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.
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