Preservation Porch Party
Monthly series beginning again in May! Join us as we recommence our monthly community discussions on issues related to the preservation of Ocean City’s historic and older homes and landmarks.
Unlocking the Ocean
Don your vintage bathing suit and join Friends as we make a splash to herald the opening of the ocean for the 2026 season!
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2026 Garden Tour
Save the date and get ready to explore the beautiful gardens of Ocean City! This is a self-guided tour that showcases some of the most beautiful private gardens around town, and it’s always a highlight of the season. Mark your calendars today!
Hearts for OC: A Valentine's Friends Get-Together
💖 Celebrate Valentine’s with Friends of OCNJ History & Culture!
It may be winter in OC, but our hearts are warm! Join us for our first event of the season, Hearts for OC, on Friday, February 13 at 7:00 PM at the Scarborough Inn. Meet other Friends members, learn more about our group and how we’re working to preserve our community's rich past — have a lot of fun along the way!
We’d love to see you there — please RSVP today. Click HERE.
Annual Holiday Historic Home Tour
Save the Date
Our annual Holiday Historic Home Tour returns Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 5 to 8 PM. Explore interiors, porch culture, and the history behind Ocean City’s most charming homes. Tickets are limited and will be released in phases.
More details soon.
Subscribe for updates at www.friendsocnj.org.
Historic Preservation Commission Meeting
A meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission of the City of Ocean City will be held in the City Council Chambers on the third floor of City Hall (861 Asbury Avenue). The meeting will be open to the public.
Grace Kelly’s Boyfriend’s House Tour
As many know, Grace Kelly “graced” the streets and beaches of Ocean City for many years. She touched many people’s lives and apparently touched someone for real at 315 Ocean. (Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.) Here’s the story. When we purchased the house, I reached out to this community for any information as to its history. Someone told me that Grace Kelly dated someone who lived there. Hmmm, I wondered. But, over time, the story got confirmed. And then this summer the sister of Bill D’Arcy (who dated Grace Kelly) actually visited the house and confirmed the details.
Who knew! Anyway, the house has been renovated and we will open it to our members for a quick tour — quick because it’s tiny house, not because we will shoo you away. You will have a chance to see the journey, place some bocce, and sit at the table she sat at. You may be able to take a picture with her — presuming I can find a Grace Kelly mask.
Come out and celebrate the end of a long but invigorating restoration journey.
Historic Preservation Commission Meeting
A meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission of the City of Ocean City will be held in the City Council Chambers on the third floor of City Hall (861 Asbury Avenue). The meeting will be open to the public.
Preservation Meeting
Over the summer this growing group has been meeting monthly to discuss ideas on how to preserve the older homes in Ocean City. We have developed a long list of ideas, with more to come. We have also shared cherry pie, cheesecake, a box of Tastykakes, and other forms of health food. At this session we are going to pull to together some of the ideas that have been floated over the summer into a cohesive plan. Should be fun, and fattening. Reach out to bill@friendsocnj.org if you want to join in and we will add you to the mailing list. This is a Members Only event. If you are not yet a member and want to attend, we can handle your membership details at the meeting. And, for $35, you will not only become a member, but you will immediately get pie. What’s not to like about that?
Historic Preservation Commission Meeting
A meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission of the City of Ocean City will be held in the City Council Chambers on the third floor of City Hall (861 Asbury Avenue). The meeting will be open to the public.
Ocean City's Rum Running History (Members Only)
Location: The Flanders Hotel
Discover the exciting and notorious past of Ocean City's rum running days. (We haven't always been angels!)
Grace Kelly's Boyfriend's House Tour (Members Only) POSTPONED TO LATE AUGUST - DATE TBD
Location: 315 Ocean Ave
Step back in time with an exclusive tour of the beautifully restored home frequented by Grace Kelly. Sit at the table where she once sat! Visit the bedroom where she once...oh stop that!
Date subject to getting the house done!
Historic Preservation Commission Meeting
A meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission of the City of Ocean City will be held in the City Council Chambers on the third floor of City Hall (861 Asbury Avenue). The meeting will be open to the public.
OCNJ Historic Home Garden Tour (Open to Public)
Experience a delightful and inspiring tour through magical gardens surrounding Ocean City's historic homes. It will inspire you!
