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Ocean’s Heritage, Fall 2018
“Save the Tower” Flea Market
T Message from the Museum
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President
fter two and a half years, thousands of dollars, and countless hours of sweat equity, the Eden Woolley House held its first public event in the new museum. It was December 2008. The house had been moved in April 2005 from its original location at the corner of Deal Road and Route 35. The handsome structure was an architectural and historical gem. But it needed work. A lot of work. We got it done in record time. Here’s what we’ve been up to since: - Grew to over 300 family memberships - Created a corps of junior and adult docents - Developed a research library - Built an artifact collection maintained to professional standards - Produced the “Hometown History” video interview program - Developed a first-class website that gets over 15,000 hits per year - Added to our physical plant: 2 storage buildings, an historic play house, the nearby water tower and cow barn - Received over 30 grants - Launched an award-winning newsletter - Installed more than 30 exhibits - Attracted nearly 2,000 visitors a year - Maintained free admission
he Museum’s “Save the Tower” Flea Market, Sun., Oct. 7, along the road beside the Woolley House, attracted many people from the area who had never visited the Museum. At least 130 of these first-timers took advantage of the opportunity to tour the Museum—and the Tower and Cow Barn, Mabel Fenton (aka Heather MacDonald)—proprietor of Ross Fenwhich were open to the ton Farm, the Township’s most famous speakeasy—does a bit of shopping and entices the public into the Museum. public for the day. We gained new members and generous donations to the Tower Project and Museum. The shoppers left with treasures and the Museum added to its treasury. Kudos to Brenda Wityk and her team for pulling it all together.
Prohibition exhibit opened in June
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early 70 Museum members attended a private wine-and-cheese premiere of “Wet as the Atlantic Ocean: Prohibition in New Jersey,” Friday, June 22. Two days later the exhibit opened to the public. “It’s been a hit with visitors,” said Exhibit Director Peggy Dellinger. “On one level, it can be enjoyed for its colorful characters and law-defying life styles. But on another, it explores social and ethnic divisions and political
It’s a remarkable record, achieved by an all-volunteer team through the generosity of members and supporters. In the spirit of our newest exhibit, join me in raising a glass to the 10th anniversary of the Woolley House!
Museum Shop Open December 1 and 2 (Holiday Weekend)
Elegant and fun doll outfits Lap quilts and baby quilts Table runners and place mats
Companion Film Series
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The exhibit is in the Richmond Gallery through June 2019.
Handmade gifts
Paul Edelson
n conjunction with our new exhibit, the Ocean Township Library is running a yearlong film series on Prohibition and the Roaring Twenties. Check monmouthcountylib.org for details.
debates we’re still wrestling with today.”
Knitted hats and scarves Cheryl Miller and Lois Kiely dressed for the occasion at the members-only premiere of “Wet as the Atlantic Ocean,” June 22.
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