Events

Ocean County History Day

The fifth annual Ocean County History Day is scheduled for Saturday, September 13 from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM, rain or shine. The event is sponsored by the Ocean County Historical Society, the Ocean County Cultural & Heritage Commission, and the Captain Joshua Huddy Chapter 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 Sculthorp Force 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. Meet George and Martha Washington’s escaped slave Ona Judge for a presentation at 11:30 followed by Betsy Ross at 1:00.

For additional information, please contact Jeff Schenker at 609-339-9134 or jeffschenker@ocean.edu.

The Garden State: Where Ideas Grow

The Ocean County Historical Society is proud to present New Jersey author Linda Barth as she discusses her book, A History of Inventing in New Jersey: From Thomas Edison to the Ice Cream Cone. Join Linda as she explores groundbreaking, useful, fun, and even silly inventions and their New Jersey roots! Linda’s book will be offered for sale, and she will be glad to autograph your copy.

Linda, a lifelong New Jersey resident, has written two books on the D&R Canal and three children’s picture books. She has also contributed to the Encyclopedia of New Jersey. Linda currently serves as the executive director of the League of Historical Societies of New Jersey and as the president of the D&R Canal Watch.

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.

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.

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.