About the New Jersey Museum of Boating

Telling the Tale of the NJ Seas

In 1998, William T. Birdsall, along with wooden boat experts Robert B. O’Brien, Jr. of Bay Head, NJ; Stuart Sherk of Wayne, PA and Bay Head; and Thomas J. Byrne of Brick, NJ incorporated the New Jersey Museum of Boating (NJMB) and launched its maiden membership campaign. By 1999 NJMB found a home in Building Number 12 at Johnson Brothers Boat Works in Point Pleasant, and at the Antique and Classic Boat Show Society’s September 1999 show, the public was invited to a preview of the Museum.

That December, NJMB received its IRS letter of determination as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation, and membership continues to grow.

Part of the Coastal Heritage Trail

Work on the museum’s exhibits progressed through the winter of 1999 and on April 22, 2000 the New Jersey Museum of Boating, Inc., officially opened its doors. In 2002, NJMB became the newest destination on the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail, achieving recognition by the National Park Service for the historic value of its collection and location.

Today, NJMB has over 350 member households and has hosted more than 20,000 visitors from across the nation and around the world. The museum is a regular destination for school groups from throughout Ocean and Monmouth Counties and surrounding regions.

Supporting the Legacy of Boating in NJ

NJMB is a member of the Ocean County Council of Maritime Museums (through a non-binding partnership with Toms River Seaport Society and Tuckerton Seaport), the National Maritime Historical Society, the NJ Marine Trades Association, Museum Small Craft Association, Shore Region Tourism Council, and the NJ Historical Society.

Looking Forward to the Future

Currently housed at the historic Johnson Brothers Boat Works in Point Pleasant, the museum uses just about every inch of its 2000 square feet of space. To that end, we are excited to announce plans for a new location at Trader’s Cove Park on Mantoloking Road in Brick.

Beyond offering more space, the new location will be housed in historic replicas of two important lifesaving stations from New Jersey’s maritime past and include a clam bar, museum store, and 120-seat theater. Work on the new location will begin in early 2008, with a scheduled grand opening in early 2009. Keep an eye on the site to watch our progress!

Stop in and See Us!