A brief history on the founding of The Monmouth Museum:

The Monmouth Museum was founded in 1963 as "A Museum of Ideas". After ten years of temporary homes, the Museum moved into its own 12,000 square foot facility in 1973 on the campus of Brookdale Community College, built entirely with donated funds. The purpose of the Monmouth Museum is to promote and support activities, which enhance the understanding and appreciation of cultural, scientific and artisitic endeavors. The Museum oprates a facility devoted to accesible art exhibitions and educational programs that express original, provocative ideas and concepts relevant to the enhancement in the quality of life of the diverse community it serves in New Jersey.

For more than 40 years, the Monmouth Museum has served the residents of Monmouth County and the surrounding region with distinction. It is the fifth largest private museum in New Jersey. Among the 15,000 museums in the United States, the Museum is one of only 944 to be accredited by the American Association of Museums. The Museum makes a significant contribution to the vitality of the region and is in a position to meet the challenges of a rapidly growing community which needs the cultural and educational resources of a fine museum.

The Monmouth Museum is "A Museum of Ideas", it provides a center that:
- stimulates and advances the creativity and intellect of a broad community of children and adults by exploring the arts, sciences and humanities;
- 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.

Monmouth Museum was again voted "The Best Museum" in Monmouth County
We are pleased to announce the Monmouth Museum has been voted "The Best Museum" in Monmouth County in the 2007 Asbury Park Press Reader's Choice awards.