For Immediate Release:

April 28, 2014 

 

 

FREEHOLD, NJ – The 45 participating “Weekend in Old Monmouth” historic sites are putting the finishing touches on their preparation for this weekend’s event.

 

That’s when most of Monmouth County historic sites will open their doors to visitors interested in local history from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 3 and from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 4. The tour includes lighthouses, Victorian homes, farms, museums, churches and a working gristmill.

 

“This is a great way to see so much of Monmouth County’s history in a day or two,” said Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry, liaison to the County’s Historical Commission, coordinator of the weekend event. “Weekend in Old Monmouth is a special tour project that synchronizes the hours of operation so history buffs can travel by foot, bicycle or car to take in many of the county’s rich historic places.”

 

You can start planning your route by previewing the tour sites on the County's website at www.visitmonmouth.com. On the tour dates, each tour stop will also have maps and booklets available.

 

The tours also represent several historic themes:

·         Shore: While the tour includes sites on the north, (Sandy Hook), central (Ocean Grove) and southern shores, (National Guard Militia Museum) the drive along the shore is one of the best ways to feel and appreciate Monmouth County’s relationship to the Ocean.

·         Faith: Architectural gems of each of the last three centuries, 18^th century Christ Church in Shrewsbury, 19^th century All Saints Memorial in Middletown and 20^th century St. Catharine’s in Spring Lake. In addition, Old Tennent Church in Manalapan is closely tied to the Battle of Monmouth and the Friends Meeting House in Shrewsbury represents one of the oldest worship traditions in Monmouth County.

·         The Revolutionary War: The Revolution is visited here, not only the major sites in the Monmouth Battlefield area, but in lesser known places such as the Burrowes Mansion in Matawan, Marlpit Hall and the Murray Farm, both in Middletown.

·         Military: There is Fort Hancock at Sandy Hook, the most heavily fortified installation on the East Coast for much of the 20^th century, the National Historic Landmark Monmouth Battlefield in Manalapan and one of the more fascinating, but lesser known museums, the New Jersey National Guard Militia Museum in Sea Girt with museum exhibits and fighter aircraft and tanks.

·         Preservation: Marlpit Hall in Middletown was the first restored house museum in the region, dating from its 1930s opening.

 

Other elements on the tour also include lighthouses, Victorian homes, agriculture, industry, education and science. All of the sites contributed to the importance of preservation and history throughout Monmouth County. The county supports the preservation movement annually by awarding preservation grants to historic sites.  Many of the tour locations have received grants in the past. 

 

A detailed tour book and site map are available on the County’s website at www.visitmonmouth.com.

 

 

#    #     # 

 

Tour Site, Municipality

#     #     #