Learn About Toms River’s Past While On A Free Walking Tour

Did you know that the Ocean County Historical society offers free walking tours of the area?  In fact, this Saturday you can join a tour and learn some interesting facts about Toms River's past while getting a bit of exercise and fresh air.

Details about the upcoming tours can be found at http://www.oceancountyhistory.org/.

This weekend's walk will focus on Washington Street/Hooper Ave.  The tour begins in front of the library, takes about 2 hours and covers about 1 mile in distance. (Suggestion: because of the hot weather, you'll want to dress comfortably and bring extra water.)

Guests will learn about the origin of the name "Toms River" and why it is called "Washington Street."   The tour will visit the courthouse, and what was the Sheriff's house and jail in 1850.  During the walk you'll see buildings that are on the National and State registers of historic places.

A visit to the Toms River Seaport Society and Maritime Museum will have you seeing the unique boats used in the river and Barnegat Bay. The last stop is the "Old Methodist Cemetery" where you'll see some headstones that date back to the 1700s.  It was the final resting place of Revolutionary and Civil War soldiers, and other noted people from the town.

Tour organizer Bart Ritorto tells me that reservations should be made in advance by calling 732-664-1318 or sending an email to tomsriverwalkingtour@gmail.com.

Do you think you might go on one of these walking tours in Toms River?