Historic Happenings Blog

Sunday, February 9 – Ocean County Brilliant Performance of New Jersey Militia Come to the Ocean County Historical Society, 26 Hadley Avenue, Toms River on  February 9, 2019 (or February 16 th  if snow)  at 2:00 PM to hear  historian and genealogist Russell Dutcher present  “The New Jersey Militia During the American Revolution.”   He will focus on the  Dutch and French Huguenot guerillas   who forestalled British advances and earned compliments from General George Washington.  Learn what was happening in Somerset, Essex, Sussex, and Middlesex counties and how the Revolutionary War in many ways was a civil war between Loyalists and Patriots. Free admission, donations are accepted. Refreshments will be available. Call 732-341-1880 to reserve your seat.

Sunday, January 19 – Ocean County Author Rick Geffken Comes to OCHS Ocean County residents will want to join author Rick Geffken and learn about the county from which Ocean was carved,  MONMOUTH COUNTY, on January 19, 2020, at 2:00 PM at the Ocean County Historical   Society,  26 Hadley Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08753.    Hidden History of Monmouth County,  by Rick Geffken and Muriel J. Smith, is an Arcadia book that will entertain and educate as it tells about Monmouth County people and places. A popular speaker on historical topics, Rick has a mathematics and economics degree from St. Peter’s College in Jersey City. He served in the US Army in South Vietnam as an aerial reconnaissance officer and is a retired computer industry sales executive and former secondary math teacher. A member of the Monmouth County Historical Association and a trustee of the Shrewsbury Historical Society, Rick has presented historical papers and spoken at dozens...

Saturday-Sunday, December 7-8 – Ocean County Santa Comes to Ocean County Historical Society On  Saturday, and Sunday, December 7 th  and 8th, 2019 from 11:00 until 2:00 PM ,  Santa  will be at Ocean County Historical Society, 26 Hadley Avenue, Toms River, NJ. Bring your camera, your children and grandchildren to our Victorian museum, decorated for the holidays, and take their photo with Santa Claus. Afterward, enjoy a short, guided tour of our lovely Sculthorp-Force home . Admission is free; donations are welcomed. Please call 732-341-1880 for reservations. Model Railroad Display Please join us at the Ocean County Historical Society, 26 Hadley Avenue, Toms River, NJ on  Saturday, December 7 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM  and on  Sunday, December 8, 2019 from   10:00 AM to 3:00 PM , as the  Ocean County Society of Model Railroaders  will delight fans of all ages with their working set-up of O gauge, HO gauge & N gauge trains operating in i...

Saturday, November 23 Register now for this trip to Tenement Museum and Little Italy Trip    The Ocean County Historical Society invites you to join us as we visit the New York Tenement Museum and Little Italy on Saturday, November 23 rd . See how immigrants lived on the Lower East Side in the 1800s and early twentieth century. Walk the streets of Little Italy, shop and dine at classic Italian eateries.     The bus will depart the Ocean County Historical Society, 26 Hadley Ave., Toms River, NJ at 7:30 AM and should return at approximately 6:30 PM. The fee is $40.00 for students 18 and under, $50.00 for members and $60.00 for the general public. This includes a charter bus, admission to the Tenement Museum with a one hour guided tour, and the bus driver’s gratuity. Lunch will be on your own in Little Italy. Please note that the Tenement Museum is not handicapped accessible. There will be no refunds after November 13 th .     For addi...

Wednesday, November 20 – Ocean County Join OCHS for the Victorian Holiday Tea Register on October 28 The perfect way to get into the holiday spirit is to join in the fun at the festively decorated 600 Main Bed & Breakfast and Tea Room on Main Street  in Toms River on  Wednesday, November 20 th . Choose the 12:00 or 3:00 PM seating, bring your friends and relax in the beautiful Victorian home of Susan and John Notte.  Enjoy delicious scones, tea sandwiches, desserts, and fine teas served by attentive waitresses.  Door prizes are offered at each seating; you may be one of the lucky winners! Make your  reservations, starting at 7:00 AM on October 28 th , by calling Patricia Moore, 732-814-2979. Price is $30.00 for OCHS members; $35.00 for non-members . To confirm your phone reservation, send your check to Ocean County Historical Society, 26 Hadley Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08753, writing  Attention: Pat  in the corner of your envelope, wit...

