Paul and Marge Edelson
Marge and Paul Edelson of Ocean Township are the winners of the 2022 Jane G. Clayton Award. The award will be announced at the County Clerk’s 26th Annual Archives and History Day on Sat., Oct. 1 at the Robert J. Collins Arena at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft.
“Marge and Paul Edelson have been instrumental in the formation of the Township of Ocean Historical Museum and have played a crucial role in helping to establish it as the strong institution that it is today,” Monmouth County Clerk Christine Hanlon said.
The Edelsons have been active in promoting the Township of Ocean’s history dating back to the 1970s. Marge was a charter member of the Ocean Township Historical Society and co-authored two books on the Township. She then co-founded the Township of Ocean Historical Museum in 1984 and has served as president. She has also spearheaded the annual quilt raffle, the Spring and Doll Teas, and other successful fundraisers.
Paul played an important role in securing the museum’s first home at the Oakhurst School. Starting in 2001, he worked to help save the Woolley house and oversee its move to its current location where it opened in 2009. He has served as president for nearly a decade and has helped to raise funds and oversee the restoration of the historic Tower and Cow Barn near the museum.
“The efforts of Marge and Paul Edelson have made a significant impact on the preservation of the history of Ocean Township and beyond,” Hanlon said. “They are well-deserved winners of this year’s Clayton Award.”
Named for the former county clerk who established the Monmouth County Archives, the Jane G. Clayton Award has been given annually since 1997 to an individual who has made a major contribution to the preservation and knowledge of Monmouth County history.
This year’s Archives and History Day will be held Oct. 1 at Brookdale Community College beginning at 9 a.m. and is organized by the Monmouth County Clerk’s Archives Division. The 2022 Archives exhibit, which will be on display at Archives and History Day, is titled “Monuments and Markers of Monmouth County.”
The Edelsons will be presented with the Jane G. Clayton Award during the awards presentation of the Archives Day event beginning around noon.
In addition to awards presentations, more than 50 expected local and state historical societies, museums, and archives will set up tables relating to the mission and activities of their organizations. Clerk Hanlon welcomes all who are interested in history to attend this free event.
