“Most people are not simply satisfied to read about Monmouth County’s history; they want to experience history and visit our many sites,” said Freeholder Lillian G. Burry, liaison to the County Historical Commission. “I am proud to say that the County strives to preserve historic structures that help remind us that we must treasure and remember our roots and the people who built our communities.”
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 on-going preservation and restoration of meeting halls, offices, churches and former homes helps make history real and present in our daily lives,” Burry said. “It is important to maintain and restore these landmarks to their glory and interpret their importance for generations to come.”
The Monmouth County Historical Commission was created by the Board of Chosen Freeholders for the preservation and conservation of Monmouth County history. Established in August 1988, its 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. 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.
“The Historical Commission provides both sustained support and an open door for new projects,” said John Fabiano, executive director of the Historical Commission. “Once again, we have an interesting mix of grantees that are moving these great preservation projects forward.”
Each grant application must include a description of the mission, its meaning to history and the significance and the audience it serves. It must also include a detailed budget, a source of funding available for the applicant’s dollar-for-dollar contribution, detailed quotations for the work, the materials to be used and a time frame for completion.
There is a $500 minimum per applicant in any year. The program is competitive and the commission requires proof of the availability of matching funds.
The Historical Commission’s Annual Preservation Awards ceremony was held March 23 at the Hall of Records in Freehold where recipients received checks for the first half of their award.
Each grantee is required to submit interim and final reports. The interim report is due when 50 percent of the work is completed. The final report, due at completion, must show evidence of completion and a canceled check to document payment to the contractor.
The deadline for applying for the preservation grants is Nov. 1 of every year. Information about the Historical Commission grant program can be found at www.visitmonmouth.com.
For information about the County’s Historical Commission, contact the Hall of Records, Room 201, Freehold, NJ 07728, call 732-431-7460, ext. 7413, or visit the County’s website at www.visitmonmouth.com.
The 2015 Preservation Grant recipients are:
Allentown Public Library Association – Steeple restoration $6,000
Atlantic Highlands Historical Society – Strauss Mansion, Third floor peak restoration $6,000
Township of Howell – MacKenzie Museum and Library exterior restoration $4,500
Borough of Little Silver – Parker Homestead interior renovation $4,356
Borough of Matawan - Burrowes Mansion Cedar shake roof $4,500
All Saints’ Memorial Landmark Trust (Middletown) – Church & Rectory – gutter and leaders $4,800
Monmouth County Historical Association (Middletown) – Marlpit Hall exterior restoration $4,500
Friends of Millstone Historic Properties – Allen Barns Cedar siding $5,920
Ocean Grove Historic Preservation Society (Neptune)
Jersey Shore Arts Center basement windows $4,500
Township of Ocean Historical Museum – Stucile Farms water tower windows $1,250
Shrewsbury Monthly Meeting – North east windows and doors $4,000
Friends of the Old Yellow Meeting House (Upper Freehold Township) – Exterior painting $5,834
Old Wall Historical Association (Wall) – Blansingburg School house exterior painting $5,000
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