THE BRIAR CLUB by Kate Quinn  (F)

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Underground Rail Road in New Jersey. Enslaved people had run away from their owners for years before their methods and routes became known as the Underground Railroad. The most travelled route through New Jersey for runaways paralleled the Delaware River from Salem County to Trenton. From there, the escapees cut across the narrow part of New Jersey as they headed for New York. Black and white people supported runaways on their perilous journeys to freedom. This illustrated presentation will look at the history of enslavement in New Jersey, the Quakers who lobbied for manumission, and people involved in the Underground Rail Road.

Rick Geffken

Rick Geffken has authored numerous articles on New Jersey history and presented historical papers at the New Jersey History & Historic Preservation, the New Jersey Education Association, the New Jersey Library Association, and the Institute for Advanced Study (Princeton).

He is part of a project called the New Jersey Slavery Records Index under the auspices of Rutgers University, (New Brunswick). He joined the New Jersey Social Justice Reconciliation Committee to commemorate the only recorded lynching of a Black man in New Jersey.

In 2023, Rick was recognized for historical contributions by The Monmouth County Historical Association, and the Monmouth County Clerk for his efforts in the preservation and knowledge of Monmouth County history.

A former U.S. Army officer and Viet Nam veteran, Rick retired from a career with Hewlett-Packard. He earned a BS from St. Peter’s University, a Teaching Certificate from Monmouth University, and an MA from Montclair State University.

Rick is a Trustee of the Shrewsbury Historical Society. He formerly served on the Boars of the Friends of Cedar View Cemetery, and the Jersey Coast Heritage Museum at Sandlass House. He is a current Board member of Truehart Productions; an advisor for the Tinton Falls Historic Preservation Commission, and the Board of the Asbury Park Museum, and a member of the Monmouth County Historical Association.

Rick Geffken has authored numerous articles on various aspects of New Jersey history for local newspapers, magazines, historical societies, and newsletters. He has presented historical papers at the New Jersey History & Historic Preservation conferences. He has participated in Symposia for groups such as the Rutgers Business School (Newark, NJ); the Navesink Maritime Historical Association, and has appeared on the New Jersey Cable TV show, Family Historian. 

Rick has spoken about New Jersey historical topics – Lost Amusement Parks; Quakers & Slavery in NJ; New Jersey's Submarine Inventors: Simon Lake & John Holland; The Morris Family of NJ;  Historical Maritime Events along the New Jersey Coast; Mysteries of the 1777 Battle of Navesink; The Lenape/Munsee Peoples & European Settlers in New Jersey - at dozens of historical societies and libraries. He has been a featured speaker at the Trent House Museum, the Quaker Meeting of Shrewsbury, the Battleground Historical Society, and other organizations. 

Rick has taught courses on New Jersey slavery for Monmouth University (West Long Branch); and at Brookdale Community College (Lincroft). He contributes to the New Jersey Slavery Records Index project under the auspices of Rutgers University (New Brunswick).

As an active member of the New Jersey Social Justice Reconciliation Committee, Rick was instrumental in placing a memorial plaque in Eatontown, the 1886 site of the only recorded lynching of a Black man in New Jersey. He was also successful in convincing Middletown Township to erect a commemorative plaque at Cedar View Cemetery, purchased by fourteen free Black men in 1850.

He works closely with the Middletown NJ Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Rick’s books include:

The Story of Shrewsbury Revisited, 1965-2015

Lost Amusement Parks of the North Jersey Shore

Hidden History of Monmouth County

To Preserve & Protect, profiles of people who recorded the history and heritage of Monmouth County, New Jersey

Stories of Slavery in New Jersey.

New Jersey’s Revolutionary Rivalry, the Untold Story of Col. Tye vs. Capt. Huddy

JOSEPHINE by Margaret Buchholz
(the author will come to our book group on September 24th)  (NF)

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 JAMES by Percival Everett (FICTION)

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CANCELED: BOOK OF THE MONTH FOR JULY.

EXPECT GREAT THINGS by Vanda (NF)

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Seeing Red: Engaging Future Generations in Osprey Conservation
Ospreys have made a resounding recovery throughout New Jersey, where over 800 pairs nest along the majority of our waterways. NJDEP upgraded their status from threatened to stable in early 2025. Today, citizen scientists play a crucial role in monitoring ospreys and the health of their population throughout the state.

During this talk, Ben Wurst, Senior Wildlife Biologist with Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ will talk about efforts to monitor and manage ospreys over the past two decades with emphasis on engaging the public in reporting nest activity online, through Osprey-watch.org. He will also discuss Project RedBand, an osprey banding and re-sighting project that was founded on Long Beach Island and how the public can help contribute to their long term stability.

 HORSE by Geraldine Brooks (F)

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Historical New Jersey Maritime Events from Henry Hudson in 1609 through the Revolutionary War to today, how the Atlantic Ocean defined New Jersey.

Rick Geffken

Rick Geffken has authored numerous articles on New Jersey history and presented historical papers at the New Jersey History & Historic Preservation, the New Jersey Education Association, the New Jersey Library Association, and the Institute for Advanced Study (Princeton).

