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New Exhibit - 50th Anniversary of Ocean Township High School


New Exhibit - 50th Anniversary of Ocean Township High SchoolOpening - Sunday, September 26, 2015, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Eden Woolley House, 703 Deal Road, Ocean, NJ 07712


This year Ocean Township High School celebrates its 50th year. Before 1965, 8th graders graduating from Township elementary schools chose between Asbury Park and Long Branch High. The opening of the new school was a turning point for Ocean--and for Asbury, the district that had up to then educated most of the township’s teens.

The Museum is noting this significant anniversary with a mini-exhibit, “Ocean Township High at 50,” opening in the Our Town Gallery in September.

We need to hear from you. We are looking for photos, memorabilia, and memories. (Our Research Library has a complete collection of yearbooks, so we are all set on that front.) Call (732-531-2136) if you have material to share. Email us (oceanmuseum@verizon.net) to include your OTHS memory in the summer newsletter.

Woolley Family Reunion


Woolley Family Reunion
Sunday, August 16, 2015, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Eden Woolley House, 703 Deal Road, Ocean, NJ 07712


The idea occurred when a visitor to the Museum came bearing gifts. She is a Woolley descendent who had brought with her pages of genealogical research on the family. Her documentation may be exceptional, but her connection and her interest are not.

Since the Woolley House opened in 2009 --and even before--Woolley family members have lent their support to our mission. They range from Frank West, a Woolley descendent and gifted artisan who crafted the model of the house that helped us to raise awareness (and money) before the move, to Phil Parratt, master carpenter who devoted hours of skilled labor to the restoration.

Museum records for the Woolley Family go back to the 10th Century to a Ralph De Walegh in Chesire, England. Thirteen generations of Walegh, Woley, Wolley, Woolley’s appear in English records before Emanuel Wooley, born 1625, left England for Newport, Rhode Island. Our own Eden Woolley, is a descendant in Emanuel’s line--as are countless others, some living in this area.

The idea is to host a reunion--invite Woolley descendents (and anyone interested in the family’s history) to get together to meet each other, share family stories, and see what the Museum has learned and collected on their ancestors. We’re holding Sunday, August 16, as a target date, but we need to spread the word and hear from you. Please call the Museum (732-531-2136) or email (oceanmuseum@verizon.net) if this sounds like a party you’d like to attend!


7th Annual American Girl and Teddy Bear Tea Party


7th Annual American Girl and Teddy Bear Tea Party
Sunday July 12, 2015 at 1:00pm
Rain Date - Sunday July 19, 2014 at 1:00pm
Eden Woolley House, 703 Deal Road, Ocean, NJ 07712


The seventh annual American Doll Tea Party takes place Sunday July 12 from 1 to 3:30 (rain date July 19).

Children and their favorite adults gather under tents on the lawn of the Eden Woolley House, Deal Road, Ocean Township.

The dolls and their young owners are the main attraction. Children show off the outfits of their favorite dolls (or teddy bears) in a charming fashion show. They make a craft, hear an original story of the Woolley Sisters, and enjoy a tasty tea party.

On this day, the Museum Shop features handmade doll clothes and accessories. Inside the Museum, doll and teddy bear collections are on display.

Tickets are $30 and admit one child (5 years and older) and one adult. Tickets for additional children are $10 each and additional adults are $25. Seating is limited.

Reservations are a must. Tickets go on sale starting June 1st. Call 732-531-6040 or the Museum at 732-531-2136.

There is limited seating. Reservations are a must.

New Exhibit - Fashion - The History of What We Wear


New Exhibit - Fashion - The History of What We WearOpening - Sunday, June 28, 2015, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Eden Woolley House, 703 Deal Road, Ocean, NJ 07712


An exploration of the historical, cultural, and technical influences on what we wear.

Spring Speaker Event - New Jersey's Covered Bridges


Spring Speaker Event - New Jersey's Covered Bridges
Tuesday, June 9, 2015, 7:15 pm.
Township of Ocean Board of Education Offices (Old Oakhurst School), Auditorium, 163 Monmouth Road, Oakhurst, NJ 07755


Author Richard J. Garlipp, Jr. discussed his book New Jersey's Covered Bridges.

