Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Ocean County History Society Location: 26 Hadley Avenue, Toms River Date: Sunday, December 14, 2025 @12:30 PM Please visit the Ocean County Historical Society on Sunday, December 14, 2025, as we proudly celebrate our seventy-fifth anniversary. Our day will commence with a guided tour at 12:30 pm of our Elizabeth Sculthorp Force house and museum. You will be able to view our new display commemorating seventy-five years of OCHS history. Cordially join us for a birthday cake at 1:30 pm. Next, starting at 2:00 pm we will have renowned musicians, Anne and Ridley Enslow, performing a concert of Revolutionary War music. This is part of OCHS’s commitment to celebrating the 250th Anniversary of American Independence. This event is free. To reserve your seat early please send your name, zip code, email address, telephone number and the name and date of the program (December 14, 2025) to: oceancountyhistory.programs@gmail.com.

Ocean County Historical Society Time: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Date: Saturday, November 29th, 2025   The Ocean County Historical Society is pleased to announce our fifth annual Victorian Style Open House to be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM. Bring your children and grandchildren to meet Santa Claus. Bring your camera to take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Santa will be visiting us from 11:00 to 2:00. Tour our Victorian-style house and museum complete with holiday music and decorations and enjoy holiday refreshments and gifts for the children. Best of all, the event is free! Enjoy a fun filled event with the whole family. For additional information, please call Jeff at 609-339-9134 or email:  jeffschenker@myyahoo.com  

Sunday, November 16th—Native American Wisdom –Presented by Ande Three Ravens Three Ravens is an Indigenous American artist of Misikita Black Foot and Mandan ancestry. He is an expert flute player, instrument maker, percussionist, and vocalist who specializes in the rich, ancient Indigenous traditions of South, Meso, and North American Native Indian music and storytelling. Three Ravens along with Little Hawk did over two hundred Native American cultural, historical, and interactive programs in the New York City public schools. In addition, he worked at the NYC Department of Education and retired after 47 years of service focusing on youth development, conflict resolution and building bridges. These events take place at our museum at 26 Hadley Avenue in Toms River. These events are free, but your donations in support of our programs 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 (Nov. 16, 2025) to:  oceancountyhistory.programs@gmail.com Location: Ocean County Historical Society Time: 2:00 PM

Location: Ocean County Historical Society Time: 2:00 PM Sunday, October 5th – Old Methodist Cemetery -- presented by Joseph Latshaw Join us for a presentation by Joseph Latshaw about the historic Old Methodist Cemetery, located at the corner of Hooper Avenue and Washington Street in Toms River. This Power Point presentation will include a brief history of 19th Century Toms River, the emergence of Methodism, the identity of military veterans interred at the cemetery dating back to the American Revolution, the meaning of some of the symbols on certain gravestones, and much more. Joseph will also discuss preservation efforts for the two-hundred-year-old cemetery. Joseph is the historian for the First United Methodist Church of Toms River, which oversees and manages the Old Methodist Cemetery. A lifelong resident of Toms River, he has a degree in history from Kean University. Joseph is currently employed by the Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Commission. In addition, he is a President of the Ocean County Historical Society. He also serves as Chair of the Toms River Township Historic Preservation Commission and is a trustee for the League of Historical Societies of New Jersey. Joseph is an Eagle Scout, an assistant scoutmaster, and a member of the [...]

FIFTH ANNUAL OCEAN COUNTY HISTORY DAY The fifth annual Ocean County History Day is scheduled for Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM, “rain or shine.” The location is the Ocean County Historical Society, 26 Hadley Ave, Toms River. The event is sponsored by the Ocean County Historical Society, Ocean County Cultural and Heritage, and the Joshua Huddy Chapter of the DAR. Admission is free! Join us as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States. Meet historical reenactors, take a tour of the Elizabeth Sculthrop House and Museum, celebrate with us the 75th anniversary of the Ocean County Historical Society, and visit the various displays set up by Ocean County historical organizations and museums. For additional information please contact Jeff Schenker at 609-339-9134 or jeffschenker@myyahoo.com  

George Washington Presented by Jeffrey Finegan Ocean County Historical Society Time 2:00 PM Sunday, May 4th, 2025 Join us for a talk on George Washington by author Jeffrey Finegan. Jeffrey has written four books known as the I Knew George Washington series. These books are written from the perspective of people who knew George Washington well, including a slave, his grandson, and the Marquis de Lafayette. Jeff’s books will be available for purchase, and he will be glad to autograph them for you. Jeffrey is a collector of George Washington manuscripts and a member of the Washington Association of New Jersey and the American Friends of Lafayette. In addition, he is an associate member of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution and an honorary member of the Association of the United States Army. This event takes place at our museum at 26 Hadley Avenue in Toms River. Seating is limited so reserve your seat early by sending your name, phone number, zip code, email address, and the name and date of the program (May 4, 2025) to oceancountyhistory.programs@gmail.com Admission is free; however, donations are appreciated.    

