Events
The Ocean County Historical Society offers a variety of programs and events throughout the year. Upcoming events are listed below.
To register for a program, please e-mail us at oceancountyhistory.programs@gmail.com stating the date of the program for which you are registering, your name, zip code, and email address.
Go to our YouTube channel to view past programs, including Camp Albocondo (9/2020), Great Storms of the Jersey Shore (10/2020), Cedar Bridge Tavern (3/2021), Composting in Ocean County (4/2021), The African-American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey (1/2022), and much more!
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April 20, 2024
10:00 AM
Adopt-A-Spot Kickoff
The Ocean County Historical Society could use some help taking care of our gardens and would like to offer sections to willing volunteers. The gardens have been blocked off into 18 sections that are available for you or your group to maintain. No section is overwhelming in size.
Select any number of the 18 spots from the accompanying diagram you feel you are able to comfortably maintain. There are spots of varying sizes available for different skill levels. It is suggested that individuals take smaller spots and groups claim the larger ones.
Follow the link below to see which sections are available. When you’ve made your choice, email Joseph at RJL72001@gmail.com.
Here is the link to view the diagram and sections: Adopt-A-Spot in the OCHS Garden
The Adopt-A-Spot Kickoff will be Saturday, April 20, 2024 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (with a rain date of April 21). Then, over the late spring and summer months, spot check your location for weed control.
May 4, 2024
7:30 AM
Bus Trip to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty
Join the Ocean County Historical Society on Saturday, May 4, 2024 as we visit Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. We will depart from the Ocean County Historical Society, 26 Hadley Avenue, Toms River at 8:00 AM sharp. We ask you to arrive approximately one-half hour early so we can depart on time. The ferry leaves from Jersey City at 10:00 AM. We head back to New Jersey at 2:30 and should arrive back at the Historical Society at approximately 4:00.
The cost of the trip per person is $80 for members and $85 for non-members. This fee includes a luxury coach bus with restroom, the ferry to the sites, and bus driver gratuity. Lunch is on your own. You can either bring lunch or dine at the site’s cafeteria.
To reserve your spot or for additional information, please contact Jeff at 609-339-9134 or at jeffschenker@myyahoo.com.
May 5, 2024
2:00 PM
The Battle of Monmouth Courthouse: The Last Great Revolutionary War Battle in the North
The Battle of Monmouth Courthouse (June 28, 1778) was the largest field artillery battle of the Revolutionary War and was the last significant battle fought on northern soil during that conflict. More widely known for the legend of Molly Pitcher and the dispute between Generals George Washington and Charles Lee, the battle is, to this very day, often misunderstood and overlooked in its significance. This presentation will provide an overview of the Battle of Monmouth, placing it in context within the wider war, and will conclude with a discussion of the latest research being done by the current custodians of the battlefield’s historic legacy.
The presenter, Victor Pidermann, is one of the historic interpreters at Monmouth Battlefield State Park in Manalapan, NJ and has been researching and interpreting the Battle of Monmouth for nearly nine years. He has a MA in History from Monmouth University (2014) and a BA in History from Florida State University (2007). Mr. Pidermann has worked occasionally as an Adjunct Professor of History at Monmouth University and has also co-authored academic articles on topics ranging from Revolutionary War-era artillery to historic maps of the Battle of Monmouth.
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.
June 1, 2024
11:30 AM
Leonard Lomell - Hero of D-Day
The Ocean County Historical Society and the Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Commission are sponsoring a talk and book signing with New York Times Best Selling Author Steven Gillon relating to his book “Len Lomell D-Day Hero” on Saturday June 1st at the George P. Vanderveer American Legion Post 129 at 2025 Church Road, Toms River. The program, moderated by Toms River Historian, Mark Mutter, will begin at 11:30 AM and be followed by a book signing. The book will be sold at the event at a cost of $12.99. There is no charge to attend this event.
For additional information or questions, contact Jeff Schenker at 609-339-9134. Please let us know if you plan to attend this event by emailing: oceancountyhistory.programs@gmail.com. Please include your email address, phone number, zip code, and the name and date of the event.
Leonard Lomell was born in Brooklyn, NY. His family moved to Point Pleasant, NJ when he was a toddler. He was an Army Ranger best known for his heroic actions in the early hours of the D-Day Invasion. German defenders of Normandy Beach placed five 155-millimeter guns on the top of Pointe du Hoc, a one-hundred-foot-high sea-side cliff. After scaling the cliff, Lomell was able to locate the guns and knock them out of commission. Without this action, the German artillery would have rained havoc on Omaha and Utah Beach, causing massive American casualities.