Fascinating History, Tales, and Bizarre Mysteries Gleaned from NJ Property Records Location:  Ocean County Historical Society Join us as OCHS hosts Joseph Grabas, recognized locally and nationally as a Certified Title Professional and Forensic Expert in matters relating to real estate. He will relate thrilling tales and fascinating history, and he will discuss how to research your own house history. His book,  Owning New Jersey: Historic Tales of War, Property Disputes and the Pursuit of Happiness , will be available for sale. Admission is free, but donations are welcomed. Refreshments will be served. Make your reservation by calling 732-341-1880. Date: November 17, 2019 Time: 2:00 PM

The Rise and Fall of the Ku Klux Klan in New Jersey Location:  Ocean County Historical Society Join Ocean County Historical Society as co-author Joseph G. Bilby presents his book,  The Rise and Fall of the Ku Klux Klan in New Jersey . Mr. Bilby is the author, co-author, or editor of twenty-one books, a freelance writer, historical consultant, and winner of numerous awards for his work. He is now part-time Assistant Curator of the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey, located in Sea Girt. Mr. Bilby’s book will be available for purchase at $20.  Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Call 732-341-1880 to make a reservation. Date: October 20, 2019 Time: 2:00 PM

Barnegat Light: Stories and Photographs Location:  Ocean County Historical Society Showcasing some of the Barnegat Light Museum’s collection of nearly 3,000 rare images, author Reilly Platten Sharp presents  Barnegat Light , a new book from Arcadia Publishing revealing the history of the Long Beach Island town famous for its lighthouse. Call 732-341-1880 to reserve your seat. Admission is free, but donations are welcomed. Refreshments will be served. Date: September 22, 2019 Time: 2:00 PM

Vendors needed for August 31 Faire -- Ocean County Olde Time Antiques, Crafts, and Collectibles F aire   The Ocean County Historical Society presents its 33 rd  annual Antiques, Crafts, and Collectibles Faire on  Saturday, August 31, 2019 .  Rain or shine ! This event is being held in the Ocean County Parking Garage located at the intersection of Madison & Hadley Ave., Toms River. Enjoy 50/50 raffle, used books for only $1.00 or a full bag for $5.00, local history books, baked goods, ever-popular antique engines, museum tours, Civil War reenactors and more! There will be a classic car display presented by N.J. Shore Regional National Chrysler Products Club. Food trucks are available. Celebrate Labor Day with your family and friends at the Ocean County Historical Society's Antiques and Collectibles Faire on Saturday at the Ocean County Parking Garage at the intersection of Madison and Hadley Avenues in Toms River, NJ from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Join the...

Trip to Longwood Gardens on May 14 Bus Trip to Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA     Please join the Ocean County Historical Society for their trip to  Longwood Gardens  on  Tuesday, May 14, 2019 . Experience the spring blooms, stroll its 1,000 acres of lush gardens, ride the tram, enjoy the famous conservatory, tour the historic Peirce-du Pont House, dine at an eclectic café, and marvel at the magnificent water fountains.     The bus will  depart at 9:00 AM  from Ocean County Historical Society, 26 Hadley Avenue, Toms River, NJ and  return approximately at 8:00 PM. The cost is $60.00 for members or $70.00 for non-members. Included is the coach bus, driver’s gratuity, and admission to Longwood Gardens. Lunch is on your own. There are no refunds after May 7 th . There is free parking directly across from the OCHS in the Ocean County Parking Garage.     Call Jeff at 609-339-9134 for re...

Registrations begin on April 15 – Ocean County Spring Victorian Tea     You are cordially invited to join the members and friends of the Ocean County Historical Society at our Spring Victorian Tea on Wednesday , May 8, 2019  at  600 Main Street Bed and Breakfast and Victorian Tea Room in Toms River.  A popular meeting place for tea aficionados, 600 Main features delicious freshly baked scones, a variety of tea sandwiches and desserts, and a selection of teas to tempt every palate.     Choose the 12:00 or 3:00 seating and  call Pat at 732-814-2979  when reservations can be made, starting  April 15 th  after 7:00 AM.  Cost is $30 for members, $33 for non-members. Your  check made out and mailed to Ocean County Historical Society, 26 Hadley Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08753  with TEA/PAT marked in the lower left-hand corner of the envelope. Checks must be received within five (5) days of the phon...

Sunday, May 5 – Ocean County A Victorian Lady's Wardrobe     Join Ocean County Historical Society’s members and friends at  2:00 PM on Sunday, May 5 th  at 26 Hadley Avenue, Toms River. Learn the secrets of how Victorian women managed to create the fashionable silhouette long admired by all. Adjunct professor of art and art history , Lydia Chiappini  is also an artist who will present a fascinating program,  A Victorian Lady’s Wardrobe.   A resident of Blairstown, NJ, Ms. Chiappini not only creates art from fibers, acrylics, oils, watercolors, metals, and clay, but also puts her artistic talents to work as she creates and models Victorian costumes and undergarments.     Call 732-341-1880 to make your reservation. No admission fee. Refreshments will be served.

