The Seaside Heights Historical Society at 1400 Boardwalk in Seaside Heights, NJ
The Carousel Pavilion and Museum sign
The new Seaside Heights Historical Society Museum features this recently restored carousel and many small displays surrounding the walls of the building. This will grow in the future.
The historic Seaside Heights Carousel lovingly restored by the Society
The inside of has a couple of small displays which will be expanded on in the future. Dr. Moreland’s collection of carousel horses were on display in two cases around the building.
Dr. Moreland’s display of carousel horses
The display sign
On display also above this display were vintage videos of days at the Seaside Heights Beach. These videos show people enjoying themselves at the shore.
The other display case of carousel horses
There was also a display on panels from the carousel that could not be repaired but were so beautiful that they were mounted to see the before and after pictures.
Some of the original panels from the carousel
The plaque dedicated to Dr. Floyd L. Moreland
When I was talking with one of the volunteers who was assisting with the carousel that evening, he told me there will be more displays of artifacts from this beach community in the future. So there is more to look forward to in the coming year.
The carousel before the start of the ride
For right now this museum has a wonderful display of carousel horses and a short history of the town. You can also take a three minute ride on the beautiful carousel listening to the entertaining music. It will be an evening of returning to your childhood.
This is a great start to a wonderful museum.
The new displays:
Postcards from Seaside Heights
Historic City Map Sign
Historic Hodge Podge sign:
City Map and Hodge Podge artifacts in the collection’s back room
The new Seaside Heights Historical Society Museum sign:
The new Museum sign outside the museum
The upcoming highlights of the new museum
The historic pictures of life at the Seaside Heights Beach
The view of the museum from the end of the boardwalk
I finally got a chance to visit the Saugerties Historical Society and see the inside of this historical home. The Society has done a nice job displaying their historical artifacts and carefully decorating the house to reflex the period.
The Living Room of the Kierstad Homestead
In the first room in the main part of the house, there is a display of family China from descendants of the original family who owned the house, local business artifacts and family heirlooms. In the original sections of the house, summer kitchen had has been displayed. This is a depiction of how a Dutch farming family may live in the 1700’s.
In the other room in the main part of the house was an exhibition of local hero, Captain Roger Donlon, who was a decorated officer in the Vietnam War. The exhibition had all the news clipping from the award ceremony and his hometown welcome. One of the volunteers told me that this exhibition will be taken down soon so that they can mount the thirtieth anniversary of Woodstock.
The rest of the house is used for archives space. The house is in two sections, the original section which contains the Summer Kitchen and loft space above (that is closed to the public) and the addition to the house in the late 1700’s. Descendants of the home lived in the house until the 1950’s. The grounds are nice to walk around on and take in the cool shade on a hot day.
The museum is an interesting look at early life in Saugerties, NY.
The Mission Statement:
The mission of the Saugerties Historical Society shall be to provide coordination of all things historical in Saugerties; to be involved in the research, collection, preservation, dissemination of information about, and productive re-use of the historical archives and material culture of the community; to make the historical resources of the community available to the public through education, exhibition and interpretation; and to secure the safe management and protection of such resources that may come under its jurisdiction.
The welcome sign in front of the house.
History of the Society:
(from the Historical Society website/pamphlet)
The Saugerties Historical Society is a source of local information, art, and memorabilia. Exhibitions of colonial and recent history include Saugerties themes as well as those of regional interest such as History Day each October and authentic Hudson Valley colonial militia reenactment.
The Saugerties Historical Society partners with local schools in the education of American and local history. Hands-on activities such as scrubbing clothes on a washboard, spinning wool and writing with a quill pen encourage students to experience colonial life. The Saugerties Historical Society aims to bring pride and knowledge of community through education and preservation.
The earliest recorded owner of the stone house was Hiskia Dubois (c 1727) and Dr. Kiersted purchased the house from Hiskia’s son, Daniel. The Kiersted House was saved from demolition in 1955 by Charles and Inez Steele. Through the generous efforts of volunteers in cooperation with the Town and Village of Saugerties the Saugerties Historical Society acquired the house in 1998.
