top of page

About Us

Our Mission

Monmouth County Historical Association collects, preserves, and interprets its extensive museum, research library, and archival collections that relate to Monmouth County’s history and culture and makes these resources available to the widest possible audience.

The Association promotes the study and appreciation of regional and national history through educational programming, publications, special exhibits, and research services. The Association also preserves and interprets five significant historic sites that represent the County’s vanishing architectural heritage.

Through its pursuit of these objectives, the Association enriches the quality of life in Monmouth County by preserving and passing on knowledge of its diverse heritage for future generations.

Logo History

Over a quarter of a century ago, MCHA adopted the thistle as the official logo of the organization. The image was taken from a carving in a rare chair in the Association’s collection.

 

The Rhea Chair is the oldest piece of documented New Jersey furniture and the only surviving wainscot chair made in the state. The chair maker Robert Rhea emigrated from Scotland to America, eventually settling in Monmouth County. Rhea, who was both farmer and carpenter, carved the Scottish thistle along with his and his wife Janet’s initials into the chair back with the date “1695.”

According to James Fenimore Cooper, “The thistle is the order for dignity and antiquity.” The national symbol of Scotland, it is also the emblem of the Order of the Thistle, one of the highest orders of chivalry of Scotland. Throughout Celtic areas the thistle signifies strength, bravery, durability and determination.

As the familiar symbol of the Association, the thistle reflects both the depth of the collection and the qualities central to the MCHA’s ongoing mission.

Photo caption: Carving on chair back crafted by Robert Rhea with thistle along with date and initials.

fullsizeoutput_14d3.jpeg

Executive Committee

The Monmouth County Historical Association is pleased to announce Charles Jones III Ed.D as Board President for our 125th anniversary year! Dr. Jones rejoins MCHA following a hiatus during which he served as Interim Director of the Association. Recognized for his commitment and service to MCHA as the 2019 Garden Party Honoree, he carries on his family’s legacy of commitment to the organization begun by his great-grandmother, Mrs. J. Amory Haskell, and continued by his mother, Hope Haskell Jones. His intimate family connection to MCHA is a wonderful (and historic!) addition to the story of our 125th anniversary celebration! Dr. Jones is Founder and Principal of Jones & Associates, an educational and non-profit consulting firm, President of the Rumson Board of Education and Treasurer for the Board of Trustees of Mary’s Place by the Sea. He and his family live in his childhood home in Rumson.

President

Charles H. Jones III, Ed.D.

First Vice President

Jesse Spector

Second Vice President

Peter Izzo

Treasurer

Sarah Ashmore Bradley

Secretary

Christie Baltodano

BOARD of TRUSTEES

Amy Almasy

Linda W. Bricker

 

Robert D. Broege, Esq.

 

R. Glenn Cashion

Leslie M. Clarke

Lynne Taylor Clemmons

Thomas J. DeFelice III

Kathy Jones

 

Robert G. Kash

Mary Ann LaSardo

Michael J. McCarty

William J. Mehr, Esq.

Lawrence J. Metz

Ross Millhiser, Jr.

 

Alexander “Sandy” Mulheren

Betsy O’Connor

Michael Parent

Sara Poponak

Carol Stillwell

 

Thomas S. Taylor

 

Elizabeth C. Thees

 

Lisa Klem Wilson

Melissa Ziobro

bottom of page