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

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

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

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

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

A Tribute to Norma Eberhardt Duaphin



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

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

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

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

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

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

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





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

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

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

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.