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About OCEAN GROVE HISTORIC PRESERVATION SOCIETY

Location:

PO BOX 55, OCEAN GROVE, NJ 07756, US

Mission Statement

The Mission of the Ocean Grove Historic Preservation Society, Inc. is twofold: to save and restore the beautiful and historic building (the "old" Neptune High School) that is currently home to the Jersey Shore Arts Center, and to operate the Arts Center in support of local artists and arts educators. The Jersey Shore Arts Center provides professional opportunities and work space for artists and arts related educators who in turn develop opportunities for the broader Jersey Shore community to experience and engage with the Arts.

Description

Built in 1896, the "Old Neptune High School" was celebrated at the 1906 World's Fair as an "Architectural Splendor, " had fallen into ruin in the 1980s and after weather and neglect came close to destroying it entirely. In 1996, the Ocean Grove Historic Preservation Society, led by Herbert Herbst, stepped in, took title to the building and began the quest to not only save the badly damaged historic building, but to create a beautiful Historic building and a home for the cultural arts at the Jersey Shore.

Beginning with the opening of the first floor with five newly renovated classrooms, restrooms, lobby, office and studio space, and a magnificent 500 seat theater. The second floor has been restored, two dance studios and a third ballroom studio. We officially opened up our third floor facilities including our kitchen/cafe, two studios, beautiful lobby, and the Herbst Theater.

Currently, our goal is to have fully booked performance spaces and a full calendar of unique creative and performance events. Along with leasing our classroom/studio spaces for additional funds, we have and would like to put on more fundraising activities that will help with the upkeep and utilities of this historic site. Grants and state funding only covers so much of what needs to happen - new renovated entrances, repairs and maintenance of the grounds and interior structures and construction projects.