Tag: History

As America’s 250th anniversary approaches, Monmouth County has a lot to celebrate. And the county is encouraging its municipalities to contribute to the semiquincentennial year festivities. With less than a year left until July 4, 2026, many towns have already begun outlining the events they will host to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia in 1776.

From battlefield to brushstroke, the countdown to America 250 has begun. While the county’s official kickoff began last week, one local artist has spent decades memorializing America’s history through his art.

SEA BRIGHT – On balmy summer nights in decades past, revelers packed The Peninsula House on the waterfront, among them Bert Lahr, the original Cowardly Lion in the “Wizard of Oz.” Frank Sinatra’s parents, who enjoyed strolling the beach with their young son, were regulars.

MIDDLETOWN – As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary next year, communities across the country are gearing up to celebrate the nation’s rich history through various projects. One such effort – aimed at showcasing the historical depth of Eastern Monmouth County – is the Navesink Maritime Heritage Association’s (NMHA) book, “NAVESINK – A Historical Novel.”

The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris provide a perfect opportunity to reflect on the record-breaking career of swimming legend Gertrude “Trudy” Ederle.

MIDDLETOWN – The Dempsey Pump House has stood abandoned on the corner of Center and Thompson avenues in the Leonardo section of the township for decades. The 5-acre forested plot became overgrown, and the nearly century-old house became a tangle of weeds and vines, a specter of its former self.

The county celebrated its remarkable history as visitors flocked to 52 sites May 4 and 5, from Highlands to Holmdel, Middletown to Millstone and everywhere in between.

Four dedicated residents are bringing Sea Bright’s rail history back to life through a special park project.

On July 4, 2026, the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It has been said that “To go forward, we must learn from our past.” The truth is that to go forward, we must learn our past – not only the survey courses taught in history class but also our local past, the past that defines us and where we live.

The centuries-old Grover House will undergo a key renovation to preserve a little bit of Monmouth County’s rich history.