About Us
Our Mission
Monmouth County Historical Association collects, preserves, and interprets its extensive museum, research library, and archival collections that relate to Monmouth County’s history and culture and makes these resources available to the widest possible audience.
The Association promotes the study and appreciation of regional and national history through educational programming, publications, special exhibits, and research services. The Association also preserves and interprets five significant historic sites that represent the County’s vanishing architectural heritage.
Through its pursuit of these objectives, the Association enriches the quality of life in Monmouth County by preserving and passing on knowledge of its diverse heritage for future generations.
Logo History
Over a quarter of a century ago, MCHA adopted the thistle as the official logo of the organization. The image was taken from a carving in a rare chair in the Association’s collection.
The Rhea Chair is the oldest piece of documented New Jersey furniture and the only surviving wainscot chair made in the state. The chair maker Robert Rhea emigrated from Scotland to America, eventually settling in Monmouth County. Rhea, who was both farmer and carpenter, carved the Scottish thistle along with his and his wife Janet’s initials into the chair back with the date “1695.”
According to James Fenimore Cooper, “The thistle is the order for dignity and antiquity.” The national symbol of Scotland, it is also the emblem of the Order of the Thistle, one of the highest orders of chivalry of Scotland. Throughout Celtic areas the thistle signifies strength, bravery, durability and determination.
As the familiar symbol of the Association, the thistle reflects both the depth of the collection and the qualities central to the MCHA’s ongoing mission.
Photo caption: Carving on chair back crafted by Robert Rhea with thistle along with date and initials.
Executive Committee
President
Charles H. Jones III, Ed.D.
First Vice President
R. Glenn Cashion
Second Vice President
Betsy O'Connor
Treasurer
Sarah Ashmore Bradley
Secretary
Christie Baltodano
BOARD of TRUSTEES
Elisabeth Casey
Leslie M. Clarke
Lynne Taylor Clemmons
Eugene Croddick
Thomas J. DeFelice III
John Gagliano
Anna Greeley
Peter Izzo
Robert G. Kash
Michael J. McCarty
William J. Mehr, Esq.
Lawrence J. Metz
Lauren Mosley
Luke Mosley
Dwight Pittenger
Candace Sparks
Jessie Specter
Carol Stillwell
Thomas S. Taylor
Lisa Klem Wilson
Melissa Ziobro
Advisory Committee
Robert D. Broege, Esq.
Hope Jones
Ross Millhiser, Jr.