The Kiersted House is a community center. Each summer, concerts, such as those with the Saugerties Community Band are presented on the beautiful lawn and gardens of the house. The Saugerties Historical Society regularly hosts various community clubs and organizations. The Kiersted House and grounds are available to suitable organizations for special events. The Saugerties Historical Society welcomes all to experience history while visiting the Kiersted House. The Kiersted-DuBois House is listed on the National and New York State Register of Historic Places.
The inside of the Historical Society
History of the Building:
(from the Historical Society website)
The Kiersted House was saved from demolition in 1955 by Charles and Inez Steele. Through the generous efforts of volunteers in cooperation with the Town and Village of Saugerties, the Saugerties Historical Society acquired the house in 1998.
The Historical Marker
The earliest recorded owner of the stone house was Hiskia DuBois, c. 1727. The home which was originally located on approximately 40 acres was sold upon his death by his son David DuBois to Dr. Christopher Kiersted who was married to Leah DuBois.
The stone house was built in sections with the east wing being the earliest, c. 1727. Subsequent additions to the west end included the parlor and the joining of a stone outbuilding to the main house in 1800. Preservation of the interior of the Kiersted House is evident in the original wide plank floors, 18th century glass-paned windows (some bearing family inscriptions), much original iron hardware and century old concrete floors with inlaid design.
The original section of the home from the early 1700’s with the Summer kitchen
The later addition to the house
In early 2003, during a planned restoration the house was spruced up with great care to respect the historic elements. The wooden doors and frames were carefully cleaned to expose their original grain and features. The floor planks were also cleaned and patched aesthetically. The stone work in the fireplace required additional care and some of the original stones had to be replaced. An antique pro carpet cleaning NYC service was enlisted to clean and restore the rugs and carpets, many of which were the originals and some of the more worn items were moved away from highly trafficked areas. The drapery and linen items were also restored or replaced with replicas.
The Saugerties Historical Society in the summer of 2023.
The Society has given visitors a chance to see what life was like for early Dutch and English settlers from a prestigious family from the area. It shows that life was understated and productive. It was not an idle existence but one from hard work and determination to build on something. The house is a window for us to look at the families who lived here and how their families grew and progressed.
The fireplace and family crib of the Kiersten’s family
The Kierstad family crib from Dutch times
The Living Room set up
Artifacts in the Living Room including antique furniture and a stroller from the Civil War
The ‘Old Summer Kitchen’
The Summer Kitchen was the original part of the house
The table lined with items from harvest and for cooking the main meal
The kitchen being the focal point of the house was always warm so children and babies could be watched
In the main room were many of the artifacts in the collection:
The family China of Sally Ann Lamouree Zillow, a descendent of the Kierstad family
From the Town of Saugerties, the award of a commode
The Captain Roger Dobson exhibition:
In the other part of the house was exhibit of Captain Roger Dobson, a local hero of the Vietnam War. The decorated Captain’s store was a local boy makes good. The exhibition contains all sorts of clippings and articles from the event and of the Captain’s accomplishments.
The entrance to the Roger Donlon exhibition
The Roger Donlon exhibition on his career in the armed forces during the Vietnam War
The display of Captain Donlon’s accomplishment
The last artifact I saw at the museum was a replica of the original map of Saugerties. This map shows the farms and estates of the original families of the Town of Saugerties.
The replica of the map of Saugerties, NY
The Outside Gardens:
After my tour of the museum, I walked around the grounds of the property and enjoyed the sunny day.
The gardens outside the entrance to the Kierstad Homestead and Gardens
The front of the Red Brick Schoolhouse Museum/Chatham Township Historical Society at 24 Southern Boulevard
The historical sign of the Mount Vernon School
The museum sign that welcomes you to the museum
The Mission Statement of the Museum:
(from the museum website)
The Historical Society of the Township of Chatham was established to increase the knowledge, awareness and preservation of the Township of Chatham history.
I visiting the Red Schoolhouse Museum on the first Sunday of the month and found a delightful little museum filled with artifacts that represent life in Chatham during various times in the town’s history. The museum has two floors with displays telling the history of the Township of Chatham from the beginnings with the Lenape Tribe living in the area to modern times.
