BELMAR, NJ — Long before smartphones, social media and seemingly endless summer traffic, growing up in Belmar meant making your own fun — and, apparently, occasionally finding your way into the town’s original jail cells.Some of those stories will come back to life Thursday, September 24, when the Belmar Historical Society presents “This Is Us: Belmar Celebrates America 250” at the Belmar Public Library.Register for “This Is Us”Sign Up for FREE Belmar/Lake Como Newsletter...
BELMAR, NJ — Long before smartphones, social media and seemingly endless summer traffic, growing up in Belmar meant making your own fun — and, apparently, occasionally finding your way into the town’s original jail cells.
Some of those stories will come back to life Thursday, September 24, when the Belmar Historical Society presents “This Is Us: Belmar Celebrates America 250” at the Belmar Public Library.
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Beginning at 5:30 p.m., Historical Society trustees and longtime Belmar residents Brian Magovern and Pat Melangowill take residents back roughly 50 years with true stories about growing up in the borough — including youthful misadventures on Belmar's beaches and tales involving the original jail cells.
Magovern brings another perspective to the evening as someone who not only grew up in Belmar, but later helped lead it. He served on the Belmar Borough Council and also served as mayor, giving him a view of the community from both sides of the council dais — first as a kid growing up around town and later as one of its elected leaders.
The program promises to be less of a traditional history lecture and more of a trip down memory lane, offering a look at Belmar history through the eyes of people who actually lived it.
For longtime residents, the stories may bring back memories of their own. For newer residents, it is a chance to discover a Belmar that existed before many of today's familiar landmarks, businesses and routines took shape.
Organizers describe the evening as a collection of stories from Belmar's “grown-up kids,” filled with mischief, history and ancestry — the kind of local history that doesn't always make it into official records or history books.
The event is part of America 250, the nationwide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. Rather than focusing only on major national events, “This Is Us” brings the celebration home by highlighting the people, memories and experiences that helped shape Belmar.
The free program will be held at the Belmar Public Library, 517 Tenth Avenue, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, September 24. Light refreshments will be served.
Admission is free and everyone is welcome, but space is limited and advance registration is required.