Fundraiser 2023

May 6th, 2023 enabled the return of the New Jersey Maritime Museum’s Annual Fundraiser (since 2019). It was a wonderful and fun-filled event for which we want to offer thanks to each and every attendee and supporter for their generosity and attendance. We only hope that you enjoyed yourselves, languished in the delicious food delicacies – donated by several local restaurants & businesses, did a bit of dancing to the music of the Eddie Testa Band, and perhaps brought home one (or two) of the auction gifts and basket prizes. Your support goes 100% towards the preservation of the New Jersey Maritime Museum – and for the safeguarding and preserving of Maritime History. Following you will find photos taken during the event.

(For any future planning, next year’s event will be on Saturday May 4th at Bird & Betty’s and will feature the return of the Eddie Testa Band). So keep those dancing shoes shined, your appetite polished, and your desire to have a good time reserved until then. We hope to see you next year. Thanks again to all. Stay safe and be well.

On July 25, 1956, the SS Stockholm collided with the SS Andrea Doria east of Nantucket, MA.  Andrea Doria was mortally damaged and began listing immediately.  Ships in the area – including the Stockholm – assisted in the rescue of the passengers and crew. While 1660 passengers and crew survived, 46 died in the collision.

On July 25, 2021, an event was held at the NJ Maritime Museum to mark the 65^th anniversary of the tragic sinking of the Andrea Doria. The event was arranged by Jennifer Sellitti, Joe Mazraani and John Moyer.  The survivors of the incident were honored with six in attendance.  .

The main purpose of the event was to celebrate the recovery and restoration of the Andrea Doria’s foghorn.  The foghorn was discovered and brought to the surface by Joe Mazraani’s dive team in 2016.  During the following five years, it underwent a slow and meticulous process to restore it to its original condition.  The horn was blasted three times which could be heard 9 miles away.

Here are several photos taken of the event by museum photographer Michael Egolf.  Enjoy.

The 2019 fundraiser was – by far – the most successful and well attended event yet. The weather was perfect and provided for a festive evening. Lots of food, lots of drink and some fun activities like a 20’s photo booth.  The theme of the event was the 100 years since the beginning of Prohibition and its effect on the New Jersey shore.  Historian Jeff Brown provided a talk on the activities of rum runners on the Jersey shore in their efforts to import illegal liquor. It was a great evening.  Thanks to all who were part of it.

The NJ Maritime Museum received the donation of two A-Cat sailboats GHOST and RAVEN.  Much of the summer was spent attending sailing events all over Barnegat Bay and providing the sailing experience to many including school children and wounded warriors. Here is a collection of images captured during some of GHOST’s adventures.

The rain came early this year on Fundraiser Day. We knew that might happen and had more of the museum grounds covered with tents than ever before. But the rain did not diminish the attendees either in number or in enthusiasm. Food and beverage were in abundance all evening. Tribute was made to the 125^th anniversary of Beach Haven. More door prizes and gift baskets were awarded than ever before. Thanks to all who came to participate. Thanks also to the local business community for their generous support. And thanks to the museum’s volunteers for bringing it all together.

LBI has a rich history. And we are fortunate to have several authors who have taken the time and effort to document that history for all of us to enjoy. Some of these authors came to the Maritime Museum on August 2, 2015 to be part of a LBI celebration and book signing party. Here are some of the photos taken at this special museum event.

Deb turns 60! What better way to celebrate this milestone than a party at the museum with friends and family. Blustery weather prevented this from being a “Booze Cruise” as originally planned. But no one seemed to mind being indoors with the same food and grog.  Happy birthday Deb. Many more to come.

The “museum mom”, Pauline Whitcraft, was in town for her birthday this year. That is a great excuse for a party. Friends and family surprised Pauline with a birthday celebration at the museum..  The party was catered by Beach Haven Catering (David Lloyd).  This was a great way to shake off the February blahs.  Happy birthday Pauline.

On a beautiful day at the Jersey Shore, Steve and Maureen Langevin cruised to their favorite wreck 15 miles offshore.  The visibility on the wreck was a rare 80′ and this is the day Steve while videotaping saw in his viewfinder a curious shape. Wow, that’s an anchor! The discovery launched a 3 year expedition to recover the artifact.

With help from Captain Hank Garvin and crew of the Garloo, the Langevins dislodged the anchor where it fell to the sea floor. One week later, on June 14, 2009, with help from a chartered scallop dragger they lifted the artifact from it’s watery grave. Their friend Bill Lockwood from Lockwood Boatworks strapped the 5,000 pound anchor on a trailer and transported it to it’s new home for everyone to see. Here are some photos of the dedication of the anchor to the Maritime Museum