Events

The Intelligence Network in New Jersey During the Revolutionary War

The primary focus of this presentation and discussion by Russ Dutcher will be on the enhanced intelligence network that existed in New Jersey before, during, and after the Battles of Trenton and Princeton. A wide array of communications existed involving George Washington, John Jay, Alexander Hamilton, Light Horse Harry Lee and William Livingston.

Russ holds a BA and MA in history and is currently working on a PhD. He has been a practicing genealogist for over 38 years. He is also 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.

George Washington

Join us for a talk on George Washington by author Jeffrey Finegan. Jeffrey has written four books known as the I Knew George Washington series. These books are written from the perspective of people who knew George Washington well, including a slave, his grandson, and the Marquis de Lafayette. Jeff’s books will be available for purchase, and he will be glad to autograph them for you.

Jeffrey is a collector of George Washington manuscripts and a member of the Washington Association of New Jersey and the American Friends of Lafayette. In addition, he is an associate member of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution and an honorary member of the Association of the United States Army.

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.

Ocean County Historical Society Installation Dinner

The annual OCHS Installation Dinner will be held at 5:30 PM on Thursday, May 29 at Artisans Restaurant, 1171 Hooper Avenue, Toms River (northbound lane by the Ocean County Mall). Please join us as we install our newest officers and board members, celebrate this past year’s achievements, award scholarships, and spend an evening with friends. The cost is $55.00 per person. This includes salad, a buffet dinner, dessert, and soft drinks. Dress is casual. Please mail your check to the Ocean County Historical Society, 26 Hadley Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08753 with Attention Jeff on the envelope. Be sure to provide the names of the people attending. If you have any questions, please call the museum at 732-341-1880.

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 Joseph Latshaw 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. In addition, he is a trustee for the Ocean County Historical Society and in June 2025 will become the organization’s president. He serves as Chair of the Toms River Township Historic Preservation Commission and is a 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.