– JULY 2026 NEWSLETTER —

Hello Friends!

Last week’s Annual Garden Tour brought another wonderful day of history, horticulture, and community to Ocean City. Roughly 170 participants enjoyed a special screening of the film The Gardener before spending a beautiful summer day exploring the gardens of eight historic homes across Ocean City.

Thank you to everyone who came out for the day and a very special thank you to our organizer Nancy Notaro and all the homeowners who shared their gardens and time with us this year. Some thoughts from Nancy and a photo recap can be found here.

But the fun is not over! Join us this Thursday, July 16, on the Scarborough Inn porch (720 Ocean Avenue) for our monthly summer Preservation Porch Party, where we discuss preservation over snacks and follow it all up with a lovely session of live music. (Catch a glimpse of what to expect from our last porch party here.)

– OUR NEXT EVENT! –

– IN THE NEWS –

ON THURSDAY, JUNE 18, seven homeowners and history enthusiasts went to the Cape May County Records Room to learn how to research the ownership history of their own homes. They traveled together by shuttle from the Scarborough Inn. Participants engaged in pleasant conversation, learning about each other’s homes. READ MORE

IN 2018, BILL AND JEANINE ASHMEAD planned to buy and convert a duplex into a single-family vacation home to enjoy with their family. While viewing online real estate sites, they saw a picture of the staircase at 843 Park Place, with its beautiful wood railings and window above the landing. They fell in love instantly and decided to buy this house instead of the one they originally considered renovating.  READ MORE

Editor’s note: This article is part of a Ocean City Sentinel series showcasing owners of historic Ocean City homes and their preservation success stories.

– IN MEMORY –
Marian Talese (1936-2026)

On a more serious note, we would like to take a moment to remember Friends member, longtime Ocean City resident, and accomplished artist Marian Talese, who passed away at the age of 90 after a three-year battle with cancer.

“Marian was such an inspiration to me and all that knew her,” said Friends cofounder Maryann Pionegro-Smith, who also collaborated with Talese at the Ocean City Arts Center.

A celebrated artist and an avid historian, Talese captured some of Ocean City’s most iconic landmarks in her line drawings, many of which were featured in the 2026 Friends of OCNJ History & Culture calendar. “She truly was a staunch supporter of OC's history and historic preservation,” said Pionegro-Smith. “We will miss her. Our community has truly lost a great friend.”

Those who knew her are welcome to share a memory at Marian Talese’s Tribute Book.

Friends of OCNJ History & Culture is building a private preservation network for older Ocean City homes. Our goal is simple: connect preservation-minded buyers, sellers, homeowners, professionals, and neighbors before another historic house becomes a teardown.

The problem is not just awareness. Teardown buyers often make the cleanest offer: cash, fast close, no inspections, fewer headaches. Preservation has to become easier, safer, and more practical. Become part of the Historic Home Preservation Network today.

1. Volunteer Opportunities: We are currently looking for a photographer and/or videographer to help document our events. If this is you or someone you know, please reach out to us about this or other volunteer opportuities.

2. Become a Holiday Host: We are currently recruiting historic homes to be a part of our Historic Holiday Home Tour! Help make this year’s event the biggest and best yet. Send us a message.

3. Spread the Word: Encourage friends and family to become a member of the Friends of OCNJ History and Culture and be part of our wonderful movement.

We’d love to hear from you! Reach out with any questions or to get involved by volunteering at friendsocnj@gmail.com