Ryan Radice Sunday, December 10, 2023, at 2:00 PM “A War Against Disease and Despair: Immigrants, Nurses, Soldiers, and the Transformation of Patient Care on Ellis Island During World War I” While known primarily for its use as an immigrant facility, Ellis Island went through several major changes from the time war was declared in Europe in 1914, to the time that the last military members left the island in 1919. During the First World War, Ellis Island and its associated hospital facilities would be the victims of German terrorism, a mobilization points for thousands of Red Cross nurses bound for the frontlines, and a debarkation hospital that was the first stop home for countless sick and wounded soldiers returning from the battlefield. Ryan Radice is a historian from Scotch Plains, New Jersey. A graduate of Monmouth University, his research interests include immigration history, the American Revolution and early republic, and the history and archaeology of New Jersey cemeteries and military sites. This event takes place at our museum at 26 Hadley Avenue in Toms River. Our speaker series is free; however, SEATING IS LIMITED! To reserve your seat, send your name, zip code, email address, and the date of [...]

Actors from The Guild Theatreworks will perform a reading of Belles, a play about six Southern sisters who try to bridge the distance between them via telephone and come to terms with their family history. Please register. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Ocean County Library - Toms River.

Melissa Ziobro February 25, 2024, at 2:00 PM What America Sounds Like: 250 Years of American Music   This interactive, multi-media talk by Melissa Ziobro provides a look at the iconic music that helps us understand our shared history as we approach the 250th anniversary of American independence. Special emphasis is given to Thomas Edison, Paul Robeson, James P. Johnson, Frank Sinatra, Whitney Houston, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Queen Latifah, Bon Jovi, and others from New Jersey who have contributed so much to the American music landscape. Melissa Ziobro is a longtime educator and the new Curator of the Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music at Monmouth University. This event takes place at our museum at 26 Hadley Avenue in Toms River. Our speaker series is always free; but donations are greatly appreciated. SEATING IS LIMITED! To reserve your seat, send your name, zip code, email address, and the date of the program (February 25, 2024) to oceancountyhistory.programs@gmail.com.  

Sunday, March 3, 2024, at 2:00 PM War at the Shore — Timothy Hart “War at the Shore” tells the story of what is now Ocean County in the American Revolution, including a 5-minute documentary. Timothy Hart works as the Ocean County Historian (2012) and is the division director of the Ocean County Cultural & Heritage commission in the Ocean County Parks & Recreation. He is an active participant in state and national historical organizations including past president of the League of Historical Societies of NJ and the South Jersey Cultural Association. He has also served on the board of the Advocates for NJ. He has been active with the AASLH. He is also the Stafford Township Historian since 2006. He has more than 40 years of civic engagement including among others: his town historic preservation commission, school board, planning board, environmental commission, and chamber of commerce. He is a retired member of the NJ Bar, a graduate of Rutgers Law School and Georgetown University. This event takes place at our museum at 26 Hadley Avenue in Toms River. Our speaker series is always free; but donations are greatly appreciated. SEATING IS LIMITED! To reserve your seat, send your name, zip [...]

Location:  Ocean County Historical Society Time:  2:00 PM Date: Sunday, May 5, 2024 This event takes place at our museum at 26 Hadley Avenue in Toms River. Our speaker series is free, but your donations in support of our programs are greatly appreciated. SEATING IS LIMITED so reserve your seat early by sending your name, zip code, email address, and the name and date of the program (May 5, 2024) to:  oceancountyhistory.programs@gmail.com The Battle of Monmouth Courthouse: The Last Great Revolutionary War Battle in the North – Victor Pidermann The Battle of Monmouth Courthouse (June 28, 1778) was the largest field artillery battle of the Revolutionary War, and was the last significant battle fought on northern soil during that conflict. More widely known for the legend of Molly Pitcher and the dispute between Generals George Washington and Charles Lee, the battle is, to this very day, often misunderstood and overlooked in its significance. This presentation will provide an overview of the Battle of Monmouth, placing it in context within the wider war, and will conclude with a discussion of the latest research being done by the current custodians of the battlefield's historic legacy. Victor Pidermann is one of the historic interpreters at Monmouth Battlefield [...]

“Leonard Lomell – Hero of D-Day” with TR Historian Mark Mutter and Author Steven Gillon Saturday, June 1, 2024, 11:30 AM The Ocean County Historical Society and Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Commission are sponsoring a talk and book signing with New York Times Best Selling Author Steven Gillon relating to his book, “Len Lomell D-Day Hero.” This event will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at the George P. Vanderveer American Legion Post 129, at 2025 Church Road, Toms River. The program, moderated by Toms River Historian, Mark Mutter, will begin at 11:30 AM and be followed by a book signing. The book will be on sale at the event at a cost of $12.99. There is no charge to attend this event. For additional information or questions, contact Jeff Schenker at 609-339-9134. Please let us know if you plan to attend this event by emailing: oceancountyhistory.programs@gmail.com.  Please include your email address, phone number, zip code, and the name and date of the event. Leonard “Bud” Lomell: Leonard Lomell was born in Brooklyn, New York and moved to Point Pleasant, New Jersey as a toddler. He was an Army Ranger best known for his heroic actions in the [...]

We welcome renowned author William Lewis as he discusses his newest book. This will be followed by a book signing. The book will be available for purchase that day. William is a lifelong resident of New Jersey Pine Barrens as were multiple generations of his family before him. He is the also the author of “New Jersey’s Lost Piney Culture” and “Adventures with Piney Joe: Exploring the New Jersey Pine Barrens.” These events take place at our museum at 26 Hadley Avenue in Toms River. Our speaker series is always free; but donations are appreciated. SEATING IS LIMITED so reserve your seat early by sending your name, zip code, email address,  telephone number, and the name and date of the program (September 8, 2024) to:  oceancountyhistory.programs@gmail.com