Marge and Paul Edelson are the winners of the 2022 Jane G. Clayton Award for their outstanding work in the formation of the Township of Ocean Historical Museum.
The announcement was made by County Clerk Christine Hanlon, and the couple will be honored at the 26th Annual Archives and History Day on Saturday, Oct. 1 at the Robert J. Collins Arena at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft.
The Edelsons have been active in promoting Ocean Township’s history since the 1970 when Mrs. Edelson was a charter member of the Ocean Township Historical Society and co-authored two books on the Township. She then co-founded the Township of Ocean Historical Museum in 1984 and has served as president. She has also spearheaded the annual quilt raffle, the Spring and Doll Teas, and other successful fundraisers.
Edelson played an important role in securing the museum’s first home at the Oakhurst School. Since 2001, he has he worked to preserve the Woolley house and oversee its move to its current location where it opened in 2009. He served as president for nearly a decade and has helped raise funds and oversee the restoration of the historic Tower and Cow Barn near the museum.
“The efforts of Marge and Paul Edelson have made a significant impact on the preservation of the history of Ocean Township and beyond,” said Hanlon. ““They are well-deserved winners of this year’s Clayton Award.”
Named for the former County Clerk who established the Monmouth County Archives, the Jane G. Clayton Award has been given annually since 1997 to an individual who has made a major contribution to the preservation and knowledge of Monmouth County history.
This year’s Archives and History Day will be begin at 9 a.m. and is organized by the Monmouth County Clerk’s Archives Division. The 2022 Archives exhibit, which will be on display at Archives and History Day, is titled “Monuments and Markers of Monmouth County.”
The Edelsons will be presented with the Jane G. Clayton Award during the awards presentation of the Archives Day event beginning around noon.
In addition to awards presentations, more than 50 expected local and state historical societies, museums, and will set up tables relating to the mission and activities of their organizations. All who are interested in history are urged to attend this free event.
“Archives and History Day is a key opportunity for history-related organizations to connect with the public and with each other,” said Monmouth County Archivist Julia Telonidis. “Those with an interest in Monmouth County history will enjoy this year’s exhibit and the keynote speech presented by Professor Richard Veit of Monmouth University.”
For more information about Archives and History Day, including the preliminary program for the event, visit the Monmouth County Clerk’s Archives Division website at MonmouthCountyClerk.com/Archives or contact the Monmouth County Archives at 732-308-3771, ext. 3772 or ArchivesResearch@co.monmouth.nj.us.
