Did You Know

The Monmouth Beach Cultural Center – was once home to the remarkable US Life-Saving Service. Dating back to 1848, these men were revered as the heroes of the Atlantic Coast, routinely risking their lives in grand maritime rescues.

Located on Ocean Avenue in the borough’s Galilee section, it’s the town’s oldest public structure. The Duluth-Style building – first opened as Station #4 in 1894 -- also served as base for other “shore sentinels” like the US Coast Guard (from 1915-1963) and NJ State Marine Police (from 1964-1992).

Thanks to the philanthropy of Jay W. Ross and an ongoing band of true-believers, the building was spared the wrecking ball and endures. Converted into the Monmouth Beach Cultural Center, it marks 25 years of service in May 2025.

The town’s ultimate “Pride of Place” it’s much more than a borough landmark — its compelling history and incomparable location demand that it be protected and promoted. That’s a mission of the new Historical Committee.