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Ocean County Historical Society Logo

Welcome To The

Ocean County Historical Society

Telling the Stories of Ocean County

Where the unique history of Ocean County is told

For over 70 years, the Society has been collecting, preserving, and interpreting stories, artifacts and archival resources that celebrate Ocean County’s distinct heritage.

The Elizabeth Sculthorp Force House, a vernacular Victorian home, built in the mid-1800s, was once the residence of a sea captain and then later of an innovative educator and social reformer. Featured are Native American artifacts, period furnishings, late 19th and 20th century local industries, artworks, photographs, and other archival resources. The House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the State Register of Historic Places, and the New Jersey Women’s Heritage Trail.

The Richard L. Strickler Research Center, a contemporary addition to the house, is an extensive repository of books, maps, and historical and genealogical records that provide students, researchers, genealogists, and history enthusiasts with essential resources necessary for telling the stories of Ocean County.

Special Notices:

The museum and research center will close at 2:15 on Tuesday, March 21, 2023.

Tours are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00-3:00 and the first and third Saturday of the month from 1-3. Tours are by appointment, so please call the museum at 732-341-1880 or email oceancounty.history@verizon.net to make a reservation.

Scholarship News! The Robert H. Staples Scholarship will be awarding up to four scholarships of $1000 each to applicants who meet the following criteria:
-Be a resident of Ocean County
-Be at least a graduating high school senior and be accepted at or be attending an accredited continuing education program. (Former recipients are eligible to apply.)
-Be an active member or closely related to a member (e.g. child, grandchild, niece, nephew, or spouse) of Ocean County Historical Society. Student interns/volunteers are considered OCHS members.
-Indicate a current interest in history with an emphasis on volunteering at Ocean County Historical Society.

To receive a complete application, contact Ocean County Historical Society at 732-341-1880. Applications may also be requested by mail. Applications must be received at OCHS by May 1, 2023.

Upcoming Events

April 16, 2023

Project Paperclips Brings German Scientists to New Jersey

View All Events

Elizabeth Sculthorp Force House

The original home of Elizabeth Sculthorp Force, Teacher and Social Reformer

Learn More

Richard L. Strickler Research Center

An invaluable source of historical information about Ocean County

Visit Us

Benefits of Membership

Becoming a member of the Ocean County Historical Society offers an opportunity to meet friends, explore genealogy, and become a partner in telling the stories of Ocean County.

Become A Member

Donate

Your donation to the Ocean County Historical Society helps us to enlarge our historical databases, develop educational events, and host interactive programs.

Make A Donation

Discover More About Ocean County

Browse our online bookstore for historical maps, audio/visual media, and books, such as "Shore Chronicles" and "Place Names of Ocean County" - just two of the many fascinating stories about Ocean County.
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Ocean County Historical Society received funding this year from a grant administered by the Ocean County Cultural & Heritage Commission from funds granted by the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State.

Ocean County Historical Society 26 Hadley Avenue Toms River, NJ 08753 (732) 341.1880 Contact

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