Ocean City Historical Museum to reopen after major renovation with

Grand Reopening scheduled for September 3, 2004 at 2:00PM

Ocean City-N.J.

The Ocean City Historical Museum Inc., located in the Ocean City Cultural and Community Center at 1735 Simpson Avenue in Ocean City, NJ will make history when it reopens to the public On September 3, 2004 after a $250,000, and eight month renovation project. 

Executive Director, Linda A. Long, explains, “The existing facility and some of the Museum’s artifacts were damaged as a result of an ineffective Heating/Cooling unit and a long term water leak.  This project enables us to achieve a stronger presence in the community by offering residents and visitors alike its traditional aesthetic appeal and character with an expanded research section and engaging displays.”  OCHM President, Paul Anselm states, “We are insuring that the future generations will have a museum and a wonderful collection of Ocean City History.”

This is the Museum’s first major renovation since it moved into the Cultural and Community Center in 1990.   

RENOVATION PROJECT

The conservation and restoration aspect of the Ocean City Historical Museum’s project consists of major upgrades in electrical, heating/cooling, lighting, displays and offices. 

In addition, the Museum was painted and new carpeting and ceiling tiles were installed by the City of Ocean City. 

NEW FACILITIES AND EXHIBITS

The reinstallation and redesign project consists of the additions of an expanded research section, a visible storage area and the expansion of the Museum’s Shop.  The Museum’s exhibits will continue to feature the Sindia Shipwreck as well as tell Ocean City’s history in a historically correct timeline from the city’s beginnings to modern days. 

COLLECTIONS AND PROGRAMMING

In preparation for the facility improvements, every item in the Museum’s collection was placed in temporary storage containers.  Prior to moving these items to the storage container, Museum Staff and Volunteers cleaned and packed every item. 

In 2004 the City of Ocean City will celebrate its 125^th Anniversary and the Ocean City Historical Museum, Inc. will celebrate its 40^th Anniversary.   The new and improved museum will represent our City’s past, preserve our culture for future generations and serve as a destination during many of the Anniversary celebrations. 

Additionally, OCHM will host its 18^th annual antique fair on September 11^th, Ocean City’s 125^th Anniversary

Celebration in the Community and Cultural center on September 14^th and OCHM 40^th Anniversary Luncheon and fundraising event on September 15, 2004 at the Ocean City Yacht Club.