Our Mission
The Belmar Historical Society is dedicated to the restoration, preservation and acquisition of Belmar sites and materials. The BHS seeks to inform the public about Belmar’s history through its programs and displays.
Incorporated on May 16, 2011, the BHS is an all-volunteer organization consisting of approximately thirty active volunteers and a growing number of members. We have four Officers (President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer) along with 11 Trustees.
President, Spencer Heulitt; Vice President, Lucille Maddalena Hohn; Secretary, Karen Heulitt; Treasurer, Jim Hohn. Trustees: Brian Magovern, Irene McCann, Pat Melango, Pat O'Keefe, Naomi Reissner, Christina Spina, and Rickey Stein.
The Belmar Historical Society’s history museum’s opening was originally scheduled for November, 2012. Super Storm Sandy hit the Jersey Shore four days before the grand opening. Due to flooding in the building, the opening was delayed while volunteers worked to preserve the many treasures stored on-site. It is with gratitude that the BHS thanks the Monmouth County Archives in Manalapan for safekeeping the bulk of memorabilia and historical artifacts, and extends special thanks to the Borough of Belmar, the Monmouth County Historical Commission, and the New Jersey Historical Commission for their support.
It is with sincere pride that in April, 2015 the BHS opened Belmar’s first history museum at 900 E Street, Belmar, in the Annex of the Union Fire House. Visitors are welcome to come view the many materials and displays that preserve and share Belmar’s proud history. The BHS also maintains a display case at Borough Hall, 6th Avenue entrance, with monthly rotating exhibits.
In addition, thanks for support must be extended to Belmar's citizens as well as county and state organizations. The Monmouth Historical Commission matching grant program, along with Belmar citizen support in the purchase of pavers, enabled the restoration of the WWI Doughboy Statue and weaponry at Doughboy Park, the WWII Monument on Main Street, and the Malta Mast base at 8th and Ocean Avenues. Repairs to the exterior of the Union Fire House on 9th and E Street were made possible by matching grants from the Monmouth Historical Commission, with assistance from the Borough of Belmar Department of Public Works. The purchase of archival supplies was made possible by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission.