FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 26, 2008
County launches video series of historic sites
Project features county treasures and ties to the past
FREEHOLD – The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders announced the creation of an Internet history project entitled “These Historic Places” that showcases historic preservation sites in the county and the work that it takes to preserve, protect or rehabilitate each site.
“These video snapshots support the great work being done by the community to preserve our history,” said Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry, who is the liaison to the county Historical Commission. “By taking a look at a different historic site each month, we can see all the efforts that go into creating places for people to visit and get a glimpse of the past.”
The first, three-minute video, featuring The Church of the Presidents, located at 1260 Ocean Ave. in the Elberon section of Long Branch, is available for viewing at www.visitmonmouth.com and navigating to the Historical Commission page found under a listing of county departments.
The Long Branch Historical Museum Association now owns the former church and is overseeing its restoration. Built in 1879, the church is the last remaining structure associated with all seven U.S. presidents who vacationed in Long Branch during the late 19th and 20th centuries.
“We have set a schedule for the coming year,” said Randall Gabrielan, executive director of the Historical Commission and host of the “These Historic Places” series. “November will feature the Ocean Grove Auditorium and December will focus on the Militia Museum, NJ Military Academy at Sea Girt.
“There is a wealth of history in our back yard,” Freeholder Robert D. Clifton said. “It is particularly fitting that the county’s Historical Commission and Public Information Department work together to let residents know about county projects and resources. The county’s Web site, www.visitmonmouth.com is becoming the best way for residents to access government services, find out what’s happening and see how much history is within our borders.”
Each of the sites to be featured in a video has been the recipient of the county’s historic preservation matching grant program. In 2008, the Monmouth County Historical Commission awarded 25 preservation grants for restoration projects in 18 municipalities. The awards totaled $100,000 with The Church of the Presidents receiving $2,500 for its south porch restoration.
The video series culminates the county’s year-long effort to promote its rich history by focusing attention on the county’s 325th anniversary.
The Historical Commission is dedicated to preserving the past and creating a living history. The types of projects eligible for funding are preservation, restoration or rehabilitation of historic structures, usually 50 years or older, and which are accessible to the public. The program covers essentially structural work for projects commonly known as “bricks and mortar” undertakings.
The commission grants matching funds on a competitive basis to municipalities and nonprofit organizations needing financial help in the preservation or restoration of historic structures. Each grant application must include a description of the mission, its meaning to history and the significance and the audience it serves.
For information about the county’s Historical Commission, contact the Hall of Records, Room #201, Freehold, NJ 07728, or call (732) 431-7413. Information can also be found on the county’s Web site at www.visitmonmouth.com.
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Media FYI - In chronological order, the seven presidents who vacationed in Long Branch were: Grant, Hayes, Garfield, Arthur, Harrison, McKinley and Wilson.