Support
HSOG Annual Appeal
Being closed all of 2020 and six months of 2021 impacted our opportunity to raise revenue through historic walking tours and our annual house tour, our major fund raiser. We did a virtual house tour last August which was successful but not revenue wise. In January of 2020, just prior to the Pandemic, we purchased an addition to our museum which required getting a mortgage to cover the purchase. The new addition doubled our space, enabling us to provide more exhibits, a place for lectures and school groups to visit. Major renovations were required on the addition to meet electrical code; in addition, we installed heat and air conditioning plus flooring. Much of the work was made possible through the generosity of a donor and the volunteer labor of many of our members. However, mortgage payments and other monthly utility expenses continue, and we struggle to pay the bills since our revenue sources, which are over 50% of our annual budget, have been very limited.
Despite this, we continue to bring the history of Ocean Grove to residents, members, and supporters of the Historical Society of Ocean Grove with the new addition, the expansion of our archives to meet archival standards, an updated website (www.historicalsocietyofoceangrove.org), a new exhibit on Ocean Grove “Businesses That helped define Ocean Grove”, and in the new annex an exhibit on various collections loaned to us from residents and members called “Collections II.” Since Centennial Cottage had also been closed, interior and exterior renovations were done to maintain the history of the 1884 structure. An ongoing maintenance program in Ted Bell’s memory continues at the 1907 Fountain in Founders Park.
We need your help more than ever to continue this work by staying connected through our newsletters, social media, and website, offering new programs, changing exhibits, lectures, and tours year-round to promote and preserve the history of Ocean Grove. We are supported through donations, memberships, programs, and grants. However State and Federal Grant funding has become limited which has deeply affected us. Currently the cost to maintain our museum exceeds $100,000 annually. We greatly appreciate your membership, and at this difficult time, ask that you consider an additional donation, if possible, to help continue our work. Checks may be made out to HSOG and mailed to 50 Pitman Avenue, Ocean Grove NJ 07756.
Contact us at 732-774-1869 or [email protected]. The Historical Society of Ocean Grove is a 501(3)(C) nonprofit charitable organization. Membership and donations are taxdeductible to the full extent of the law.
Bob Waitt
HSOG President
Thank You for Donation (Click Below)
Expansion Campaign
The HSOG started a Campaign to support the expansion of the Museum and we could use your help!
The HSOG owns the front half of the first floor and basement at 50 Pitman Avenue in Ocean Grove. In March 2020, with the full support of the HSOG Executive Board, we agreed to purchase the rear half of the first floor and basement facing Olin Street. This doubled the space available to the Museum from 2,000 to 4,000 square feet. The Museum now runs completely through from Pitman Avenue to Olin Street.
The long-term goals for the expansion are fourfold:
- Provide spaces for education programs and events.
- Increase exhibition space and allow the Museum to exhibit more of its collection in more expansive ways.
- Provide visitors with a more welcoming and comfortable experience.
- Better connect the Museum to the Ocean Grove community.
The long-term plan includes an examination and potential reconfiguration of the first floor and basement spaces for maximum flexibility and utility in the use of space and technology. We would also like to restore the facades of the front and rear first floors.
Expansion Appeal
Initially, the plan is to maintain the front half of the Museum as it is currently configured and flexibly finish the rear half as quickly as possible so the new spaces can be immediately used. The rear first floor provides space for more in-depth exhibitions and research, and revenue-generating spaces from lectures, and education programs. This was accomplished in 2021. The rear basement now provides much-needed space for the storage of museums, exhibition, and event-related materials.
If you would like to donate to the Expansion fund, please go to our Donate page for further information.