The role of all programmed activities run by the Avalon Historical Society and History Center is to embrace the past, present, and future of Avalon New Jersey and beyond. Through musical performance, lectures, civic engagements, and historical interpretations it is our hope the visitor leaves with a deeper understanding of local, state, and national history.

Most programs are free to the public, however, some special programming and events require an additional fee. Take a look below and see were 2009 has already been and where it’s going for the Historical Society:

May 6th -31st. The Avalon History Center & Historical Society Annual Photography Contest. Amateur photographers compete for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishes in this professionally judged contest. Categories include; Portrait & Personality, Nature, Scenic, and Avalon. Entry fee is $10 dollars per for photographs with prizes to be awarded for 1st place finishes. Photos will be on display throughout the month.
June 4th 5-7pm. CASA (Court Appointed Advocates for Children) will be holding a closed event.
June 15th 1-4pm. 10th Annual Olde House Tour. Come discover Avalon’s early architecture that features homes that range in age, but nothing more modern then 1940. Tickets are $15 dollars in advance and $20 day of event.
June 15th 9am-12. 1st Annual Family Miniature Golf Tournament to be held at Pirate Island Miniature Golf in Avalon.
June 24th 6pm. Book Lecture, James B. Kirk’s Golden Light: The 1878 Diary of Captain Thomas Rose Lake. Discover the 19th century along the mid-Atlantic through one year in the life of a young Jersey Shore sea captain. With extraordinary details, this book is a wondrous vehicle for traveling back to 1878.
July 13th 30 street beach 10-12. Come discover The Golden Age of Piracy with Valhalla’s Pirate Troupe. The program will feature two hours of continuous entertainment with two half hour fight shows, a meet and greet, and a lesson on Pirate life of the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Fun for the entire family!
August 10th 9:30 30th street beach. 4th Annual W. Norman Mackey Clamshell Pitching Tournament. Come join us for this classic beach game pitching clamshells in a Round Robin Tournament with awards for 1st & 2nd place finishes. Single Entry $10, doubles $20.
August 14th 6pm. History on the Hoof’s Stacy Ross presents Soldiers without Guns; A lively first person interpretation of the role women played during WW II’s work efforts.

Exhibits
May 1st –September 1st. Endless Summer: A History of Surfing in Avalon & Beyond. This multimedia exhibit sponsored by the Avalon History Center will feature period photographs, boards, and artwork detailing the evolution of surfing in the Cape May county area. This is being accomplished through the use of History Center collections and partnerships with the Brendan Borek Association, Heritage Surf shop, renowned surfing photographer Scott Soens, and many local surfing experts.
May 1st-October 1st-Smoke & Courage; the 100 year history of the Avalon Fire Department. The Avalon History Center & Historical Society are proud to present this exhibit highlighting 100 years of firefighting in Avalon. This exhibit will be highlighted by objects, photos, and guest spea kers.

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Summer Exhibits at the History Center

May 1st-October 1st-Smoke & Courage; the 100 year history of the Avalon Fire Department. Whether it is a simple spark or a roaring inferno, fire elicits both fear and fascination. Fire warms us in winter months but it can just as easily destroy all we hold dear. Using artifacts from the History Center collection, loaned objects from the Avalon Fire Department & local collectors, visitors will discover the evolution of the Avalon Fire Department and instances when the town was touched by fire. Come help us celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Avalon Fire Department by learning about its past, present, and future!

May 1st –September 1st. Endless Summer: A History of Surfing in Avalon & Beyond. Come explore and celebrate 7 Mile Island’s surfing heritage at the Avalon History Center! While local fishermen and clammers worked on the ocean they also played in it in their downtime. The History Center’s Endless Summer exhibit will explore the genesis and origins of surfing in New Jersey up through current day trends and the surfer’s connection with the ocean. The exhibit will be highlighted by a collection of local surfboards, memorabilia, and surf art. This is being accomplished through the use of History Center collections and partnerships with the Brendan Borek Association, renowned surfing photographer Scott Soens, and many local surfing experts.