County of Monmouth

For Immediate Release:
March 6, 2025

County Commissioners and Historical Commission present preservation grants for 2025

FREEHOLD, NJ – The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce that the Monmouth County Historical Commission awarded historic preservation matching grants totaling $109,035 for 12 restoration projects and awarded history regrants to 17 applicants totaling $50,908 through the New Jersey Historic Commission, a Division of the Department of the State, at the 2025 Grants Presentation ceremony held on Feb. 24.

“On behalf of my fellow Commissioners, I would like to congratulate all who received a historic preservation matching grant or a history regrant this year,” said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone. “It is an honor to recognize the efforts of so many individuals, municipalities and organizations that expend significant time and effort to help preserve Monmouth County’s rich history.”

"Monmouth County's history is truly remarkable," said Commissioner Erik Anderson, liaison to the Monmouth County Historical Commission. “We are thankful for the important work done by these individuals, organizations, and municipalities in safeguarding these historic landmarks, enabling residents and visitors alike the opportunity to connect with the County's past.”

The 2025 Preservation Grant recipients are:

· Asbury Park African American Music Project - Turf Club ceiling restoration;
· Atlantic Highlands Historical Society - repairs to tower in the northwest corner of the Strauss Mansion;
· Borough of Fair Haven – exterior painting of Bicentennial Hall/Fisk Chapel;
· Freehold Township Historic Preservation Commission – West Freehold Schoolhouse window refabrication;
· Friends of Millstone Township Historic Registered Properties – restoration of two stain-glass windows in Clarksburg ME Church/Clarksburg Cultural Center;
· Friends of Monmouth Battlefield - Craig House shutter replacement project;
· Friends of Old Yellow Meeting House – repairs to the Parsonage foundation and chimney;
· InfoAge Science Center and History Museums – exterior painting of World War II-era buildings;
· Monmouth County Historical Association – exterior painting of Covenhoven House;
· Squan Village Historical Society – partial replacement of Bailey-Reed House Museum porch;
· Township of Middletown – repairs to historic train station roof and gutters;
· Township of Millstone - Baird House siding restoration and painting, phase III.

In addition, the Monmouth County Historical Commission awarded history regrants to 18 applicants totaling $50,908 through the New Jersey Historic Commission, a Division of the Department of the State.

This partnership program supports existing local history organizations by providing grant funding for General Operating Support (GOS) and Special Projects (SP) to those same organizations, as well as other nonprofit entities, such as municipalities, libraries and local cultural organizations.

The 2025 History Regrant recipients are:

· Asbury Park African-American Music Project - archival project for House of Hits record collection;
· Atlantic Highlands Historical Society - insurance and utilities;
· Battleground Historical Society - insurance, utilities, grounds and archive expenses;
· Daughters of the American Revolution, Middletown Chapter - identification of Revolutionary War veterans’ gravesites and signage;
· Freehold Township Heritage Society – insurance and garden maintenance;
· Friends of Millstone Township Historic Registered Properties – insurance and utilities;
· Friends of Monmouth Battlefield – Battle of Monmouth re-enactment expenses;
· Historical Society of Ocean Grove - insurance, utilities, and staffing;
· Howell Heritage and Historical Society - insurance, website and utilities;
· Interfaith Neighbors, Inc. - signage, flags, and window markers for Springwood Avenue Heritage Walk in Asbury Park;
· Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County – salaries;
· Matawan Historical Society – collections, insurance, utilities and website;
· Middletown Township Historical Society - annual speaker series;
· Navesink Maritime Heritage Association - insurance, utilities and software;
· Ocean Grove Historic Preservation Society/Jersey Shore Arts Center - digitization project for historic collection;
· Township of Ocean Historical Museum – insurance and utilities;
· Twin Lights Historical Society – salaries.

The Monmouth County Historical Commission was created by the Board of County Commissioners for the preservation and conservation of local history. Established in August 1988, the Commission’s principal program is the preservation grants, an undertaking that recognizes the acute need for funds to preserve Monmouth County’s rich and diverse historic legacy.

For information about the Historical Commission, contact Meg Sharp Walton, executive director, at Margaret.SharpWalton@co.monmouth.nj.us or visit the County's website at www.visitmonmouth.com.

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