Archives and History Day Oct. 13
Through the years, a dedicated group of men and women have meticulously preserved many of the historical records of Monmouth County dating back to 1665.

This month, on Archives and History Day Oct. 13, the county's past will be celebrated once again at the Monmouth County Library Headquarters in Manalapan. Visitors will be treated to as many as 70 displays prepared by historical organizations in the county and from around the state, as well as a fascinating exhibit on the Jersey Shore on view through Oct. 31 in the library's lobby.

The county archives reveal the histories of families through property, marriage, birth and naturalization records. They also contain information about the freeing of slaves in the pre-Civil War years, and records of such diverse matters as lawsuits, executions and tavern licenses.

County Clerk Claire French will present the Jane G. Clayton Award to independent historian Karen L. Schnitzspahn of Little Silver, who will be available for book signing.

Featured speaker will be Professor Walter Greason of Ursinus College, Collegeville, Pa., who will speak on "Re-imagining the Garden of Eden: How Monmouth County Became a Suburban Paradise."

Greason will focus on the post-World War II period during which Monmouth County's population grew dramatically, and discuss how the county changed from a largely agricultural area to a more densely populated county.

Since 1996, Archives and History Day has been celebrated annually in recognition of Archives Week. Its purpose is to bring together archivists, historians and other people and organizations that preserve New Jersey history and make it available to the public, particularly as it relates to Monmouth County.

A program is available on the Web site, www.visitmonmouth.com/archives and can be obtained by calling the archives at (732) 308-3771.

In another Archives Week event, county Archivist Gary Saretzky will present a slide lecture on 19th Century Monmouth County Photographers at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10, highlighting the most significant of more than 100 professionals and serious amateurs he has researched.