He is part of a project called the New Jersey Slavery Records Index under the auspices of Rutgers University, (New Brunswick). He joined the New Jersey Social Justice Reconciliation Committee to commemorate the only recorded lynching of a Black man in New Jersey.

In 2023, Rick was recognized for historical contributions by The Monmouth County Historical Association, and the Monmouth County Clerk for his efforts in the preservation and knowledge of Monmouth County history.

A former U.S. Army officer and Viet Nam veteran, Rick retired from a career with Hewlett-Packard. He earned a BS from St. Peter’s University, a Teaching Certificate from Monmouth University, and an MA from Montclair State University.

Rick is a Trustee of the Shrewsbury Historical Society. He formerly served on the Boars of the Friends of Cedar View Cemetery, and the Jersey Coast Heritage Museum at Sandlass House. He is a current Board member of Truehart Productions; an advisor for the Tinton Falls Historic Preservation Commission, and the Board of the Asbury Park Museum, and a member of the Monmouth County Historical Association.

Rick Geffken has authored numerous articles on various aspects of New Jersey history for local newspapers, magazines, historical societies, and newsletters. He has presented historical papers at the New Jersey History & Historic Preservation conferences. He has participated in Symposia for groups such as the Rutgers Business School (Newark, NJ); the Navesink Maritime Historical Association, and has appeared on the New Jersey Cable TV show, Family Historian. 

Rick has spoken about New Jersey historical topics – Lost Amusement Parks; Quakers & Slavery in NJ; New Jersey's Submarine Inventors: Simon Lake & John Holland; The Morris Family of NJ;  Historical Maritime Events along the New Jersey Coast; Mysteries of the 1777 Battle of Navesink; The Lenape/Munsee Peoples & European Settlers in New Jersey - at dozens of historical societies and libraries. He has been a featured speaker at the Trent House Museum, the Quaker Meeting of Shrewsbury, the Battleground Historical Society, and other organizations. 

Rick has taught courses on New Jersey slavery for Monmouth University (West Long Branch); and at Brookdale Community College (Lincroft). He contributes to the New Jersey Slavery Records Index project under the auspices of Rutgers University (New Brunswick).

As an active member of the New Jersey Social Justice Reconciliation Committee, Rick was instrumental in placing a memorial plaque in Eatontown, the 1886 site of the only recorded lynching of a Black man in New Jersey. He was also successful in convincing Middletown Township to erect a commemorative plaque at Cedar View Cemetery, purchased by fourteen free Black men in 1850.

He works closely with the Middletown NJ Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Rick’s books include:

The Story of Shrewsbury Revisited, 1965-2015

Lost Amusement Parks of the North Jersey Shore

Hidden History of Monmouth County

To Preserve & Protect, profiles of people who recorded the history and heritage of Monmouth County, New Jersey

Stories of Slavery in New Jersey.

New Jersey’s Revolutionary Rivalry, the Untold Story of Col. Tye vs. Capt. Huddy

McDermott’s Handy Live at the Beach Haven Public Library
Friday, June 6 at 2:00 PM

Join us at the Beach Haven Public Library for a special afternoon performance by McDermott’s Handy, the dynamic husband-wife duo of Kathy DeAngelo and Dennis Gormley. Performing together since 1979, this talented pair has been delighting audiences throughout the Delaware Valley with their rich, traditional Irish music.

Award-winning multi-instrumentalists, Kathy and Dennis bring their powerful vocals, masterful musicianship, and warm stage presence to every performance. Whether it’s the soulful strains of a ballad or the lively rhythm of a reel, McDermott’s Handy delivers an unforgettable musical experience that will have your toes tapping and your heart smiling.

Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to enjoy a concert filled with authentic Irish tradition, energy, and charm—right here at your local library!

“Thyme to Learn about Herbs” Presented by Rutgers Master Gardener, Debra Cowles

Join us at the Beach Haven Library on May 29th at 1:00 for "Thyme to Learn about Herbs presented by Rutgers Master Gardener, Debra Cowles. This free engaging program dives deep into the delightful world of herbs, showing you how to nurture these fragrant wonders in your cozy home and outdoors. We'll unearth the secrets to successful growing and the art of preserving herbs. From drying and freezing to other fantastic techniques, you'll learn how to keep the fresh flavors of your homegrown herbs at your fingertips all year round.

This engaging program dives deep into the delightful world of herbs, showing you how to nurture these fragrant wonders in your cozy home and outdoors. We'll unearth the secrets to successful growing and the art of preserving herbs. From drying and freezing to other fantastic techniques, you'll learn how to keep the fresh flavors of your homegrown herbs at your fingertips all year round.

Rutgers Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity program provider and employer. Contact your local Extension Office forinformation regarding special needs or accommodations. Contact the State Extension Director’s Office if you have concerns related to discrimination, 848-932-3703. Cooperating Agencies: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Boards of County Commissioners. Rutgers Cooperative Extension, a unit of the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, is an equal opportunity program provider and employer.

Into thin air by Jon Krakauer

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