The talk, part of the Museum Speakers' Series, is open to the public, free of charge. Donations are always appreciated. Refreshments are served. Please bring a non-perishable item for the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

2015 Spirit of the Jerseys State History Fair

2015 Spirit of the Jerseys State History Fair
Saturday, May 9, 2015, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Monmouth Battlefield State Park, 16 Business Route 33, Manalapan, NJ 07726


SAVE the DATE! 2015 SPIRIT of the JERSEYS State History Fair

The 2015 NJ State History Fair will be held Saturday, May 9th at Monmouth Battlefield State Park, Manalapan, NJ from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., rain or shine.

Participation for non-profit historical organizations is FREE - so mark your calendars and plan on catching the SPIRIT in 2015!

Additional information will be posted on the Fair's web site,
http://www.njhistoryfair.org in the coming months. 

Inquiries can be made to historyfair@dep.nj.gov or by calling the NJ Office of Historic Sites at 609-777-0238.

Weekend In Old Monmouth

Weekend In Old Monmouth
May 2, 2015 - 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
May 3, 2015 - 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm
Eden Woolley House, 703 Deal Road, Ocean, NJ 07712


FREEHOLD, NJ – The annual “Weekend in Old Monmouth” event returns with 45 historic sites throughout Monmouth County opening their doors to visitors interested in local history. Hours for most sites are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 2 and from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 3.

“Weekend in Old Monmouth is a wonderful event for anyone interested in history and architecture,” said Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry, liaison to the County’s Historical Commission, coordinator of the weekend event. “The sites on the tour are generally operated independently of one another, but this special tour project coordinates the hours of operation at several locations so history buffs can travel by foot, bicycle or car to enjoy and take in many of the county’s rich historic places all in one weekend.”

“The tour includes 45 sites and each illustrates a piece of local history,” said John Fabiano, executive director of the Historical Commission. “The outlined tours help put the pieces together by theme or geography. Tour visitors can see the places in any order of their own selection. The proposed starting points are just suggestions for those who may be seeking guidance.”

You can start planning your route by previewing the tour sites on the County’s website at www.visitmonmouth.com. After April 15, a detailed tour book and tour map will be available on the Monmouth County website at www.visitmonmouth.com. On the tour dates, each tour stop will also have maps and booklets available.

The tours also represent several historic themes:

Shore: While the tour includes sites on the north, (Sandy Hook), central (Ocean Grove) and southern shores, (National Guard Militia Museum) the drive along the shore is one of the best ways to feel and appreciate Monmouth County’s relationship to the Ocean.

Faith: Architectural gems of each of the last three centuries, 18th century Christ Church in Shrewsbury, 19th century All Saints Memorial in Middletown and 20th century St. Catharine’s in Spring Lake. In addition, Old Tennent Church in Manalapan is closely tied to the Battle of Monmouth and the Friends Meeting House in Shrewsbury represents one of the oldest worship traditions in Monmouth County.

The Revolutionary War: The Revolution is visited here, not only the major sites in the Monmouth Battlefield area, but in lesser known places such as the Burrowes Mansion in Matawan, Marlpit Hall and the Murray Farm, both in Middletown.

Military: There is Fort Hancock at Sandy Hook, the most heavily fortified installation on the East Coast for much of the 20th century, the National Historic Landmark Monmouth Battlefield in Manalapan and one of the more fascinating, but lesser known museums, the New Jersey National Guard Militia Museum in Sea Girt with museum exhibits and fighter aircraft and tanks.

Preservation: Marlpit Hall in Middletown was the first restored house museum in the region, dating from its 1930s opening.