The Museum gallery
On the first floor there is the special exhibitions that rotate in the museum. Some of the themes of the exhibitions were Children’s Toys and Playthings through the ages, Wedding gowns and formal wear and Revolutionary War items. The museum also has an interesting exhibition on the Lenape Indians who lived in this region before the Dutch arrived.
Wedding Gowns and Formal Wear exhibition on the first floor
Dressmaking and Sewing in the home and in business
Children’s Toys and Playthings through the ages
Children’s dolls and stuffed animals
The Train display of electric antique items
Revolutionary War and Trade items on the top shelf and historical cameras
The second floor has displays that tell different stories. The display cases have Native American artifacts, farming equipment, household items, pictures of the town at different stages of development, the community changes from a farming to business with the advent of the railroad. Here you see the changes in household items as time goes on.
The Lenape Display
Native American stone objects
The Arrowhead collection
Each display tells an interesting story of the Township of Chatham. Looking over how the towns in the area developed I didn’t even know there was a Village of Chatham and a Township of Chatham. I was also impressed with their toy collection which should be a conversation piece to any group of elementary school students. I think this would be interesting to seniors as well on times have changed since they were children. The museum really has something for everyone. All different stories are being told at this museum and the collection continues to grow when residents pasts become part of the museum’s future.
The display on resident Reverend Samuel Tuttle
The Statement of Purpose:
(from the museum website)
The Historical Society of the Township of Chatham, a volunteer, not-for-profit organization founded in 1975, is dedicated to increasing knowledge, awareness and preservation of our town’s unique historical heritage. We maintain the Red Brick Schoolhouse Museum where we coordinate our educational programs, research, and preservation advocacy as well as manage the discovery, collection, and conservation of materials that illustrate the history of the area prior to and after European settlement.
Artifacts from one of the museum’s historic digs
The audience served by the Society’s programs includes members of the Society, residents, students and visitors to the community, scholars, the public in general as well as businesses and governmental agencies in the area.
The display of the history of the Red Brick Schoolhouse
The Schoolhouse and Native American collections
The Society carries out a broad range of activities. It oversees the Red Brick Schoolhouse Museum and library; mounts permanent, temporary, and traveling exhibits; coordinates education programs with local schools; and sponsors a public lecture series. In addition, the Society publishes pertinent materials related to local history; acquires, preserves and curates the Society’s collections and archival materials; and researches the history of the Township of Chatham and its environs. Further, it allows access to the Society’s store of knowledge as far as may be feasible to all who wish to examine or study it; supports a historic marker program; cooperates with other local historical societies and organizations; and uses electronic media to awaken public interest.
Historic artifacts at the museum
About the Museum:
(from the museum website)
The Red Brick Schoolhouse was built in 1860 and used until 1928 when the town’s five rural schools were replaced by the Southern Boulevard School. The schoolhouse was deeded to the town and, for many years, was used as the Town Hall. When the town offices were relocated in 1988, the building was put into the charge of the Historical Society for use as a museum.
The display semi professional baseball and town development
The museum has a permanent exhibit on the second floor which is arranged according to the town’s original school districts. Each district highlights, not only that school, but also the industries, farming activities, and the people who lived in each district.
The objects reflecting different times in the town’s history
The first floor is a large meeting room where our lecture series is presented. The room contains a number of displays as well, including antique toys, food preparation equipment, dresses, and various locally manufactured items.
The Museum Collections:
(from the museum website)
Oral Histories: Beginning in the late 1970s, members of the Society began recording oral histories by the elder residents of the Township. About 75 have been collected thus far in this ongoing project.
The Great Swamp display
Books: The Society has numerous books, old and recent, concerning the history of New Jersey, Morris County, Chatham Township, and the surrounding area. Books can be used only at the museum.
Documents: Various town documents including poll books, road district records, tax records, among others, dating from as early as the 1840s are available upon request for study at the museum.
Artifacts from the dairy farms, the local community and pictures of the schools
Artifacts: The museum is full of a wide spectrum of artifacts that reflect life in the Township throughout its history.
The schoolhouse and electronic display near the staircase
Photographs: The Society has a large collection of original and scanned photographs of the activities, places, and people of the Township. Early images provide a window into the Township’s past. More recent images are forming the record for the next generation of history-lovers.
