A brief history on the founding of The Monmouth Museum:

About the Monmouth Museum
The Monmouth Museum is a private, non-profit organization established in 1963 as the result of a needs assessment conducted by the Junior League of Monmouth County. Until 1973 exhibitions were housed in storefronts and other available temporary spaces. A permanent home for the Museum was completed in 1974 on the Brookdale Community College campus, on a two acre site leased from the College. The Museum is one of the largest private Museums in New Jersey, with an annual attendance exceeding 50,000.

Mission Statement:
The purpose of the Monmouth Museum is to present and support activities that enhance the understanding and appreciation of artistic, cultural, historical and scientific endeavors. The Museum operates a facility devoted to accessible exhibitions and educational programs that express original and provocative ideas. The Museum emphasizes the value and worth of the arts, humanities, history and sciences with expanding programs and projects separately or in partnership with organizations whose aims and purposes are consonant with and similar to the Museum?s.
The Monmouth Museum is "A Museum of Ideas", and provides a center that:
- stimulates and advances the creativity and intellect of a broad community of children and adults by exploring the arts, culture, history and sciences;
- serves as a significant learning resource with changing exhibitions and educational programs developed in response to our immediate, evolving society;
- reinforces the belief that continual learning is central to a meaningful quality of life for all people.
A private, non-profit organization, The Monmouth Museum is entirely supported by individuals, foundations, corporate, county and state grants, income from special events, membership dues and admissions.

A Salute to Dorothy V. Morehouse
Mike, as she is known in the Monmouth Museum community, has shaped and guided the growth of the Museum since becoming Director in 1979. During her tenure she has developed the Museum from a small, struggling organization to a thriving, financially sound institution with over 55,000 visitors each year. Mike has emphasized the Museum's role as a cultural center and teaching tool in the many exhibitions and education programs she has supervised. She has been the vital force behind several expansion projects, the Becker Children's Wing in 1988, and the recent upward addition, which included not only the highly visible tower, but also the new Nilson Gallery and Meeting room, and state of the art offices. In all her endeavors she has drawn on her rich background in science, the museum world, and community service, as well as her natural skills for administration and leadership.
Mike was honored at a special tribute upon her retirement as Director on May 20, 2006. She will remain on the Board of Trustees and active in Museum affairs. A portrait by photographer Jeff Martin was commissoned and presented to Mike at her tribute. It will hang in the Museum with other images of key founders. In addition the WonderWing was re-named the Dortothy V. Morehouse WonderWing, as a way to permanently ensure Mike's endeavors at the Monmouth Museum are never forgotten.