Monmouth County Historical Association Virtually Celebrates Annual Garden Party

FEATURED PHOTO: MCHA Executive Committee: (l to r front row) Kathy Jones (2nd Vice President), Lisa Klem Wilson (Treasurer), Ross Millhiser (Vice President Emeritus); (l to r back row) Sandy Mulheren (1st Vice President), Michael Parent (Assistant Treasurer) | CREDIT: Lynne Ward

Many participants gathered in their own gardens to safely ‘bloom where they are planted’ while honoring a cherished tradition and joining in a virtual toast to MCHA and its mission to preserve and celebrate the history of Monmouth County.

For more than four decades, MCHA has hosted the annual Garden Party on the last Sunday evening in June. Beginning as an intimate gathering featuring homemade hors d’oeuvres passed by young volunteers and décor plucked from members’ own gardens, the event grew to a much-anticipated summer institution welcoming close to 400 guests to enjoy beautiful vistas from many of the grandest riverfront homes in Monmouth County. This year, due to the current public health crisis, MCHA was not able to host the customary summer soiree. Instead, the Association invited attendees to come together with family and close friends in their own gardens and backyards, while observing social distancing, and then tune in to the Zoom Bloom to share their love for history and the Garden Party with the community.

The Zoom Bloom program featured a greeting from Linda Bricker, President of the MCHA Board of Trustees, welcoming all, exploring the storied history of the Garden Party, and expressing appreciation to the Committee members, trustees, staff, and contributors who continue to help shepherd the Association through this challenging time. Executive Director Meg Sharp-Walton then took to the screen, highlighting the rich 120-year legacy of MCHA and the crucial role history plays in understanding and navigating the challenges the country faces today. Going on to spotlight the Association’s esteemed collection and historic sites reflecting 350 years of American heritage, diverse exhibitions ranging from the paintings of 19th century artist Micah Williams to Springsteen: His Hometown, and innovative programs including a garden project based on Thomas Jefferson’s horticultural records and the newly launched Remembering Covid-19 campaign to gather and archive personal reflections on the pandemic, Sharp-Walton also stressed the vital part supporters and contributors play in ensuring MCHA can continue this important mission. Attendees then joined 2019 Garden Party Honoree and past Interim Director Charles “Chuck” Jones in a toast to the Garden Party and the future of MCHA.

For more information and way to donate to MCHA, please visit MonmouthHistory.org.