The Schwartz Dairy Farm pictures
Articles from the Schwartz Family Dairy Farm, one of the former businesses of town
Maps: The Society has a number of old maps of Chatham and the immediate area, which can be viewed at the museum.
The changes in the town and its development over the years
Archeological Artifacts: In 1983-84, members of the Society undertook an archeological dig at the site of the Nathaniel Bonnel V House. The house, on River Road, was built in 1756 and burned in 1940, then the land was abandoned. When a condominium development was planned for the area, the Society was granted permission for the dig. Artifacts found during the archeologist-guided excavation are displayed in the museum.
The Bonnel House archeological dig
There is something for everyone to see at the museum.
The Front of the Point Pleasant Jenkinson Aquarium on the Boardwalk
The entrance of the aquarium on the Boardwalk in Point Pleasant, NJ
This was the first time I had stepped foot in this aquarium since the year it was opened. I could not believe that I had not been here since 1991. The aquarium had just finished a renovation of the second floor of the building and created a Amazon Jungle type of exhibitions of small mammals and birds.
The interactive displays and open tanks are all over the aquarium so that you really can interact with the marine life under a controlled environment
What I like about the aquarium is that it is very hands on and family friendly. There are all sorts of docents and animal caregivers around to explain what the aquatic life do and how they live in a controlled environment. Each of the floors is broken down into different sections and each type of marine life has their own environment to live.
The Mangrove tanks with Moon Jellyfish and Yellow Tang fish
The full tanks of marine life
When you walk in you are greeted by a display of a Mangrove forest and the inhabitants that live there. These Yellow Tang fish seemed right at home swimming amongst the trees. Next to them, the Moon Jellyfish were swimming around in their tank like floating angels. They looked so beautiful and colorful in the tank.
The Yellow Tang fish
The Moon Jellyfish moved around their tank like floating angels. You could see them in full detail down to their spines. They swam around and looked like a surreal movie.
The first open tank you will visit has sting rays, hermit crabs and other small fish. You have to pay attention to what the docent is explaining so that you don’t startle the marine life. The main floor of the aquarium is like a marine life museum in which each tank is dedicated to a classification of fish.
The Sting Rays were very playful in the open tank but I would stay away from them,
In the main room of the first floor of the aquarium, each tank is home to different marine life. These surround the main open tank filled with hermit crabs, sting rays and turtles. These tanks give you a chance to interact with the wildlife.
The little sea turtle was relaxing when I visited him in his tank
These spotted sting rays swam around the bottom of the tank
In the larger tanks that surrounded the open tanks contain all sorts of ocean creatures swimming around claiming their territory. This is why they are kept in different tanks so that they don’t devour one another. The shark tank is the most active with sharks swimming around trying to find a way to escape from these tanks.
The shark tanks are a very active tank
The eels are active on their own interacting with the art work on the walls thinking it is real.
The eel showed it own independence in its tank
The colorful Angel Fish tank showcased an array of hues of other tropical fish as well
Taking one last tour of the first floor before the Seal feeding upstairs
The Clownfish tank
On the upper floor of the aquarium is the Penguin Tanks, the open tanks with more turtles and starfish, mammals as sloths and small monkeys and the bird exhibition with parakeets.
The penguins are such inquisitive mammals. They just watched their trainers and feeders clean the tank and acted like this was a perfectly acceptable thing for them to do. They just observed and talked amongst themselves as they watched us watching them. They are so jaded by human interaction.
The Diamondback Turtle was staring back at me from the open tanks
So did the Spotted Turtle
The seal feeding was very different from other aquariums that I had been to recently. First it was inside and second it was two different types of seals that were both disabled. The small Harbor seal had one of its flippers removed and the other Black seal was legally blind. They had been taken out of the wild for rehabilitation and it is safer for them to be in a controlled environment. I have never seen two mammals so well taken care of by trainers who treat them with respect.
The blind Black Harbor seal swam around and reacted positively to her trainer. She just looked out at the audience with a playful attitude of someone who was used to being around humans.
She came to surface for her meal
She was very interactive with the audience after she got fed. Here she welcomed us
The smaller Harbor seal was so cute. She had such a difficult life when she had her flipper removed for her health and safety so her swimming was tougher. She made due and learned to swim a different way and showed her independence.