Other elements on the tour also include lighthouses, Victorian homes, agriculture, industry, education and science. All of the sites contributed to the importance of preservation and history throughout Monmouth County. The county supports the preservation movement annually by awarding preservation grants to historic sites. Many of the tour locations have received grants in the past.
A site list and map are available on the County’s website at www.visitmonmouth.com.​

Tour Sites

All Saints Memorial Church
202 Navesink Avenue, Navesink, NJ 07752
Phone: 732-291-0214
Website: www.allsaintsnavesink.org
Contact: Rev. Pastor Piggins, Interim Rector or
Mary Baechle, Parish Administrator
E-mail: office@allsaintsnavesink.org
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The Historic Village at Allaire/Allaire State Park
4265 Atlantic Avenue, Farmingdale, NJ 07727
Phone: 732-919-3500
Website: www.allairevillage.org
Organization: Allaire Village, Inc.
Note: Although both are located in Allaire State Park,the historic village operates separately from the Pine Creek Railroad.
Free admission to the Historic Village only.
Contact: Shannon Gance
E-mail: info@allairevillage.org
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Allen House
400 Sycamore Avenue, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702
Phone: 732-462-1466 (MCHA)
Website: www.monmouthhistory.org
Organization: Monmouth County Historical Association
E-mail: info@monmouthhistory.org
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Ardena School Museum
Old Tavern Road, Howell, NJ 07731
Phone: 732-938-2212 (leave message)
Organization: Howell Historical Society
E-mail: SarahAnnB@aol.com
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Battle of Monmouth Monument
71 Court Street, Freehold, NJ 07728
Phone: 732-431-7460 x7413
Contact: Randall Gabriellan
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Burrowes Mansion Museum
94 Main Street, Matawan, NJ 07747
Phone 732-566-5605
Website: www.BurrowesMansion.org
Contact: Robert Montfort, President of Society,
E-mail: rwmontfort@aol.com
Phone: 732-583-3846
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Centennial Cottage
McClintock & Central Aves. Ocean Grove, NJ 07756
Phone: 732-774-1869
Website: www.oceangrovehistory.org
Organization: Historical Society of Ocean Grove
Contact: Anna Critelli
E-mail: info@oceangrovehistory.org
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Christ Church
380 Sycamore Avenue, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702
Phone: 732-741-2220
Website: www.christchurchshrewsbury.org
Contact: Robert Kelly 
E-mail: christchurchshrewsbury@verizon.net
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Covenhoven House
150 West Main Street, Freehold, NJ 07728
Phone: 732-462-1466 (MCHA)
Website: www.monmouthhistory.org
E-mail: info@monmouthhistory.org
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Dr. Robert W. Cooke’s Medical Office
67 McCampbell Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Phone: 732-946-2743
Website: www.holmdelhistory.org/DrCookes.html
Organization: Holmdel Historical Society
Contact: George Joynson, President,
E-mail: gj@gjoynson.com
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Eatontown Historical Museum
Read House, 75 Broad Street, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Phone: 732-542-4026, (please leave a message)
Website: www.EatontownHistoricalMuseum.org
Contact: Kathy English, 732-389-2959
E-Mail: EatontownHistorian@gmail.com
Phone: 732-542-4026 (please leave a message)
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Eden Woolley House
Township of Ocean Historical Museum, 703 Deal Road, Ocean, NJ 07712
Phone: 732-531-2136
Website: www.oceanmuseum.org
Contact: Paul Edelson
E-mail: OceanMuseum@verizon.net
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First Presbyterian Church
Four E. River Road, Rumson, NJ 07760
Phone: 732-842-0429
Website: www.rumsonpresbyterian.org
Contact: Rev. John Monroe, Pastor,
john@rumsonpresbyterian.org
Betty Anne Berube, Ad. Asst.
E-mail: bettyann@rumsonpresbyterian.org
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Friends Meeting House
Shrewsbury Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)
375 Sycamore Avenue, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702
Website: www.shrewsburyquakers.org
Email: Gordon4052@gmail.com
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Great Auditorium
21 Pilgrim Pathway, Ocean Grove, NJ 07756
