A brief history
For our first 25 years (1984-2009), the Township of Ocean Historical Museum operated, rent-free, out of two rooms in the old schoolhouse that serves as the Board of Education office building. In 1999, we took on the rehabilitation and occupation of an old farmhouse, an architectural and historical gem being moved to parkland to avoid demolition. The house was moved in 2005. We raised money, oversaw construction, installed three galleries, and opened the Eden Woolley House, July 5, 2009.
With that move, we went from a small museum with a membership of about 100 families, open one afternoon weekly, operating on less than $5,000 a year, to an organization responsible for the Eden Woolley House and four ancillary buildings, with a membership today of 300 households and an annual operating expense budget of close to $37,000. We remain an all-volunteer operation.
Vision and mission
Our Vision reflects our commitment to be inclusive, inviting, and informative. It guides our decisions—on hours (every Sunday, 1 to 4, year-round; Thursday evenings 7 to 9, from March through December), admission price (none), dues (basic membership $15/household), volunteers (adults and teens), exhibits (general interest with a regional focus), and programs (for all ages).
Vision: We are an open door to history—unlocking its treasures and creating a community, not limited by age or borders, that is informed and inspired by those who came before us.
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Our Mission, adopted in 2007 in anticipation of the move, redefined our work, broadened our audience (from Ocean Township to coastal Monmouth County), and set out the difference we intend to make.
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Mission: The Museum is a cultural resource that brings regional history to life for the residents of and visitors to coastal Monmouth County. We maintain and operate the Eden Woolley House and ancillary historical buildings and collect, preserve, and exhibit materials that tell the story of Ocean Township and surrounding communities in ways that generate understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment. |
Goals and objectives
Our board developed a set of overarching goals: to extend our reach (audience and membership) and ensure the Museum’s sustainability (leadership continuity and financial footing), and expand knowledge and appreciation of our regional history. We translated these goals into objectives to 1) increase membership and attendance; 2) implement leadership development and succession planning processes; 3) refine planning process; 4) ensure long-term financial stability; 5) offer exhibits, events, and programs that build awareness of and interest in our regional history.
