The Friends of Monmouth Museum have been an important and integral part of the Monmouth Museum and this year they celebrate their 25th Anniversary! See the Volunteer page.

In March of 1982, a group of volunteeers met to discuss the possibility of forming an auxiliary organization to help the Museum cultivate a larger geographic audience and assist with fundraising activities. Mike Morehouse, Cathy Jahos, Jane McCosker, Shirley Boll and Lois Rathman were among those who comprised the initial group. It was decided to call this organization the Friends of the Monmouth Museum.

A kick-off party was held in August of 1982 and the Friends were officially off the ground. Their initial project, a cook’s box of tried-and-true favorite recipes, was extremely successful. Over the years they have hosted countless fashion shows, cocktail parties, garden tours, lectures, luncheons and Teddy Bear Teas. Each year they lend their many talents to the Holiday Exhibition making it a must-see annual destination for our visitors.

These hard-working, dedicated women are the welcoming faces at exhibition openings and truly the best good-will Ambassadors the Museum could have. It is with great pleasure that the Monmouth Museum salutes the Friends for twenty-five wonderful years!

Consider joining this wonderful circle of Friends. They meet on the first Monday of each month. Just call the Museum at 732-747-2266 and ask for Mary Suszkowski.

Following is just a sampling of some of the fascinating and educational progams the Friends provide at the Museum.

The Friends of the Monmouth Museum presented a delightful Fall Light Lunch and Lecture: Flavors of the Season, on Monday, October 27th. The Friends created a display of beautiful seasonal table settings in the Museum’s Main Gallery. Kathleen Lunman was our Guest Speaker, and discussed the history of tea and the culture surrounding this ancient beverage. She had many ideas for incorporating tea into simple and elegant gatherings with friends and family. Guests sampled a variety of teas and savored a delicious autumn lunch.
		The Friends spearhead our Holiday Exhibition. Local Garden clubs each contribute a themed Christams tree. And our Holiday Train exhibit is a real crowd pleaser.
The Friends Light Lunch & Lecture Series featured culinary taste treats by Don Magee.
		The Friends Light Lunch & Lecture Series committee is pictured here with Jane Johnson (center) during her Quilt Lecture.
Our Annual Teddy Bear Tea includes a story time, high tea and a craft. The event has become very popular so be sure to make your reservation early.Children, parents, grandparents, and Teddy Bears of all ages enjoy this special event hosted by The Friends of the Monmouth Museum. This enchanting afternoon includes delectable treats to eat, gourmet teas for the grown-ups and many activities. Children will enjoy a lesson on manners, games, a raffle and a take-home craft. Advance registration is required.