Phone: 732-775-0035
Website: www.oceangrove.org
Organization: The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association
PO Box 248, Ocean Grove, NJ 07756
E-mail: information@oceangrove.org
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Historic Longstreet Farm
44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Phone: 732-946-3758
Website: www.monmouthcountyparks.com
Contact: Sandy Byard
E-mail: sandy.byard@co.monmouth.nj.us
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Historic Walnford
62 Walnford Road, Upper Freehold Twp, NJ 08514
Phone: 609-259-6275
Website: www.monmouthcountyparks.com
Contact: Sarah Bent
E-mail: sarah.bent@co.monmouth,nj.us
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Holmes-Hendrickson House
62 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Phone: 732-462-1466 (MCHA)
Website: www.monmouthhistory.org
Organization: Monmouth County Historical Association
E-mail: info@monmouthhistory.org
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InfoAge Science Center (Camp Evans)
2201 Marconi Road, Wall, NJ 07719
Phone: 732-280-3000
Website: www.infoage.org
Contact: Fred Carl, Director
E-mail: fred-carl@infoage.org
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Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County
310 Mounts Corner Drive, Freehold, NJ 07728
Phone: 732 252-6990
This site is open only Sunday, May 4
Website: www.jhmomc.org
Organization: Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County
Contact: Michael Berman
E-mail: michael.berman@cbmoves.com
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Keyport Fire Museum and Edcaton Center
86 Broad Street , Keyport, NJ 07735
Phone: 732 739-5362
Website: www.keyportfd.org
Organization: Keyport Historical Society
Contact: Tom Gallo, Pres. 732 264-1581
E-mail: tdg1cnj@yahoo.com
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MacKenzie House
427 Lakewood-Farmingdale Road, Howell, NJ 07731
Phone: 732-938-2212 (leave message)
Organization: Howell Historical Society
E-mail: SarahAnnB@aol.com
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Marlpit Hall
137 Kings Highway, Middletown, NJ 07748
Phone: 732-462-1466 (MCHA)
Website: www.monmouthhistory.org
Organization: Monmouth County Historical Association
E-mail: info@monmouthhistory.org 
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Monmouth Battlefield State Park
16 State Business Route 33, Manalapan, NJ 07726
347 Freehold-Englishtown Road, Manalapan, NJ 07726
Phone: 732-462-9616
Website: www.monmouthbattlefield.nj.gov
Contact: Mark Pitchell, Superintendant
E-mail: Mark.pitchell@dep.state.nj.us
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Monmouth County Historical Association
Museum & Library
70 Court Street, Freehold, NJ 07728
Phone: 732-462-1466 (MCHA)
Website: www.monmouthhistory.org
E-mail: info@monmouthhistory.org
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Murray Farmhouse
345 Oak Hill Road, Red Bank, NJ 07701
Phone: 732-842-5966
Website: www.poricypark.org
Contact: Joyce Ferejohn, Director
E-mail: poricypark@poricypark.org
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National Guard Militia Museum
Sea Girt Avenue & Camp Drive, P.O Box 277, Sea Girt, NJ 08750
Phone: 732-974-5966
The NGMMNJ is located in the National Guard Training Center (NGTC)
Adults need to show driver license or other identification to the NGTC gate guard.
Website: www.nj.gov/military/museum/index.html
Contact: Curator, 1st Lt Vincent Solomeno, or
Assistant Curators, Joe Bilby and Carol Fowler
E-mail: vincent.solomeno.mil@mail.mil
E-mail: jgbilby44@aol.com
E-mail: carol.r.fowler@us.army.mail
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Oakley Farm House
189B Oakley Drive, Freehold, NJ 07728
Phone: 732-577-9766
Website: www.ftheritage.org
Organization: Freehold Township Historic Preservation Commission
Contact: Cheryl Cook, Manager
E-mail: ftheritage1686@yahoo.com
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Ocean Grove Historical Museum
50 Pitman Avenue, Ocean Grove, NJ 07756
Phone: 732-774-1869
Website: www.oceangrovehistory.org
Contact: Anna Critelli
E-mail: info@oceangrovehistory.org
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Old First Church (Middletown Baptist)
69 Kings Highway, Middletown, NJ 07748
Phone: 732 671-1905
Website: www.oldfirstchurchnj.org
Contact: Rev. Joyce Antila Phipps, (cell, 908-337-1716)
E-mail: ofc@oldfirstchurch.org
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Old Tennent Church