Saturday, May 4 – Ocean County Ocean County Historical Society’s Second Annual Spring Flea Market    On Saturday, May 4, 2019, Ocean County Historical Society is hosting  our Second Annual Spring Flea Market! The event will be held in the Ocean County Parking Garage, rain or shine.  The garage is located at the intersection of Hadley and Madison Avenue, Toms River, across from the Ocean County Historical Society.      The hours are from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Vendor 23’ X 16’ spaces are $10.00 for members and $20.00 for non-members per space. You may park your car at your space.  You must provide your own tables and chairs. Please note that space location will be assigned in order of payment and receipt of contract. Besides vendors, our Victorian style home and museum will be open for tours. There will also be baked goods, used books for only $1.00 each, and local history books for purchase. In addition, our annual 50-50...

Saturday, April 19 – Ocean County Book and Collectibles Sale     Ocean County Historical Society’s storage spaces are overflowing; take advantage of our Spring Cleaning!  A “Book and Collectibles Sale”  will be held on  Friday, April 19 th  and Saturday, April 20 th  at the Society on 26 Hadley Avenue, Toms River, from  10:00 AM to 2:00 PM . All books are only $1.00 each, $5.00 per bag! All collectibles at heavily reduced prices. All proceeds benefit the Ocean County Historical Society. For additional information please call 732-341-1880.

Thursday, April 18 – Ocean County tour Go West! Ocean County Historical Society invites you to join us in a bus trip to visit the Trenton area on Thursday, April 18 th .  We will visit the Grounds for Sculpture, in Hamilton Township, which features more than 270 contemporary sculptures by renowned and emerging artists. Enjoy all of them as you stroll the grounds, and afterward dine on your own at the Peacock Café. Also on the itinerary is the New Jersey State Museum, located in downtown Trenton; it includes exhibits on NJ history, local Indian tribes, the arts & more. The cost is $50 for members, $60 for non-members, which includes a chartered bus, driver’s gratuity and admissions. Lunch is on your own. We depart from the Ocean County Historical Society, 26 Hadley Ave., Toms River promptly at 9:00 AM and return at approximately 5:00 PM. Free parking is available in the O.C. Parking Garage directly across the street from the Historical Society.  Cal...

CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER RESCHEDULED FOR: Sunday, January 27 Sunday, January 20 – Ocean County HMS Titanic and Halifax, Nova Scotia     You’ve heard about the Titanic’s sinking in the North Atlantic in mid-April of 1912.  But did you know the role the city of Halifax, Nova Scotia played in the retrieval process?   Come to the Ocean County Historical Society, 26 Hadley Avenue, Toms River to hear researcher Sandra Gray, a Forked River resident, share the personal stories and other intriguing facts she’s discovered during visits to Halifax on  Sunday, January 20, 2019 at 2:00 PM.      There is no admission fee, but donations will be accepted. Refreshments will be served. Call 732-341-1880 for reservations. In case of snow, the program will be rescheduled on January 27 th , same time and place.

REGISTER NOW Thursday, December 6 – Ocean County Bus Trip to Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA Please join the Ocean County Historical Society for their trip to  Longwood Gardens  on  Thursday, December 6 . Experience the joys of the Holiday Season by viewing wonderfully illuminated trees, and the newly renovated fountains, tour the famous Peirce-du Pont House which is the oldest structure at Longwood, stand by a fire pit listening to Holiday carolers, and much more! The bus will  depart at 11:00 AM  from Ocean County Historical Society, 26 Hadley Avenue, Toms River, NJ and  return approximately at 8:30 PM. $55.00 for members/$65.00 for non-members. Included is coach bus, driver’s gratuity, admission to Longwood Gardens. Lunch is on your own. Call Jeff at 609-339-9134 for reservations.

Saturday, December 1 – Ocean County Santa Comes to Ocean County Historical Society     On  Saturday, December 1, 2018 from 11:00 until 2:00 PM ,  Santa  will be at Ocean County Historical Society, 26 Hadley Avenue, Toms River, NJ. Bring your camera, your children and grandchildren to our Victorian museum, decorated for the holidays, and take their photo with Santa Claus. Afterwards, enjoy a short, guided tour that is appealing to the entire family, of our lovely Pierson-Sculthorp home.     Admission is free; donations are welcomed. Refreshments will be served. Please call 732-341-1880 for reservations. Model Railroad Display    Please join us at the Ocean County Historical Society, 26 Hadley Avenue, Toms River, NJ on  Saturday, December 1 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM  and on  Sunday, December 2, 2018 from   10:00 AM to 3:00 PM , as the  Ocean County Society of Model Railroaders  will delight ...

Register early for the Holiday Tea Tuesday, November 27 – Ocean County Holiday Victorian Tea     Get a head start on your holiday preparations by attending the always popular Holiday Victorian Tea, hosted by the Ocean County Historical Society on NOVEMBER 27th at 600 Main Street Bed & Breakfast   and Victorian Tea Room in Toms River . Seatings are at 12:00 and 3:00 PM. Cost is $30.00 for members, $33 for non-members.  Reservations may be made by calling Pat at 732-814-2979 starting Monday, November 5 th  after 7:00 AM.