Events

Old Methodist Cemetery

Join us for a presentation by R. Joseph Latshaw III 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. Additionally, he serves as president of the Ocean County Historical Society,  chair of the Toms River Township Historic Preservation Commission, and trustee for the League of Historical Societies of New Jersey. Joseph is an Eagle Scout, an assistant scoutmaster, and a member of the Sons of the American Revolution.

This event takes place at our museum at 26 Hadley Avenue in Toms River. Our speaker series is 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 to oceancountyhistory.programs@gmail.com.

Masquerade Murder Mystery

You are invited to join the Ocean County Historical Society as we host a Masquerade Murder Mystery on Sunday, October 19 at 3:00 PM at the Mathis House. This fund raiser for OCHS is an exciting, interactive show that includes a dinner of soup, salad, main course, and dessert. Coffee, tea, iced tea, and water are included, and you may BYOB. Costumes are optional! The best-dressed costume wins an overnight stay at the Mathis House.

The cost is $80 per person. (Gratuity is not included and must be left on the table.) To reserve, or with any questions, please contact Pat at 732-814-2979 or phmoore120@gmail.com.

Holiday Gifts, Crafts and Collectibles Faire

The Ocean County Historical Society will be hosting their 36th annual Holiday Gifts, Crafts and Collectibles Faire on Sunday, November 2 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. It will again be in the Toms River High School South cafetorium. Admission is free!

In addition to over 80 vendor tables, there will be historical and cultural displays, baked goods for sale, a used book sale, our popular 50-50, and much more. This event, sponsored in part by the Ocean County Cultural & Heritage Commission, will feature an Ocean County History and Cultural Pavilion. For additional information, please call Joseph at 732-998-5934 or email him at rjl072001@gmail.com

Toms River High School South is located in the Downtown Toms River area. Use 212 Hooper Avenue as a GPS setting.

ATTENTION VENDORS: Click the links below for vendor information, a contract that can be printed out and mailed in, and online form and payment.

Vendor Packet

Vendor Online Form/Payment

Native American Wisdom

Please join us for Native American Wisdom, presented by Ande Three Ravens. Three Ravens is an Indigenous American artist of Misikita Black Foot and Mandan ancestry. He is a master 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 presented over 200 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.

This event takes place at our museum at 26 Hadley Avenue in Toms River. Our speaker series is 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 to oceancountyhistory.programs@gmail.com.

Holiday Open House

The Ocean County Historical Society is pleased to announce our annual Holiday Open House to be held on Saturday, November 29 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. 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! Come and enjoy a fun filled event with the whole family.

OCHS 75th Anniversary Celebration

You are invited to visit the Ocean County Historical Society on Sunday, December 14 as we proudly celebrate our seventy-fifth anniversary. The day will commence with a guided tour of the Elizabeth Sculthorp Force House and Museum at 12:30. You will be able to view our new display commemorating 75 years of OCHS history. Then join us for birthday cake at 1:30. At 2:00 PM, renowned musicians Anne and Ridley Enslow will be performing a concert of Revolutionary War music. This is part of OCHS’s commitment to celebrating the 250th anniversary of American Independence.

This event takes place at our museum at 26 Hadley Avenue in Toms River. There is no charge, but donations are greatly appreciated. To attend, you must register in advance by sending your name, zip code, email address, and the date of the program to oceancountyhistory.programs@gmail.com.

The Battle of Springfield

Join us for a talk by Bob Gula, who will be portraying Revolutionary War soldier Jehiel Day (his 5x great grandfather!) as he discusses the Battle of Springfield. The Battle of Springfield in 1780 was the last major fighting of the American Revolution in the Northeast United States. The Continental Army and local NJ militia successfully repelled British forces looking to capture George Washington and his army in Morristown.

Bob Gula is a retired senior finance executive . He is an active member/officer in the Mayflower Society of New Jersey, Sons of the American Revolution, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and the Forgotten Victory Trail Association.

This event takes place at our museum at 26 Hadley Avenue in Toms River. Our speaker series is 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 to oceancountyhistory.programs@gmail.com.

A Titanic Loss for New Jersey

Meet author Robert DeSando as he discusses his newest book ” A Titanic Loss for new Jersey” on Sunday February 15th at 2:00 PM. Learn about how the sinking of the Titanic impacted New Jersey from both a personal and economic perspective. The program will be followed by Robert doing a book signing. His book will be available for purchase that day.

Robert is a former journalist, lobbyist and public servant. For more than 16 years, he held a variety of positions with the Asbury Park Press from reporter to bureau chief. He served as communications director and deputy executive director for the New Jersey State General Assembly. He also was a special assistant to the state education commissioner and assistant commissioner for the Department of Transportation.

This event takes place at our museum at 26 Hadley Avenue in Toms River. Our speaker series is 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 to oceancountyhistory.programs@gmail.com.