Avalon Launches Historical Marker Program

Avalon’s historic markers will look much like this marker, which is part of a similar program in North Wildwood.

A new initiative by the Avalon Historical Society is intended to help preserve memories of the people, places, and events that shaped Avalon’s early years. Avalon Borough Council approved the Historical Society’s proposed Historical Marker Program at its March meeting.

“Avalon has such a rich history,” said Bob Penrose, president of the Historical Society. “We are pleased to have this opportunity to preserve some of the most deserving people and places for posterity.”

Each year the public will be invited to nominate a person, place, or event that has played a significant role in Avalon’s history. Nominations will then be presented to a select committee consisting of the Historical Society members, government officials, and longtime residents. The nominees garnering the most votes will each be honored with a specially cast aluminum plaque. Each plaque, which is cast out of aircraft-grade aluminum to withstand the harsh elements, will include a photo, a brief description, and a QR code that will eventually lead to a special website featuring greater details and even more photographs. The Historical Society, which is funding this project, is expecting to produce a minimum of two markers per year.

Penrose went on to explain that the markers will be similar to those utilized in other communities to acknowledge subjects of historical interest. “Eventually, over time, we hope to have enough monuments for a self-guided historic tour of Avalon,” he added.

Anyone with an interest in Avalon can nominate a person, place, or event for consideration. Nominations will be accepted until May 15, 2023. Every nomination must include a short description of 50 to 100 words explaining why the subject deserves consideration. Every nomination must include the name, address and telephone number of the person submitting the nomination. All nominations should be mailed to Avalon Historical Markers, PO Box 134, Avalon, NJ 08202.

The subjects of the first markers will be announced later this summer.