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Grants Available For Historic Preservation Efforts
OCEAN COUNTY - Pulitzer and Noble prize winning author Pearl Buck wrote, "If you want to understand today, you have to search yesterday."
Now, thanks to the combined efforts of the Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Commission and the state of New Jersey, a bit more of the county's past will be preserved for this and future generations.
The commission is seeking applicants for a 2008 Local Arts program block grant that will assist municipalities and nonprofit organizations in conserving local history.
"We have worked closely with the New Jersey Historical Commission to administer these grants for local preservation efforts," said Freeholder John C. Bartlett Jr. "This is an important opportunity for our communities to protect their heritage."
The grants can be used for general operating costs, special projects and outreach programs related to local history, Bartlett said.
Any town or organization interested in a grant must send a representative to a mandatory workshop scheduled for August 1 at 7 p.m. in the Cultural and Heritage Commission office, 14 Hooper Avenue in Toms River.
Additionally, an intent to apply form available from the commission must be returned to the office by July 27, said Cynthia H. Smith, commission administrator.
"We encourage our towns and historic groups to seek this money," Smith said. Adding that in 2007 the state grants ranged from $700 to $4,700.
Seven of the 2007 grants assisted local historical societies and associations operate their museums. The museums are located in Barnegat, Brick, Eagleswood, Lakewood, Beach Haven, Stafford and Waretown.
Additionally, the Township of Eagleswood received $700 to help fund the preservation of residents' birth, death and marriage records.
The Borough of Tuckerton's Landmarks Commission was awarded $1,000 for the creation of a landmarks database that will be posted on the Internet.
Freeholder Director John P. Kelly said Ocean County is fortunate to have a rich history that dates back to the arrival of the first English settlers in the late 1600's.
"This is a heritage that deserves to be preserved," Kelly said. "From Tuckerton's days as a bustling pre-Revolutionary War seaport to the Battle of the Toms River Blockhouse in 1782 and the Hindenburg disaster in 1937, Ocean County's history is a fascinating tale that mirrors a growing nation."
Anyone wishing more information on the Local Arts Block Grants may call 732-929-4779 or contact her by email at culturalheritage@co.ocean.nj.us.
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