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From its meager beginnings back in 1983, when the Township of Ocean Historical Museum displayed sparse records of the community's local history in a room donated by the Board of Education on Monmouth Road, the museum volunteers have continuously explored for a better and larger home for its collection of important artifacts.
In 2000, Ocean Township invited the Museum to consider making the Woolley Homestead its new headquarters. The group did not need to deliberate too long. As of early 2007, and after much fundraising, the Township of Ocean Historical Museum's new home is nearly ready and is situated in the new Township Library Complex on Deal Road. The exterior has completely been restored, including roof and foundation work. Bringing the interior up to standards suitable for public traffic is now the focus of the volunteers. The Township is thankful for the leadership of both Ginny and Howard Richmond. It has been their tireless leaderhsip that has, to date, resulted in the extensive restoration to the Woolley Homestead. Officially, the Museum is still addressed at 163 Monmouth Road, Oakhurst, NJ 07755. At the top of the screen you can see the Woolley Homestead, future home of the Township of Ocean Historical Museum. Because of their efforts, Ginny and Howard, in 2007, received the "Township of Ocean Mayor's Lifetime Achievement Award."
The vision is that the Historical Museum and the Library Complex will become a center where art, education, culture and civic activities can co-exist and thrive. Thanks to the support of senator Joe Palaia, the Ocean Township Council, local businesses, supporters, and volunteers, opening the Woolley House as a local Museum on Woolley land is half way there.
Help continue the restoration effort by volunteering to assist Ginny and Howard and the volunteer staff. Call the Museum today and tell them you're ready to lend a hand - (732) 531-2136. Or go to their website to explore other opportunities where you can help.
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