Historical Society Of Ocean Grove

This goal was fulfilled in October 1997 when it purchased a permanent location at 50 Pitman Avenue in the heart of the historic district on Auditorium Square. The HSOG collection of an estimated 8,000 artifacts consists of original maps, photographs, glass negatives, etchings, images, important historical documents and books pertaining to the history of Ocean Grove and its relationship to New Jers

ey history and the late 19th century, as well as costumes and textiles, period glassware, pottery, china, and furniture. The museum, shop and exhibits are open from the end of May to the end of September five days a week and on Saturday through December or by appointment. The anual season brings approximately 4,000 people to participate in over twenty historic programs and social activities offered. In addition, the museum hosts over 5,000 visitors who come to see the exhibits, do research on their homes or historical venues in the archives and library, or just enjoy the historic maps, pictures, and artifacts in the museum. The HSOG has the custodial responsibility of Centennial Cottage, which is owned by the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association (OGCMA) and continues an active interpretation program of Victorian life in the late 19th Century stick style cottage. HSOG maintains the Beersheba Well, a late 19th Century gazebo which is the symbol of the HSOG, as well as three Fisk Foundry cast iron urns and a cast iron fountain in Founder’s Park. It also spearheaded the legal return of a Civil War cannon which it now maintains. The museum, shop and exhibits are open June to mid September 5 days a week, and through December on Saturdays or by special appointment. The Society has approximately 100 dedicated volunteers who function in various capacities. They act as docents at the Centennial Cottage and at the museum and they are available to assist visitors with inquiries on their homes on the camp meeting grounds, or the unique history of the town and the Camp Meeting Association. They help set up exhibits and assist with auctions and antique shows. The Society continues to recruit volunteers through word of mouth, quarterly newsletters, visitors and friends of the Board.