Landmark Restoration Fund

3% Cover the Fee

The Historical Society of Ocean Grove is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Why Donate?

Architectural Integrity and Cultural Identity

Historic landmarks serve as the physical DNA of a town, showcasing unique craftsmanship and Victorian-era aesthetics that cannot be replaced by modern construction. Restoring these structures ensures that the distinct "sense of place" and the storied skyline remain intact for generations to come.

Education Through Living History

A restored landmark is a classroom without walls. By funding these projects, you provide students, residents, and visitors with a tangible link to 19th-century life. These sites offer a hands-on look at our collective heritage, making history more accessible and engaging for all.

Economic Vitality and Community Pride

Well-maintained historic districts are powerful engines for local tourism and economic stability. Restoration projects not only increase surrounding property values but also foster a deep sense of community pride. When we invest in our landmarks, we signal that our history is a valuable asset worth protecting.

  • Founders Fountain 1907

  • 2019 Fountain Restoration

  • Fountain Restored

  • Sun Worshipers Vase

  • Sun Worshipers Vase

  • Summer Worshippers 1878

  • Pioneer Women's Vase 1877

  • Pioneer Urn in Founders Park

  • Urn Restoration 2025

  • Beersheba Well 1907

Our Current Project

The Beersheba Well

The Beersheba Well, located in Auditorium Park originated in June 1870 as the first "driven well" on the grounds, providing a vital source of pure water for the early camp meeting community. Initially a simple hand pump, the site was embellished in 1881 with a decorative octagonal wooden gazebo and named "Beersheba"—meaning "well of the oath"—to symbolize the founders' covenant to dedicate the land to God. Over the decades, the well became a landmark of the community, famously visited by temperance advocate Carrie Nation in 1901 and serving as a critical backup during a 1899 water system failure. In 1911, due to new sanitary laws banning common drinking cups, the traditional pump was replaced with a modern porcelain fountain supplied by artesian pipes. Despite the structure's decay over time, the Historical Society led major restorations in 1976 and 1994 to preserve the gazebo's Victorian "gingerbread" aesthetic, ensuring the landmark remains a functional and spiritual centerpiece of Auditorium Park today.

In 1976, the Historical Society adopted Beersheba as its official logo. The original drawing was by Ocean Grove resident Donna Batkin. The HSOG received a 2026 matching grant from Monmouth County Historic Preservation to replace the cedar- shingled roof and paint the structure. Local contractor John Case will complete the work. Any gifts exceeding the fundraising amount of $5000 will be maintained in our Fountain Fund, dedicated for preservation of OG historical structures (Fountain,Victorian Urns and Beersheba).