Freehold High School, c. 1925
History is Ours
Monmouth County, New Jersey is home to some of the most revolutionary history in the story of America. Originally settled in 1675 as part of what was known as the province of East Jersey and officially established in 1683, the county was divided into the three towns of Freehold, Middletown and Shrewsbury. It was from Freehold that Washington strengthened our resolve at the Battle of Monmouth, young William Burroughs Ross went off to fight for the Union, and a tenacious, spirited Lillie Hamm walked into Freehold High School, ready to change the world.
Explore the Stories in the MCHA Museum and Archives and Beyond...
Colonial Era thru Revolution
1600s - 1783
Early Local
Industry 1800s to mid-1900s
Featured
Art
Peter Luyster
c. 1760
by Daniel Hendrickson
No, we don't know either. But good luck sleeping tonight.
Established in 1898, MCHA is home to one of the finest and most extensive regional collections in the country. Our museum collection contains over 35,000 objects, and our archives house over 1,000 manuscript collections. In partnership with local history organizations, this digital resource has been curated to support the NJ Social Studies Curriculum for high school students. We are pleased to offer a variety of local and national primary source examples and other fascinating material to help engage students in the classroom, and will continue to build and refresh the resource with new discoveries.
Slavery Era, 16oos-1865
Civil War Era, 1861-1865
The Gilded Age, Roaring Twenties & Prohibition
1870-1933
War
in the 20th Century
Now and Then...
Hover to Peek Into the Past!
Under
Construction !
Small Town
Life
Diverse Monmouth
Monmouth County has a rich history of diversity, though minority populations have not always been documented as thoroughly. Through oral histories, video presentations and photographs, learn about the achievements of individuals with physical challenges, the fight for women's equality, the fascinating history of Asbury Park's Segregated Seashore, and the struggles and triumphs of our African American and LGBTQ communities.