The annual “Weekend in Old Monmouth” tour will return with 50 historic sites throughout Monmouth County opening their doors, with fees waived, to visitors interested in local history from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 4 and from noon to 5 p.m. May 5.
“ ‘Weekend in Old Monmouth’ is the perfect event for all to learn about our county’s rich history and diverse architecture,” said Freeholder Lillian G. Burry, who is the liaison to the county’s historical commission.
“For the weekend of this tour, the entrance fees at these historic sites are waived, allowing special access to residents and visitors who are interested in Monmouth County history,” Burry said.
The five sites that have been added to the 2019 “Weekend in Old Monmouth” tour are the Allentown Presbyterian Church, Allentown; St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Freehold Borough; the Squan Village Historical Society, Manasquan; the Old Brick Reformed Church, Marlboro; and the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center, Red Bank.
The sites on the tour are generally operated independently, according to a press release from the county. The self-guided tour has recommended routes that guide history buffs’ travel by foot, bicycle or car to various locations. To start planning a route, preview the tour sites on the county’s website at www.VisitMonmouth.com
Additionally, the historic sites may be viewed on a smart phone or computer through the downloadable tour book with map and links to the virtual tour. The virtual tour uses Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, which precisely locates sites.
Residents and visitors can view and learn about each site and access the four suggested self-guided tours on the interactive map, according to the press release.
The annual “Weekend in Old Monmouth” tour is coordinated by the Monmouth County Historical Commission.
The historical commission, which was established by the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders in 1988, is dedicated to the preservation of the county’s rich, historic heritage. As advocates for the preservation of historic properties, sites and projects, the commission encourages citizens to be involved as well, according to the press release.
In addition to “Weekend in Old Monmouth,” the historical commission provides matching grants for municipal and nonprofit historic preservation projects and historic programming, recognizes individuals and groups for efforts to preserve historic sites and resources, and offers an essay contest for fifth grade students, according to the press release.
The complete list of the 2019 “Weekend in Old Monmouth” sites is as follows: Keyport Historical Society, Keyport; Keyport Fire Museum and Education Center, Keyport; Burrowes Mansion Museum, Matawan; Longstreet Farm, Holmdel; Holmes-Hendrickson House, Holmdel; Dr. Cooke’s Medical Office, Holmdel;
Also, Joseph Murray Farmhouse, Red Bank; Old First Church, Middletown; Marlpit Hall, Middletown; Taylor-Butler House, Middletown; Seabrook-Wilson House, Middletown; Strauss Mansion Museum, Atlantic Highlands; All Saints Memorial Church, Middletown; Twin Lights, Middletown; Seabright Lawn Tennis and Cricket Club, Rumson; First Presbyterian Church, Rumson.
And, Parker Homestead, Little Silver; Red Bank Woman’s Club, Red Bank; T. Thomas Fortune House, Red Bank; Allen House, Shrewsbury; Friends Meeting House, Shrewsbury; Christ Church, Shrewsbury; Shrewsbury Historical Museum Municipal Complex, Shrewsbury.
Also, Allentown Presbyterian Church, Allentown; Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold Township; Roosevelt Borough Historic District, Roosevelt; Baird Homestead, Millstone Township; Village Inn, Englishtown; Old Tennent Church, Manalapan;
And, Craig House, Freehold Township; Oakley Farm, Freehold Township; Jewish Heritage Museum, Freehold Township; Covenhoven House, Freehold Borough; St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Freehold Borough; Monmouth County Historical Association Museum, Freehold Borough; Montrose Schoolhouse, Colts Neck; Old Brick Reformed Church, Marlboro.
Also, Crawford House, Tinton Falls; Eatontown Historical Museum Read House, Eatontown; Township of Ocean Historical Museum, Ocean Township; Stephen Crane House, Asbury Park; Great Auditorium, Neptune; Ocean Grove Historical Museum, Neptune;
And, Spring Lake Historical Society Museum, Spring Lake; St. Catharine Church, Spring Lake; National Guard Militia Museum, Sea Girt; Squan Village Historical Society, Manasquan; Old Wall Historical Society, Wall Township; InfoAge Science Center, Wall Township; the Historic Village at Allaire, Wall Township.