MANALAPAN, NJ – Monmouth County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon is pleased to announce that Margaret W. Dellinger of Oakhurst is the winner of the Jane G. Clayton Award for 2016.

The award will be presented at Monmouth County Archives and History Day on Saturday, Oct. 8 at the Monmouth County Library Headquarters.

Created in 1997, the Clayton Award is named after former County Clerk Jane G. Clayton, who was responsible for the creation of the Monmouth County Archives. The award honors individuals who, over a substantial number of years, have made exceptional contributions to the awareness, understanding or preservation of Monmouth County history.

Ms. Dellinger, or “Peggy” as she is known to many, has a long-term record of excellence in the design and assembly of museum exhibitions at the Eden Woolley House of the Township of Ocean Historical Museum, for which she served as first president and continues as a long-term trustee.  She is also largely responsible for the Museum’s historical newsletter, one that was awarded first prize in the 2014 Publication Awards Competition of the League of Historical Societies of New Jersey.  In her fifth year as editor, Ms. Dellinger writes, edits, designs and photographs for the newsletter. 

Since the time that the Eden Woolley House opened as the Township of Ocean Historical Museum, Ms. Dellinger has planned, designed, mounted and written up numerous exhibitions. Some of her exhibitions are permanent to the museum and provide an on-going understanding of the Township’s history. Other exhibitions are temporary to show the long and varied history of not only the present Township, but former sections that are now separate municipalities.

Ms. Dellinger’s exhibitions are well-researched and vividly portrayed with both print and electronic media.  Her work has also secured a growing following for the organization and greatly expanded museum attendance.

“Peggy Dellinger has made a lasting mark in both Ocean Township and across Monmouth County through her dedication to the Ocean Historical Museum,” said Hanlon. “I am delighted that she will be receiving the Clayton Award as recognition for her decades of service.”

Ms. Dellinger’s recognition follows that of other Clayton Award winners since 1997. For a list with biographies, please click here, or visit the County Clerk website at www.VisitMonmouth.com/CountyClerk.

For more information on Archives and History Day, visit the Monmouth County website at www.VisitMonmouth.com/CountyClerk, contact the Monmouth County Archives at (732) 308 - 3771 or email Gary.Saretzky@co.monmouth.nj.us.

#     #     #

Photo: Headshot of Peggy Dellinger