Historic Happenings Blog

Seashell Sunday Bayshore Waterfront Park Activity Center, Port Monmouth 719 Port Monmouth Rd, Port Monmouth, NJ 07758 Sunday, August 30, 2020, 1:00-2:00 PM Starting a shell collection this year? It’s the best way to get to know the Jersey Shore. Want to know where shells come from? Can’t figure out what you found on the beach? Bring it in and we will tell you all about seashells and how to collect them without harming the environment. Plus we will feature an assortment of mollusks, crustaceans, and other cool beach finds and artifacts to view.

Drop-In Local Nature Lecture Series (adults): The Life of Eels Along the Jersey Shore Bayshore Waterfront Park Activity Center, Port Monmouth 719 Port Monmouth Rd, Port Monmouth, NJ 07758 Thursday, August 20, 2020, 7:00-8:00 PM Join us for a series of eye-opening talks by Park System Naturalists to discover what’s lurking in the coastal waters of Monmouth County. The presentations are designed to inform the public of current issues, ecology, and science research, and to inspire an appreciation for the local natural world. There are varieties of beautiful dolphins that can be found swimming along the shores of Monmouth County. Come join a park naturalist to find out the ecology associated with these delightful marine mammals. This presentation is a great opportunity to learn about the dolphins found in area waters. The talk will address the importance of dolphins to the local marine ecosystem, the factors which are affecting their survival, and ways you can help.

Drop-In Local Nature Lecture Series (adults): Dolphins Facts & Tales Bayshore Waterfront Park Activity Center, Port Monmouth 719 Port Monmouth Rd, Port Monmouth, NJ 07758 Thursday, July 16, 2020, 7:00-8:00 PM Join us for a series of eye-opening talks by Park System Naturalists to discover what’s lurking in the coastal waters of Monmouth County. The presentations are designed to inform the public of current issues, ecology, and science research, and to inspire an appreciation for the local natural world. There are varieties of beautiful dolphins that can be found swimming along the shores of Monmouth County. Come join a park naturalist to find out the ecology associated with these delightful marine mammals. This presentation is a great opportunity to learn about the dolphins found in area waters. The talk will address the importance of dolphins to the local marine ecosystem, the factors which are affecting their survival, and ways you can help.

SUNDAYS Historic Seabrook-Wilson House Tours Sundays, through October 25, 1:00-4:00 PM Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth 719 Port Monmouth Rd, Port Monmouth, NJ 07758 Ever wondered what it looks like inside that mysterious white building by the bay? Now is your chance to find out as the historic Seabrook-Wilson House opens its doors for informal tours. The Seabrook-Wilson House dates back to the early 1700s and is one of the oldest homes along the Jersey shore. The house includes displays on the ecology of the bay and local history.  Enjoy views of New York City and the beauty of Sandy Hook Bay while visiting this celebrated house listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Fridays from June 22 through August 28 Seining Along Sandy Hook Bay Bayshore Waterfront Park 719 Port Monmouth Road, Port Monmouth, NJ 07758  Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays from June 22 through August 28 from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM (all ages, under 18 with adult) Discover a variety of fish, crabs, and other sea creatures as we pull a long seine net along the edge of Sandy Hook Bay. It will be a fun time for everyone as we find out what lives and swims in Sandy Hook Bay. Closed-toe shoes are required. Meet on the beach near the park entrance. The program will not run during inclement weather. All ages, under 18 with an adult. Parents or guardians are required to stay with and supervise their children. No swimming during the event. This program is designed for individuals and families; not groups. Groups can reserve a date by calling 732-872-7369. For more information about this event, please call 732-264-7277, ext. 1.

Mondays from June 22 through August 28 Seining Along Sandy Hook Bay Bayshore Waterfront Park 719 Port Monmouth Road, Port Monmouth, NJ 07758  Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays from June 22 through August 28 from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM (all ages, under 18 with adult) Discover a variety of fish, crabs, and other sea creatures as we pull a long seine net along the edge of Sandy Hook Bay. It will be a fun time for everyone as we find out what lives and swims in Sandy Hook Bay. Closed-toe shoes are required. Meet on the beach near the park entrance. The program will not run during inclement weather. All ages, under 18 with adult. Parents or guardians are required to stay with and supervise their children. No swimming during the event. This program is designed for individuals and families; not groups. Groups can reserve a date by calling 732-872-7369. For more information about this event, please call 732-264-7277, ext. 1.

Wednesdays from June 22 through August 28 Seining Along Sandy Hook Bay Bayshore Waterfront Park 719 Port Monmouth Road, Port Monmouth, NJ 07758  Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays from June 22 through August 28 from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM (all ages, under 18 with adult) Discover a variety of fish, crabs, and other sea creatures as we pull a long seine net along the edge of Sandy Hook Bay. It will be a fun time for everyone as we find out what lives and swims in Sandy Hook Bay. Closed-toe shoes are required. Meet on the beach near the park entrance. The program will not run during inclement weather. All ages, under 18 with an adult. Parents or guardians are required to stay with and supervise their children. No swimming during the event. This program is designed for individuals and families; not groups. Groups can reserve a date by calling 732-872-7369. For more information about this event, please call 732-264-7277, ext. 1.