Historic Preservation Commission Meeting
A meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission of the City of Ocean City will be held in the City Council Chambers on the third floor of City Hall (861 Asbury Avenue). The meeting will be open to the public.
Old House Restoration Support Group (Members Only)
Location: Scarborough Inn
Join fellow adventurers in historic home restoration therapy - laugh, cry, and share your plaster disasters. (Repeats throughout summer)
Historic Preservation Commission Meeting
A meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission of the City of Ocean City will be held in the City Council Chambers on the third floor of City Hall (861 Asbury Avenue). The meeting will be open to the public.
Unlocking of the Ocean and Business Persons Plunge
Participants dress in business suits, carry brief cases and march into the ocean to the strains of Pomp and Circumstance to welcome the new season. Noon, Moorlyn Terrace St. Beach.
Historic Preservation Commission Meeting
A meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission of the City of Ocean City will be held in the City Council Chambers on the third floor of City Hall (861 Asbury Avenue). The meeting will be open to the public.
Historic Preservation Commission Meeting
A meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission of the City of Ocean City will be held in the City Council Chambers on the third floor of City Hall (861 Asbury Avenue). The meeting will be open to the public.
Historic Preservation Commission Meeting
A meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission of the City of Ocean City will be held in the City Council Chambers on the third floor of City Hall (861 Asbury Avenue). The meeting will be open to the public.
Historic Preservation Commission Meeting
A meeting of the Council of the City of Ocean City will be held in Council Chambers on the third floor of City Hall located at 861 Asbury Avenue. The meeting will be open to the public. Links to video of the meeting will be available on this page the following day.
Holiday Historic Home Tour
The Friends of OCNJ History & Culture is proud to present the 2nd annual Holiday Home Tour.
Houses and business of OCNJ will be decorated for the holidays and ticketed visitors will be invited in to take a peak inside of some of these beautiful historic restored and renovated homes.
Pumpkins in the Park
Join us for a delightful evening at Lake Memorial Park for “Pumpkins in the Park.” Take a leisurely stroll through the park and marvel at the hand-painted pumpkins created by talented students from Ocean City High School. Enjoy the crisp autumn air, a bit of Halloween magic, and creative displays that celebrate the season. This event is perfect for families and visitors of all ages looking to experience a charming and whimsical evening under the moonlight.
Halloween Parade
The Exchange Club of Ocean City, in partnership with the City of Ocean City, is excited to present the 75th Annual Halloween Parade on Thursday, October 24, 2024, starting at 7 PM. Celebrating 75 years, this iconic event remains one of the longest-running Halloween parades in the tri-state area, marching down Asbury Avenue from 6th to 11th Streets.
Wonderland Photo-Op
Join us on Thursday, October 24, 2024, for a community photo in front of Wonderland Pier to help preserve this historic landmark. Bring your family, friends, and signs as we capture a powerful image to raise awareness and support the cause!
Fall Block Party and Fireworks Spectacular
Celebrate the fall season at one of Ocean City’s biggest events! The Fall Block Party features over 400 crafters, food vendors, and entertainers along Asbury Avenue, spanning 5th to 14th Street. The day is packed with unique crafts, delicious food, and live entertainment for all ages. The festivities conclude with a spectacular fireworks display over the boardwalk in the evening.
Boardwalk & Downtown Merchant Table Sales
Come explore unique items and great deals at the Boardwalk and Downtown Merchant Table Sales. A variety of local merchants will set up tables featuring products, souvenirs, and more. It's a fantastic opportunity to support local businesses and find special treasures!
Boardwalk & Downtown Merchant Table Sales
Come explore unique items and great deals at the Boardwalk and Downtown Merchant Table Sales. A variety of local merchants will set up tables featuring products, souvenirs, and more. It's a fantastic opportunity to support local businesses and find special treasures!
Demo Sale
Awnings, railings, fencing, interior doors, grill, 2 kitchens, HVAC, laundry, gas range. Cash and carry.
OCNJ Historic Homes Garden Tour
Wander through the OCNJ’s most adorable gardens!
The Tour is underwritten by Friends of OCNJ History and Culture, and graciously hosted by Passionate Gardeners. There is no cost to attend.
‘Friends’ Launch
This is the official launch of Friends of OCNJ History & Culture, a group of neighbors devoted to promoting Ocean City’s storied history and rich seaside culture.