Giving Tuesday - Keep LBI's History Alive!
Help preserve the 1882 building that holds the heart and history of our island.
There’s something special about Long Beach Island — the memories, the stories, the sense of belonging. At the LBI Historical Museum, we’re dedicated to preserving the history of our entire island so it can be shared, celebrated, and remembered for generations to come.
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This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to help us protect one of LBI’s most cherished treasures — the historic 1882 building that is home to our museum. With your support, we can ensure that this beloved landmark continues to stand proudly, welcoming all who love LBI as much as we do.
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Give today and help us keep history alive on LBI!
A Brief History of the Building
Built in 1882, it was originally the Holy Innocents Church.
A fire broke out in the Parry House, one of the most well-known hotels in Beach Haven, on Friday, August 12, 1881. Dr. Lamb, staying at the Parry House, smelled the smoke in time to alarm the guests who evacuated the building. No lives were lost.
Captain & Mrs. Parry offered the single donation which established Holy Innocents' Episcopal Church in Beach Haven. It was given in gratitude for the lives of those spared when the Parry House burned down, and in memory of their daughter, Clara Parry Hilger, who had died during childbirth in February 1881. The Church was constructed over the Winter and Spring of 1881-1882. The first services were held on 9 July 1882.
In 1974, the Parish moved into new quarters on the property where the Baldwin Hotel was once located and this historic church building went up for sale.
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In 1975, the Long Beach Island Historical Association acquired the property - and thus began the journey of creating the museum which opened its doors on July 3rd, 1976.
Our Goal - $50,000
Built in 1882, the former Holy Innocents Church, now the LBI Museum, is listed in both the National and New Jersey Historic Registers. As such, the LBIHA does a Historic Preservation Assessment and Plan, periodically, by a preservation architectural firm. In reviewing the assessment done in the Fall of 2024, we identified $1.3 million in essential restoration projects and upgrades needed over the next five years. In addition, we are working to offset lost operational income due to recent grant reductions overall in the nonprofit industry. Below are the three items we have identified for 2026, with others items to be done in future years.
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Preserving The Iconic Bell Tower
Our historic Bell Tower is one of the museum’s most recognizable features, and this Giving Tuesday, we’re working to ensure it remains strong and safe for generations to come. Your support will help fund essential structural repairs, roof restoration, and updated lighting, keeping this treasured landmark standing tall and shining bright for our community and visitors.
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Exterior Lighting Updates
Welcoming and safe grounds are essential for our visitors. This project will upgrade the museum’s exterior lighting, enhancing safety, highlighting the beauty of our historic building, and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere for events and evening tours.
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Replacing the Handicap Lift
Accessibility is a cornerstone of our mission. By installing a new handicap lift, we’ll make sure all visitors, regardless of mobility, can fully enjoy the museum and its programs, ensuring that history is open and welcoming to everyone in our community.
Why It Matters
The LBI Historical Museum is more than a building — it’s a living story of our community. From summer visitors learning about island life to lifelong residents sharing memories, this is where history connects us all.
Your contribution helps us keep that story alive, one shingle, beam, and bell at a time.
Thank You for Keeping History Alive
Your generosity makes all the difference. Every donation helps preserve not only our historic building but also the stories, memories, and traditions that make Long Beach Island so special.
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Together, we’re ensuring that the LBI Historical Museum continues to inspire, educate, and welcome visitors for generations to come.
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From all of us at the Museum — thank you for believing in our mission and being part of our story.