OCHS Celebrates 250 Years of American Independence Sunday, September 20, 2026 - 12:30 PM You are invited to visit the Ocean County Historical Society on Sunday, September 20, 2026, as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence. There will be an open house commencing at 12:30 with guided tours of the Victorian style Elizabeth Sculthorp Force House and Museum. You will be able to view our newest display on the history of the American Revolution and the involvement of Ocean County. The display is co-sponsored by the Ocean County Cultural & Heritage Commission. At 2:00, live music from the 18th century will be performed by Ministers of Apollo, followed by a celebratory cake. Ministers of Apollo, a historical music and performance duo consisting of Eliza Vincz and Eric Lichack, recreate 18th century American life through authentic music, costumes, and living history demonstrations. This event takes place at our museum at 26 Hadley Avenue in Toms River. There is no charge, but donations are appreciated. To attend, you must register in advance by sending your name, zip code, email address, and the date of the program (September 20, 2026) to oceancountyhistory.programs@gmail.com.  

Ocean County Historical Society Sponsors Holocaust Survivor, Arthur Spielman Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 2:00 PM The Ocean County Historical Society welcomes Arthur Spielman, who will speak about how he survived the Holocaust. Arthur was born in 1928 in Krakow, Poland. He grew up in an Orthodox Jewish family with his father, mother and two sisters. Although his family was not required to move into the Krakow ghetto because his father was an international diplomat, the Spielman family chose to move to live closer to their extended family. Arthur Spielman’s family briefly lived in the Krakow ghetto before the liquidation process in Krakow began. As Arthur’s father became aware of the final solution, the family separated and was smuggled out of Poland first to Slovakia and eventually to Hungary. In 1942 Arthur’s grandparents were picked up by the Gestapo and Arthur never saw them again. Arthur was interviewed by Stephen Spielberg for Schindler’s List and by the Holocaust Museum in Washington DC. He has spoken to many groups and believes very strongly in making sure the truth of the Holocaust experience stays alive in our collective memories. These events take place at our museum at 26 Hadley Avenue in Toms [...]

Ocean County Historical Society Time: 2:00 PM Sunday, November 15th, General John Lacey and the Battle of the Crooked Billet, by historian Scott Randolph The Ocean County Historical Society, in conjunction with the Lacey Township Historical Society, presents renowned historian Scott Randolph who will tell us how General John Lacey became a hero during the Battle of the Crooked Billet. Randolph will discuss the general’s ties to Lacey Township, named after him. The presentation will cover General Lacey’s relationship with Ocean County, why George Washington selected Valley Forge for his winter encampment and what was taking place in the area surrounding Philadelphia, how 22-year-old General John Lacey of the Pennsylvania Militia used his experience with the Continental Army under General Anthony Wayne to become the hero of the battle, and the horrible atrocities committed by the British army during the battle. Scott has worked in radio, film and television for over 30 years. He was an on-air talent for WJSLR Philadelphia, 92 SXTU Philadelphia and Atlantic City. In his TV career he directed “Christina Cook” on PBS for over 10 years and was the director of  “Comcast News Makers” for 15 years. He produced and directed the award-winning documentary, “The Battle of [...]