Lakewood Historical Museum Gets A New Home

Did you know Lakewood was part of Brick until 1892?  Or that John D. Rockefeller had an estate here?  You'll soon be able to learn about this and more when the Lakewood Historical Museum moves to its new home on the grounds of Pine Park on County Line Road.

For the last three years, hundreds of artifacts and memorabilia has sat in cold storage with no place to go.  There were some items on display inside the Township's municipal building.  The Museum had originally been housed inside the Princeton Avenue School Building, which was sold in 2009.  At that time, the items were moved out and organizers scrambled to find another spot.

Now, the Township Committee has agreed to make Kuser Hall the permanent home of the museum.  Organizer Sheldon Wolpin says the location is special since it was built in 1927 and has historical value.  He says "Kuser Hall is the last remaining building of five that was once the Newman School for Boys, a private boys' high school until 1942.  It's a two-story, 16,000 square-foot classroom building.  We are so excited."

The Lakewood Historical Society has begun a fundraising campaign. All money will be used to restore Kuser Hall. Stanley Liptzin, president of the Lakewood Historical Society, said, "The goal of the Society is to make Kuser Hall one of the finest community museums in the country and destination for tourists."

People who would like to donate to the restoration of Kuser Hall or who have items they would like to donate the Lakewood Historical Museum should contact Sheldon Wolpin at 732-920-4550 between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

By: Jason Allentoff