Ocean County History Day – September 16, 2023 Location: Ocean County Historical Society, 26 Hadley Avenue, Toms River The Third Annual Ocean County History Day will take place on Saturday September 16th, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with a rain date scheduled for Sunday, September 17th. The Ocean County Historical Society will be co-sponsoring this fun day with the Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Commission. Numerous Ocean County Historical Societies and museums will be setting up displays to help tell the rich history of Ocean County. There will be live entertainment, historic reenactors, history books to purchase, and free tours of our newly renovated Elizabeth Sculthorp Force Victorian Era house and museum. For additional information, please contact Jeff Schenker at 609-339-9134 or jeffschenker@myyahoo.com    

Jeff Schenker as George Washington Sunday, September 24 at 2:00 PM “Meet George Washington - First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of our Countrymen.” President Washington will be addressing you in December of 1799, as he reflects on his life. He will discuss his early life, service in the French and Indian War, his service as commanding general in the American Revolution, his role in the Constitutional Convention, his two terms as president, and his views on slavery. Dr. Jeff Schenker portrays President Washington. Jeff taught history for many years at Toms River High School South and is currently serving as an adjunct professor of history at Ocean County College. In addition, Jeff is the president of the Ocean County Historical Society. Jeff has addressed numerous organizations in topics as diverse as the D-Day Invasion, New Jersey in World War I, the Civil War, Joshua Huddy, and Abraham Lincoln. 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 the program to oceancountyhistory.zoom@gmail.com.  

Dr. Richard Veit Sunday, October 15, 2023, at 2:00 PM “Stranger Stop and Cast an Eye: An Introduction to New Jersey’s Historic Burial Grounds”  Far from being scary, spooky places, New Jersey’s historic burial grounds are treasure troves of information for historians, genealogists, archaeologists, and art historians. This richly illustrated presentation examines New Jersey historic cemeteries from High Point to Cape May. It provides a chronological overview of New Jersey’s historic burial places from the colonial period to the present. Exceptional examples of colonial, Victorian, and modern memorials are all presented and discussed. Audiences leave with a new appreciation for grave markers and burial places as important sources of information about local history. Richard Veit, Ph.D. is Professor of Anthropology and Associate Dean of the Wayne D. McMurray School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Monmouth University. A North American historical archaeologist, his research focuses on the colonial Middle Atlantic Region. He is the author of eight books and has been the recipient of Monmouth University’s distinguished teacher award. These events take 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 [...]

OCHS’s Victorian Era Holiday Open House On Saturday, November 25, 2023, the Ocean County Historical Society, 26 Hadley Avenue, Toms River will be hosting a Victorian Era Holiday Open House from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Bring your camera, children, and grandchildren to meet and take pictures with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus from 11:30 AM until 1:30 PM. Take a tour of our holiday decorated Victorian Era house and museum complete with holiday music. Enjoy holiday drinks and treats. Also, there will be Holiday gifts for the children. Best of all the event is free!  For additional information, please call Jeff at 609-339-9134.  

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 [...]

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

The Fourth Annual Ocean County History Day will take place on Saturday September 14th, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with a rain date scheduled for Sunday, September 15th. The Ocean County Historical Society will be co-sponsoring this fun day with the Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Commission and the Joshua Huddy DAR Chapter. Numerous Ocean County Historical Societies and museums will be setting up displays to help tell the rich history of Ocean County. There will be historic reenactors, and free tours of our newly renovated Elizabeth Sculthorp Force Victorian Era house and museum. For additional information, please contact Jeff Schenker at 609-339-9134 or jeffschenker@myyahoo.com

Eleanor Roosevelt: The First Lady of Today’s First Ladies with Mark Mutter, Toms River Historian Learn about the remarkable life of Eleanor Roosevelt, who served as the “eyes and ears” for President Roosevelt. Eleanor was the first lady from 1933 until 1945. Through her travels throughout the country, as an early advocate for human rights, and her public engagement, she redefined the role of First Lady. This remarkable person even served as the United States Delegate to the United Nations. Presented by Mark Mutter, who spent summer months working as a docent at Campobello Island, where the Roosevelts had their summer cottage. During his time there Mark did extensive research on Eleanor Roosevelt. Mark has been historian and business administrator for Toms River Township, serves as the official Toms River historian, and is currently adjunct professor of law at Ocean County College. 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 (October 20, 2024) to:  oceancountyhistory.programs@gmail.com  

Eleanor Roosevelt: The First Lady of Today’s First Ladies with Mark Mutter, Toms River Historian Learn about the remarkable life of Eleanor Roosevelt, who served as the “eyes and ears” for President Roosevelt. Eleanor was the first lady from 1933 until 1945. Through her travels throughout the country, as an early advocate for human rights, and her public engagement, she redefined the role of First Lady. This remarkable person even served as the United States Delegate to the United Nations. Presented by Mark Mutter, who spent summer months working as a docent at Campobello Island, where the Roosevelts had their summer cottage. During his time there Mark did extensive research on Eleanor Roosevelt. Mark has been historian and business administrator for Toms River Township, serves as the official Toms River historian, and is currently adjunct professor of law at Ocean County College. 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 (October 20, 2024) to:  oceancountyhistory.programs@gmail.com  

“New Jersey and World War I” with Dr. Jeffrey Schenker, OCHS President This program will explain the events that led to the great War and go into detail about New Jersey's contributions to the war effort, both militarily and economically. Jeff taught history for many years at Toms River High School South and is currently an adjunct professor of history at Ocean County College. 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 (November 10, 2024) to:  oceancountyhistory.programs@gmail.com