End-of-Summer Newsletter, Friends of OCNJ

– END OF SUMMER 2026 NEWSLETTER —

Hello Friends!

We’re enjoying the last days of the summer season and hope you are as well; there’s still plenty happening with Friends of OCNJ!

Check out details below about our first-ever Friends of OCNJ Photo Contest focused on capturing the best summer moments in OC.
We’re excited to announce new tiered Friends membership levels that will help our all-volunteer group bring greater attention and support to preservation efforts.
While it’s still officially summer, our 2026 Holiday Historic Home Tour will be here before we know it. We’re beginning to line up homes and volunteers now, and we’d love your help. More on how to participate below.
Finally, read all about one of Ocean City’s most special “Storybook cottages” in a recent issue of the OC Sentinel.

Thank you for being part of Friends — enjoy the rest of your summer, whether you’re spending it in Ocean City, or treasuring memories of summers gone by.

– NEW PHOTO CONTEST –

Friends is launching a year-long photo challenge/contest, beginning with a summer edition. We’re looking for your best SUMMER photos that capture the places and moments that make Ocean City special. No professional photography experience needed! Just share a photo that captures Ocean City’s history and summer spirit.*

Winners will be featured on our social media and website and receive 2 free tickets to our December Historic Holiday Home Tour.

Ideas for inspiration:

Historic homes and neighborhoods bathed in the summer light
Front porches and outdoor gatherings
Labor Day or July 4 celebrations
Architectural details that tell a story
Summer scenes along Ocean City’s historic streets
Gardens and landscapes around historic homes
Everyday summer moments in Ocean City’s historic neighborhoods

To participate: 

Send via Facebook or Instagram:
- Tag @Friends of OCNJ on your social feed
- Use #FriendsOCNJPhoto
Or, email us at submissions@friendsocnj.org
Share your photo by September 15, 2026

*By entering the contest, photographers grant Friends of OCNJ History & Culture nonexclusive (photographer retains copyright and is allowed to use their images elsewhere), royalty-free, perpetual rights to use, reproduce, publish, display, distribute, and promote the photograph, in whole or in part, in connection with the organization's mission, programs, events, fundraising, and communications now and in the future.

– NEW MEMBERSHIP TIERS –

As you may know, Friends is run entirely by volunteers who give their time, energy, and resources to bring you events, share Ocean City’s stories, and keep preservation part of the conversation.

This year, we’re excited to introduce three expanded membership levels.

In addition to getting first access to our ongoing events, including our Garden Tour, Rum Running, and fabulous Preservation Porch Parties, each level comes with tickets to our Annual Holiday Historic Home Tour.

Bungalow ($35) — 1 person (includes 1 ticket)
Cottage ($65) — 2 persons (includes 2 tickets)
Manor ($100) — 4 persons (includes 4 tickets)

The Annual Holiday Historic Home Tour will take place the first weekend of December and typically sells out, so renewing now is a great way to secure your tickets early while supporting Friends throughout the year.

Ready to renew? Renew online

– HELP THIS YEAR’S HISTORIC HOLIDAY HOME TOUR BE THE BEST ONE YET!–

And speaking of our Holiday Historic Home Tour…. WE NEED YOU to help make this year’s event our best ever!

Here are two ways you can help:

Open your home. We’re looking for homeowners with historic or interesting older homes who would like to participate in the tour and give guests a glimpse of the architecture, traditions, and stories that make our community unique.
Volunteer. Our tour grows more popular every year, and we need helping hands to keep guests moving, the hot chocolate flowing, and the holiday cheer going strong!

If you’d be interested in becoming a part of this year’s beloved seasonal tour, please reach out to Friends President (and intrepid tour organizer) Sne Avichal at sne@friendsocnj.org.

– IN THE NEWS –

— Ocean City Sentinel —
“Preservation Success Story: Storybook Cottage on West Surf Road”

“As you drive into the resort via the Ocean City-Longport Bridge, you’ll pass a charming home, with its pointy roof and decorative wooden trim, that resembles an enchanted cottage in an antique children’s storybook.

The “Storybook” house, located behind a picket fence and mature holly trees at 533 West Surf Road, was owned by Nancy McCutcheon for the past 27 years. To her, the 1920s home was a dream fulfilled. Her parents stopped to admire it during Sunday drives in the 1940-1950s. (From the 1950s to 1980s, the home belonged to Gertrude Muller, who rode the famous diving horses at Atlantic City’s Steel Pier.) ….

‘I can’t tell you how many times people have told us that we should just sell, that our home is a tear-down,’ Lauren said, ‘but to us, it’s not just our family’s special place. It’s what makes Ocean City special. Every time a unique old house like ours gets knocked down, our hearts break a little. Homes like ours make this island special.’”

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.

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.

JOIN NOW

We Need You! Come Get Involved.

Volunteer: 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.
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