450 Tennent Road, Tennent, NJ 07763
Phone: 732-446-6299
Web site: www.oldtennentchurch.org
Contact: Pastor, Rev. Mrs. Barbara McDonald.
E-mail address: ot.church@verizon.net 
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Old Wall Historical Society
Allgor/Barkalow Homestead and the Blansingburg Schoolhouse Museum
1701 New Bedford Road, Wall, NJ 07719
Contact: De Hearn, Museum Director,
732-681-3806 or 732-449-7888
Fran Bruno, President, 732-528-9443
E-mail: dehj@optonline.net
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Old Yellow Meeting House
70 Yellow Meeting House Road, Upper Freehold Twp., NJ 08514
Phone: 609-426-4450
Website: www.oymh.org
Contact: John Fabiano
E-mail: alltwnufhistsoc@aol.com
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Red Bank Women's Club
164 Broad Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
Phone: 732-747-7425
Website: www.womensclubofredbank.org
Email: info@WomensClubOfRedBank.org
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Roosevelt Borough Historic District (Jersey Homesteads)
2A School Lane, Roosevelt, NJ 08555
Phone: 609-947-0491
Website: www.web2sons.org (unofficial)
Contact: Michael L. Ticktin, Borough Historian
E-mail: mticktin@aol.com
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St. Catherine Church
214 Essex Avenue, Spring Lake, NJ 07762
Phone: 732-449-5765, ext. 169
Please respect any Church events that may be in progress during a weekend visit.
Website: www.stcatharine-stmargaret.com
Contact: Barbara Harrigan, 732-974-1423
E-mail: stcatharine@Bytheshore.com
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Sandy Hook Lighthouse & Fort Hancock
84 Mercer Road, Middletown, NJ 07732
Phone: (732) 919-3500
Website: www.nps.gov/gate
www.sandyhookfoundation.org
Address: Gateway National Recreation Area,
Highlands, NJ 07732
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Seabright Lawn Tennis & Cricket Club
5 Tennis Court Lane, Rumson, NJ 07760
Phone: 732-245-4555
Website: www.sltcc.org
Contact: Betsy Ford
E-mail: betsyford@comcast.net
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Seabrook-Wilson House, Bayshore Waterfront Park
719 Port Monmouth Road, Port Monmouth, NJ 07758
Phone: 732-787-3033
Website: www.monmouthcountyparks.com
Organization: Monmouth County Park System
Contact: Gail Hunton
E-mail: ghunton@monmouthcountyparks.com
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Shrewsbury Historical Museum, Municipal Complex
419 Sycamore Avenue, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702
Phone: 732-530-7974
Organization: Shewsbury Historical Society
Contact: Don Burden, President, 732-747-3635
E-Mail: donaldburden@verizon.net
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Strauss Mansion Museum
27 Prospect Circle, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716
Phone: 732-291-1861 (leave message)
Website: www.atlantichighlandshistory.com
Organization: Atlantic Highlands Historical Society
Contact: Ken Frantz, President
E-mail: ahhsinfo@yahoo.com
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Taylor-Butler House
127 Kings Highway, Middletown, NJ 07748
Phone: 732-462-1466
Website: www.monmouthhistory.org
Organization: Monmouth County Historical Association
E-mail: info@monmouthhistory.org
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Twin Lights Lighthouse
198 Lighthouse Road, Highlands, NJ 07732
Phone: 732-872-1814
Website: : www.twinlightslighthouse.com
Organization: NJDEP Division of Parks & Forestry and
Friends of Twin Lights
Contact: Margaret Carlsen, Historian
E-mail: Curator13@gmail.com
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Village Inn
Two Water Street, Englishtown, NJ 07726
Phone: 908-907-3523
Website: www.thevillageinn.org
Organization: Battleground Historical Society
Contact: Hans Kernast
E-mail: hkernast@yahoo.com
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West Freehold School Museum
209 Wemrock Road, Freehold, NJ 07728
Phone: 732-577-9766 (including fax)
Website: www.ftheritage.org
Organization: Freehold Township Historic Preservation Commission
Contact: Cheryl Cook, Manager
E-mail: ftheritage1686@yahoo.com
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Woodrow Wilson Hall
Monmouth University, 400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch, NJ 07764
Phone: 732-571-3546
Website: www.monmouth.edu
Contact: Patricia Swannack
E-mail: mbottone@monmouth.edu
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11th Annual Spring Tea

