About Us

History of the Asbury Park Museum

While Asbury Park has been the subject of numerous books, documentaries and
articles, the popular seaside resort has not had a permanent museum dedicated to its
history since the city’s first short lived museum established by James Bradley in 1888.
In 2018, a diverse team of concerned historians, journalists, educators, and community
activists came together to form The Asbury Park Museum.

Through private donations, the Asbury Park Museum first introduced itself to the public
with a temporary exhibition, History of Asbury Park, located in the Fifth Avenue Pavilion
on the city’s famed boardwalk over the winter of 2018/2019.

The museum’s inaugural exhibition explored the city’s history through its multicultural
influences, its architecture, its notable personalities, its musical legacy and major
events, The museum’s inaugural exhibition explored the city’s history through its
multicultural influences, its architecture, its notable personalities, its musical legacy and
major events, as well as its renown waterfront destination and commercial hub.

By March 2019, the Asbury Park Museum was certified as a 501 (c)(3) Nonprofit
Corporation.

In 2021, the Museum established a relationship with the historic Berkeley Carteret Hotel
(now Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel), where the museum’s rotating exhibition themes are
on display in the hotel’s lobby, and viewable to the public 7 days a week, 24 hours a
day.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Asbury Park Museum is to re-introduce, educate and advance an understanding, and appreciation of the history of the diverse, progressive, resort and urban community of Greater Asbury Park, New Jersey. The Museum strives to strengthen the bonds of the community and provide a venue for community wide civic engagement, as well as pride and inclusion.

Board of Directors

Advisors