersey Goes To War - The Civil War in New Jersey

﻿Women Flying into History——the "Women ﻿Airforce Service ﻿Pilots” (W.A.S.P.)

Township of Ocean Historical Museum - Facebook Page

Another Home Run Scored by the "American Doll Team"

One Week Left - 2011 Best of Monmouth and Ocean Counties - Asbury Park Press

2011 Best of Monmouth and Ocean Counties - Asbury Park Press - Voting Has Commenced

Takanassee, Lifesaving and Shipwrecks at the Jersey Shore

American Doll Tea

Clean-up of the Tower at Joe Palaia Park

Adding Blogger to our Web Presense

Reminder - This weekend Museum Ghost Walk Conjures Up Historic Spirits

Museum Ghost Walk Conjures Up Historic Spirits

Women Flying into History——the "Women Airforce Service Pilots” (W.A.S.P.)