Historian and author Stephen Ambrose stated that next to General Eisenhower, Lomell was most responsible for the success of the D-Day Invasion. After the allied victory at Normandy, Lomell continued to advance eastward and saw heavy combat at the Battle of the Bulge. He received wounds on three separate occasions. Leonard Lomell has been awarded the U.S. Distinguished Service Cross, a Bronze Star, a Silver Star, the British Military Medal, and the French legion D’honneur. In addition, he is a member of the Ranger Hall of Fame. A street in Toms River is named after him, as is a room in the Toms River Municipal Building. A monument dedicated to him is located in Veterans’ Park, Point Pleasant. He is also honored with a plaque atop Pointe du Hoc.
After his military service Bud Lomell and his wife, Charlotte resided in Toms River, where they raised three daughters. Lomell established a successful Toms River law firm and served as a pillar of the community until his death in 2011.
June 12, 2024
5:30 PM
Annual Installation Dinner
Our annual Installation Dinner will be held at 5:30 PM on June 12 at Artisans Restaurant, 1171 Hooper Avenue, Toms River (northbound lane by the Ocean County Mall). Please join us as we celebrate this past year’s achievements, install our newest officers, award scholarship recipients, and spend an evening with our friends. The cost is $60.00 per person. This includes salad, a buffet dinner, dessert, and soft drinks. Please mail your check to the Ocean County Historical Society, 26 Hadley Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08753 with Attention Jeff on the envelope. If you have any questions, please call Jeff at 609-339-9134.
September 8, 2024
2:00 PM
South Jersey Legends & Lore: Tales from the Pine Barrens and Beyond
On Sunday September 8th at 2:00 PM, the Ocean County Historical Society will welcome renowned author William Lewis as he discusses his newest book “South Jersey Legends & Lore: Tales from the Pine Barrens and Beyond”. This will be followed by a book signing. The book will be available for purchase that day.
William is a lifelong resident of the New Jersey Pine Barrens as were multiple generations of his family before him. He is also the author of ” New Jersey’s Lost Piney Culture” and “Adventures with Piney Joe: Exploring the New Jersey Pine Barrens”.
This event takes place at our museum at 26 Hadley Avenue in Toms River. Our speaker series is free to members; but donations are greatly appreciated.
Due to major increases in expenses that OCHS is incurring we will now be charging a $5.00 admission for this program for non-members. Members will still be attending at no cost. The fee will be collected at the door on the day of the event. Cash only please.
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.
October 20, 2024
2:00 PM
Eleanor Roosevelt: The First Lady of Today's First Ladies
Join us for a presentation by Mark Mutter about the remarkable life of Eleanor Roosevelt, who served as the “eyes and ears” for President Roosevelt. Eleanor was the First Lady from 1933 until 1945. Through her travels throughout the country, as an early advocate for human rights, and her public engagement, she redefined the role of First Lady. This remarkable person even served as the United States Delegate to the United Nations.
Mark spends summer months working as a docent at Campobello Island, where the Roosevelts had their summer cottage. During his time there, Mark has done extensive research on Eleanor Roosevelt. Mark has served as mayor and business administrator for Toms River. He is also the official Toms River Historian. Formally a practicing attorney, Mark is now an adjunct professor of law at Ocean County College.
This event takes place at our museum at 26 Hadley Avenue in Toms River. Our speaker series is free to members, but donations are greatly appreciated.
Due to major increases in expenses that OCHS is incurring we will now be charging a $5.00 admission for this program for non-members. Members will still be attending at no cost. The fee will be collected at the door on the day of the event. Cash only please.
Registration for this event opens on July 1, 2024. 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.
November 10, 2024
2:00 PM
New Jersey and World War I
The Ocean County Historical Society Commemorates Veteran’s Day with a presentation by Dr. Jeffrey Schenker entitled New Jersey and World War I. This program will explain the events that led to the Great War and will go into detail about New Jersey’s contributions to the war effort both militarily and economically.
Jeff taught history for many years at Toms River High School South and is currently an adjunct professor of history at Ocean County College. He is also the president of the Ocean County Historical Society.
This event takes place at our museum at 26 Hadley Avenue in Toms River. Our speaker series is free to members, but donations are greatly appreciated.
Due to major increases in expenses that OCHS is incurring we will now be charging a $5.00 admission for this program for non-members. Members will still be attending at no cost. The fee will be collected at the door on the day of the event. Cash only please.
Registration for this event opens on July 1, 2024. 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.