11th Annual Spring Tea
Saturday April 25, 2015 - 2:00 pm to 4:00pm
West Park Recreation Center, 615 West Park Avenue, Oakhurst, NJ 07755


The Township of Ocean Historical Museum will hold it's 11th Annual Spring Tea, which will take place on Saturday, April 25th from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm. Seating will begin at 1:30 pm. The Tea will be held at the West Park Recreation Center in Oakhurst, NJ 07755. Tickets ($25) are available starting March 1. Call 732-531-2136 to reserve your space. Single tickets are available, but the most fun is coming with friends and reserving tables for four or eight!

All food is prepared by Museum volunteers and includes: tea sandwiches, breads, desserts and scones with whipped cream, butter and jam along with a variety of teas. There will be a gift auction, a boutique of hand quilted crafts and doll clothes, and entertainment. Prizes will be awarded for a fancy hat contest, so plan on wearing a hat.

ALL TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE. EVERY YEAR IS A SELL OUT SO DON'T WAIT TO GET YOUR TICKETS. Please buy your tickets early. They must be purchased in advance--none are sold at the door.

Winter Speaker Event - A History of Inventing in New Jersey: From Thomas Edison to the Ice Cream Cone


Winter Speaker Event - A History of Inventing in New Jersey: From Thomas Edison to the Ice Cream Cone
Tuesday, March 10, 2015, 7:15 pm.
Township of Ocean Board of Education Offices (Old Oakhurst School), Auditorium,
163 Monmouth Road, Oakhurst, NJ 07755


Band-Aids. Movies. Color television. Bubble Wrap. Bar codes. The modern submarine. What do all of these things have in common? Give up? They were all invented in the great state of New Jersey! New Jersey is truly the land of inventions. M&M’s, solar panels, transistors, flexible film and Graham crackers are but a few of the useful and unique creations from the minds of Garden State residents. Not to mention the 1,093 patents issued to Thomas Alva Edison.

Since Edison opened the first research and development laboratory in Menlo Park, the Garden State has been known as the Innovation State. As Alex Magoun, former director of the David Sarnoff Library, put it, “The state’s twentieth-century history is filled with the technologies we take for granted, from electronic television and antibiotics to the transistor and liquid crystal displays.”

New Jersey inventors and innovators have changed the lives of people around the world. From the phonograph to the electric guitar, from the telegraph to Telstar and from baseball to college football, hundreds of products and ideas got their start in New Jersey. What makes New Jersey the state where ideas grow? Is it because we’ve been home to so many communications and pharmaceutical companies, including Bell Labs, Sarnoff, Johnson & Johnson and Edison’s invention factory? Is it our proximity to Philadelphia and New York? Or does the fact that we’re the most densely populated state mean that bright people are also densely packed in the Garden State?

Whatever the reason, New Jersey has produced hundreds of thousands of new ideas, including innovations in the fields of transportation (the steam locomotive and the steerable balloon), communications (satellites and cell phones), household improvements (air conditioning and the electric knife), entertainment (movies and the phonograph), food (condensed soup and the ice cream cone) and medicine (streptomycin and the artificial knee).

In 1987, Dr. Saul Fenster and Philip Sperber established the nation’s first and, to date, only statewide hall of fame for inventors. In 1977, the U. S. Patent and Trademark Office began comparing by state the number of patents issued. New Jersey companies and residents have received 115,000 patents since that date. Only California, Texas and New York have more, and those states have much larger populations. 

Linda J. Barth, author of "A History of Inventing in New Jersey" highlights the life-changing breakthroughs--from the transistor to the bar code--invented in New Jersey and documented in her latest book.

The talk, part of the Museum Speakers' Series, is open to the public, free of charge. Donations are always appreciated. Refreshments are served. Please bring a non-perishable item for the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties.