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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.

SPECIAL NOTICE: With the easing of compliance guidelines issued by the State of New Jersey, our Reopening Committee has decided to open the Ocean County Historical Society museum and research center to visitors on a scaled back schedule. We will now be open by appointment only on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 1-4 pm, starting on November 10. With the safety and health of our volunteers and visitors being the top priority for us all,  guidelines have been put in place. Facial coverings are required and your temperature will be taken at the entrance. The foyer door will be locked at all times, social distancing will be expected, and hand sanitizer is available.

  • Family units only will be eligible for docent-led museum tours (currently limited to the Suffrage exhibit and the Birdsall Room).
  • Museum tour requests need to be made at oceancounty.history@verizon.net, and provide a phone number in order for a volunteer to contact you. Desired visit date, size of party, and health questions will be gathered through the contact call.
  • Research center visits can be made at a separate email: ochs_research@verizon.net. In addition to Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the research center will be open on the first Saturday of the month from 1-4 (by appointment) starting on December 5.

 

We are starting a COVID-19 archives to document these difficult times. Learn more…

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.

Click here for hours of operation and contact information.

Upcoming Events

January 31, 2021

Travel Vicariously with OCHS

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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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