Revolutionary Women: Women’s Experience during the Revolutionary War Presented by JuliaRose Violante Ocean County Historical Society Time 2:00 PM Sunday, March 23, 2025 The Ocean County Historical Society welcomes JuliaRose Violante for a discussion of the wide-ranging hardships and tragedies women dealt with during the American War for Independence, as well as some of their invaluable contributions to the war effort, from Martha Washington down to the regular camp follower. Julia Rose is a graduate student at Rutgers University and a Library Associate at the Pleasantville branch of the Atlantic County Library System.  Prior to this position, she worked for the Ocean County Cultural & Heritage Commission. This event takes place at our museum at 26 Hadley Avenue in Toms River. Seating is limited so reserve your seat early by sending your name, phone number, zip code, email address, and the name and date of the program (March 23, 2025) to: oceancountyhistory.programs@gmail.com Admission is free; however, donations are appreciated.      

Presidential Gravesites Presented by TJ Fallon Ocean County Historical Society Time: 2:00 PM Sunday, February 9, 2025 Back in 2020, TJ started the hobby of driving all over the United States visiting the gravesites of every US President, Vice President, Declaration of Independence, and US Constitution signer. To accomplish this, he travelled to thirty-three states and drove over 50,000 miles. He now holds the Guiness Book of World Records for seeing these gravesites in the shortest amount of time, just under 12 months! TJ and his son, Henry, started a YouTube channel and now have over 20,000 subscribers. On Instagram, they have close to 55,000 followers. TJ is currently drafting a book about his endeavor with his son being a primary focal point. He has spoken at many historical societies, libraries, and universities. This event takes 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, phone number, zip code, email address, and the name and date of the program (February 9, 2025) to: oceancountyhistory.programs@gmail.com    

Ocean County Historical Society Time:  2:00 PM Date: Sunday, December 15, 2024 The Army’s House of Magic: A History of Fort Monmouth, NJ with author Melissa Ziobro The history of Fort Monmouth, NJ begins in May 1917 when, as part of its wartime mobilization, the Army authorized four training camps for signal troops. One camp would be in central NJ - that which would eventually be known as "Fort Monmouth," in honor of the soldiers of the American Revolution who fought and died at the nearby Battle of Monmouth. The Army Signal Corps trained thousands of men for war there and built laboratories that worked on pioneering technologies like air to ground radio. Though the base was supposed to be temporary, it wound up outliving the war. It was for decades known as the "Home of the Signal Corps," and, until its closure in 2011, the base was still innovating some of the most significant communications and electronics advances in military history - many of which would save lives on the battlefield and be adapted for civilian use. Presented by Monmouth University Professor Melissa Ziobro, the last Command Historian of Fort Monmouth prior to the base’s closure in 2011, and author of Fort Monmouth: the Army’s House of [...]

“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  

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  

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

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 [...]

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.  

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 [...]

SPECIAL EVENT: Screening of The Reluctant Piney (and bake sale!) Sunday, June 11 at 2PM at the Ocean County Historical Society 26 Hadley Ave, Toms River, NJ 08753 Admission: $5 (proceeds support ongoing building maintenance; pre-registration is required) Join the Ocean County Historical Society for a screening of the new, 90-minute documentary film, The Reluctant Piney. The film is produced and directed by William J. Lewis, author of New Jersey's Lost Piney Culture. Admission will be $5.00 cash and collected at the door, with all proceeds supporting ongoing much-needed maintenance to our historic house museum. There will also be a bake sale. We are grateful to Mr. Lewis for his support of our organization. About the film: The Pineys of yesterday and today are as diverse as the flora and fauna of the Pine Barrens. Walk with us down roads less traveled to places only a few know. See glimpses of ghost towns and hear firsthand stories that have been hidden away by a veil of secrecy only to be revealed by the remaining Piney Outlaws. New Jersey’s Lost Piney Culture is more than the pinecone pickers or pine ballers of the last two centuries. Pineys’ way of life is [...]

Location – Ocean County Historical Society, 26 Hadley Avenue, Toms River, NJ Sunday, May 7th at 2:00 PM “The Traditions of Healing Music,” by Bonnie Leigh Historically, many societies and cultures have deemed music to be very powerful. It can affect all aspects of our life -- to include being used to aid in relaxation, and even to help the sick and dying. In this program, you will learn about the different types of music that have historically been used, and can still be used, for different situations in our lives. Bonnie Leigh is a Certified Music Practitioner who uses music to help patients in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted livings, and private homes. She personally plays the small harp and the Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer. She has been performing and teaching traditional folk music across the northeast coast since the early 1990s, to include previous visits to the Ocean County Historical Society, and at Allaire Historic Village. To register for this free program, send your name, zip code, email address, and the date of the program (May 7) to oceancountyhistory.zoom@gmail.com. As this is our last lecture prior to our summer break, we will, as a special treat, feature a display of some musical artifacts [...]