She gave the audience such a innocent look
After the feeding was over, she swam over to where we were and I waved at her. I was not sure if this was directed at me looking at her but she gave me such a soulful look like I knew her.
I swear she looked at me like she knew me. I was ready to give her a hug
I really enjoyed my visit to the Jenkinson Aquarium. I liked how you feel like you are part of the exhibitions and how you are explained what is going on my both the volunteers and staff. They almost give you a responsibility to know what the plight of these mammals and aquatic life is like and how we have to respect it. You will learn a lot in one afternoon. These residents know how to communicate with us by just a stare or just looking back at us with a knowing glance. I just think they are used to us as well.
History of the Jenkinson Aquarium:
(from the company website)
The Boardwalk entrance to the Jenkinson Aquarium in Point Pleasant, NJ
Jenkinson’s Aquarium is a privately owned facility located on the boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ. Opening in June of 1991, Jenkinson’s Aquarium has proven to be a valuable educational and recreational resource, as evidenced by its growing popularity. The aquarium is dedicated to educating the public on all aspects of marine life and conservation. Each exhibit is designed to promote awareness of the animals, their habitats and conservation.
The Black Harbor seal responding to her feeding
Exhibits such as Atlantic sharks, Pacific sharks, coral reefs, penguins, and seals give you the opportunity to get up close to animals from around the globe. Another attraction, the touch tank, allows visitors to touch live animals ranging from a sea star to a sting ray!
The Tropical Fish tank
In addition to the educational exhibits, the aquarium offers workshops for children of all ages, as well as professional development workshops for teachers and group tours for schools and scout groups. Groups are provided a general tour of the building and can choose between a number of Focus Programs that will highlight a chosen topic. If your group is unable to make it to the aquarium, we can come to you through our Outreach Program. If you are looking for somewhere special to have your child’s birthday party, the aquarium is just the place.
The Penguin Tanks
We offer a Perky the Penguin Birthday Party for children turning four years or older. The aquarium is also available for evening functions such as wedding receptions, corporate parties or business meetings. For those who wish to volunteer their time, Jenkinson’s Aquarium has an extensive volunteer program for those over the age of sixteen. The aquarium staff, including volunteers, participate in many community programs including Adopt-a-Highway and NJ Community Water Watch.
The Shark tank
Either in the community or at the aquarium, our staff will greet you in a courteous and professional manner. The staff is on hand to answer any of your questions while visiting, making it an enjoyable and educational experience. On your way out, you can take the fun home with you after browsing through our aquarium Gift Shop which has an extensive selection of marine related products.
The large fish tank
Jenkinson’s Aquarium is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). AZA is America’s leading accrediting organization for zoos and aquariums, and accredits only those institutions that have achieved rigorous, professional standards for animal welfare and management, veterinary care, wildlife conservation and research, education, safety, staffing, and more.
The Moon Jellyfish
It is such a great visit!
I went back in October of 2024 and there was a Boo on the Boardwalk event with all sorts of activities for kids at the Aquarium and on the Boardwalk.
The Aquarium on Halloween for events
The ‘Boo at the Boardwalk’ event
During a very gloomy post-Christmas day, I returned to the Boardwalk for the ‘Sea of Lights’ event and that was pretty spectacular. The whole first floor was done on white lights with all sorts of special activities. I missed Santa’s plunge earlier in the day but it was still a festive environment on the Boardwalk, gloomy weather aside.
The ‘Sea of Lights’ event at the Boardwalk
The Boardwalk decorated for the Christmas holidays
The Boardwalk decorated for Christmas
This part of the Boardwalk was open and ready to greet visitors in the post Christmas holiday
Inside the real magic began with these beautiful lights all over the place
The hallways and exhibits were bright and cheery regardless of the weather.
It was still gloomy when I left the aquarium but I was in better spirits seeing all the beautiful lights
Who says Christmas at the Jersey Shore is boring? There is lots to see and do and the people at Jenkinson’s give you that option to step in and have fun at the shore.
Visiting a Museum: The Unique, Unusual, Obscure and Historical 