The Ocean City Historical Museum has unveiled a new exhibit titled Surfin’ OCNJ, which chronicles the history of surfing in Ocean City through a collection of surfboards, artifacts, images, and apparel. Tom DiGiovanni, a museum intern and public history master’s student, serves as the guest curator and highlights how the exhibit captures the development of local surfing culture, including its social dynamics.
The exhibit features over 25 surfboards, donated by local enthusiasts, and is arranged chronologically to showcase the evolution of surfboard designs from the 1960s to modern times. Contributions came from various individuals and organizations, adding depth to the exhibit, including a sizable collection of surfing-related literature from Robert Hendrikson.
Historian Bill Simon offers insights into New Jersey’s surfing legacy, mentioning Duke Kahanamoku’s demonstrations on local shores as pivotal moments in the area’s history. The exhibit also supports efforts by Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian to create a permanent surf and beach patrol museum to promote surfing culture in Southern New Jersey.
Surfin’ OCNJ is located in the Ocean City Historical Museum, open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
