Since its founding in the mid-1800s, Ocean City has transformed into a vibrant shore town steeped with history and rooted in heritage. In recent years, a group of determined homeowners and historical enthusiasts, known as the Friends of OCNJ, have banded together to preserve the town’s most historic properties, shining a light on the value and character they have brought to the community.

In his essay published in the May 28, 2026, Shore Local (p. 38), OCNJ History and Culture President Sne Avichal shares why one of Ocean City’s greatest and most unique advantages for the future is in celebrating the stories, traditions, and architecture of its past. Avichal makes a strong argument for not only the value of history for history’s sake, but the very real economic power of heritage tourism and property values.

He writes: “Historic preservation is often framed as nostalgia, but in communities across the country, it has also become one of the strongest economic drivers of tourism and long-term economic value. Places like Charleston, Savannah, Newport, and Cape May have shown that visitors are increasingly drawn to destinations with authentic character and a visible connection to their past.”

READ THE FULL ARTICLE (p.38)