SPEAKER SERIES
A Visit from Betsy Ross
Kim Hanley brings one of the most iconic figures of American Independence to life. She introduces us to the myth that Betsy Ross’s descendants claim, that she designed and made the very first flag of our nation. Betsy herself never made that claim, but we do know that she lived a fascinating and inspiring life during very difficult times. Born Elizabeth Griscom Ross on January1, 1752 in Glouster, NJ, she was the eighth child of a fourth-generation American family. She made flags for the Pennsylvania Navy during the American Revolution and is purported to have designed the first American symbol of our newly formed nation.
WHEN Monday, June 15th, 2026 | 7pm
WHERE The Ocean County Artist Guild, 22 Chestnut St. Island Heights, NJ 087632
TICKETS
Free Admission, Donations Appreciated
ANNUAL EVENT
31st Annual Garden Tour: Secret Gardens & Scenic Porches
Come join us for one of our most exciting events of the year. Stroll through gardens, sit on scenic porches overlooking the water and discover the hidden corners of Island Heights. Presented by the Island Heights Cultural & Heritage Association.
Join us for Prosecco & light bites at 3:30 on the patio at the museum
WHEN Saturday, June 27th, 2026 | 10am - 3pm (Rain or Shine)
ADVANCE TICKETS $30 - CALL 732.929.2646 or Purchase at The Cottage Museum June 13th 1-4pm, and June 20th 10am-4pm
DAY OF TICKETS $35 - 105 Simpson Avenue, Island Heights NJ 08732
America's 250th Celebration
Come celebrate America's 250th Birthday with Family Fun,
Music, Activities & Food!
Community Parade
Food Vendors
Craft & Community Vendors
Family/Kid Activities
Live Music & DJ
"Broadway Meets the Beach" Show
Fireworks Finale
WHEN
Friday, July 3rd, 2026 | 3pm - 9pm
WHERE
Parade will conclude at the Wanamaker Complex where the celebration will continue throughout the afternoon and evening with a Fireworks Finale at 9 PM.
Presented In Partnership with The Borough of Island Heights. For More information contact Lynn Pendleton: laduckworth@gmail.com 732-929-2646
SPEAKER SERIES
The Toms River Salt Works
Joseph Latshaw, of the Ocean County Historical Society, recounts the story of the Toms River Salt Works and its critical importance to the American Revolution-era industry along the New Jersey coast. The salt works were established in 1776-1777, during the British blockade, for the production of salt crucial for the preservation of meat and fish. Funded by the ‘Pennsylvania Salt Works’ and private investors, they produced salt for the Continental Army by boiling ocean water from Barnegat Bay in large iron pans. In March 1782, a British force attacked the Toms River blockhouse and destroyed the salt works and burned all by two houses in the village of Toms River.
WHEN Monday, July 20th, 2026 | 7pm
WHERE The Ocean County Artist Guild, 22 Chestnut St. Island Heights, NJ 087632
TICKETS
Free Admission, Donations Appreciated
SPEAKER SERIES
Batsto Iron Works
Established in 1766 by Charles Read, Batsto was a crucial industrial supplier of cannons, cannon balls, artillery fittings, and camp kettles for the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Because of its strategic location along the Batsto River, its close proximity to the Mullica River, and abundance of natural resources necessary for iron production, Batsto became a leading producer of iron. Bog Ore was ‘mined’ from the banks of the rivers, wood from the forests became charcoal for fuel and water for manufacturing power.
John Hepple, Batsto’s resident historian brings to life the story of how an iron works that started making household items, became a major supplier of military fittings for George Washington’s army, evolved into a major producer of glass, and became a gentlemen’s farm and conservation tract.
WHEN Monday, August 17th, 2026 | 7pm
WHERE The Ocean County Artist Guild, 22 Chestnut St. Island Heights, NJ 087632
TICKETS
Free Admission, Donations Appreciated