Saltwater Fishing Introduction Bayshore Waterfront Park 719 Port Monmouth Road, Port Monmouth, NJ 07758  Sat, Jun 13, 2029, 10:00 AM-1:30 PM (adults) The “Fish are Running”! Interested in saltwater fishing but don’t know how to get started? Join a Park System Naturalist to discover how to reel them in. We will provide instruction, fishing equipment (or bring your own), tackle, and bait. A one-hour indoor introduction to equipment selection, what fish to look for, and when, what bait to use, and personal safety will be followed by two hours of fishing on the beach. Limited space is available, so don’t let this one “getaway”. This program will take advantage of the early summer striped bass and bluefish run. Boots or waders are helpful but not required. Parents, feel free to sign up your interested teenage son or daughter as well. All participants must register prior to the program for free with the NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry Program at http://www.nj.gov/dep/saltwaterregistry...

Bayshore Fishing Derby Bayshore Waterfront Park 719 Port Monmouth Road, Port Monmouth, NJ 07758  Saturday, July 11, 2029, 11:00 AM-4:00 PM Come get hooked on fishing while competing in our seventh annual saltwater fishing derby. This derby is fun for the whole family and open to beginners as well as experienced anglers. No experience in saltwater fishing? Let us teach you how to rig and cast. Then join our Park System Naturalists as they conduct free seining demonstrations and help them identify what they catch. Finally, try landing the longest fish. Participants must supply their own fishing poles, tackle and bait for the fishing tournament. Prizes are awarded for the longest fish caught in three different age categories, see derby rules for more information. Only fishing from the beach is allowed. Cost: $8.00 Per Person; $4.00 Additional Person Pre-registration is suggested; however, walk-ins are welcome (cash or check only on site).

Winter Flounders: A Diminishing Fish Bayshore Waterfront Park 719 Port Monmouth Road, Port Monmouth, NJ 07758  Thursday, February 20, 2020, 7:00-8:00 PM Winter Flounder are currently heavily Regulated in New Jersey, cutting down drastically the ability to catch these popular fish. Discover the history and ecology of winter flounder and why the population is suffering. While there are many flounders in the sea, there is only one Winter Flounder.

Winter Bird Life Survey Bayshore Waterfront Park Bay House 719 Port Monmouth Road, Port Monmouth, NJ 07758  Sat, Feb 8, 2020, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM (approx) (adults) Join a Park System Naturalist as we explore the coast of the Raritan Bay for whimsical bird life that can only be seen during the colder months of the year Walk with us along the sandy beaches and the edge of wetlands to glimpse at sea ducks, sandpipers, and other seasonal visitors - perhaps even a snowy owl or other raptors Along the way, we’ll fill you in on unique adaptations that enable these amazing creatures to survive harsh Jersey shore winters Please wear boots that can get wet and dirty We will be walking through mud and small streams Dress for the weather, but feel free to bring a camera and binoculars Transportation via minibus. One Session $25.00 Per Person

Fire and Iron: The Craft of Blacksmithing within Monmouth County   Thursday, February 6 from 6-8:30 p.m.       Speaker:  Michael Achimov Michael Achimov is a historian interested in studying the historical landscape and memory.  He holds a B.A. and M.A. in History from Monmouth University.  Mr. Achimov currently serves as the historian for the Monmouth County Park System. In this position, he is responsible for research and interpretation of historic portions of the parks. During the summer, he can be found giving tours of Battery Lewis at Hartshorne Woods Park. In his spare time, he is an amateur blacksmith.

Seashell Sunday Bayshore Waterfront Park Activity Center 719 Port Monmouth Road, Port Monmouth, NJ 07758  Sunday, February 9, 2020, 1:00-2:00 PM Starting a shell collection this year? It’s the best way to get to know the Jersey shore. Want to know where shells come from? Can’t figure out what you found on the beach? Bring it in and we will tell you all about seashells, how to collect them without harming the environment and feature an assortment of live mollusks, crustaceans, and cool beach finds and artifacts.

Seal Watch New Jersey Bayshore Waterfront Pk Act Ctr 719 Port Monmouth Road, Port Monmouth, NJ 07758  Sun, Jan 19, 2020, 9:00-11:00 AM  (ages 8 and up, under 18 with adult) Come talk all things seal with a Park System Naturalist as we venture out to observe the robust population of harbor seals that spend their winters on the Jersey Shore. A spotting scope and binoculars will be available to borrow or bring your own. Be sure to dress for the weather, and don’t forget a camera. Transportation via minibus. Space is limited, so sign up now! One Session $15.00 Per Person