The Preservationists Inc.

The Preservationists Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to education and the preservation of Art, History and Culture. The Preservationists Inc. was established in 1972 by an eclectic group interested in collecting and preserving Revolutionary Era history and artifacts. The construction of the Garden State Parkway and with companies relocating to the Jersey Shore, the area underwent major redevelopment. Large parcels of land were being developed while historic homes and sites were torn down. At the same time the country’s bicentennial was fast approaching which helped to foster pride in local history and preservation.
In October 1978, The Preservationists Inc. was incorporated. The organization’s Board of Directors consisted of world renowned sculptor Donald De Lue. Preeminent Stained Glass Photographer, Lecturer and Author Leeland A. Cook, Author Actress, Movie Producer and Lecturer Li Ling Ai, Actress and singer Gertrude Neilinger, Professor, world lecturer and environmentalist John Amberg PhD.
The Seabrook-Wilson House
With the major influx of North Jersey and New York residents moving down the shore construction and redevelopment ramped up in the early 1970s. Historic homes such as the Bowne house and the Octagon house were under threat of demolition. Meanwhile historic lands and environmentally sensitive areas were falling victim to the bulldozer, The Preservationists Inc. saved and assisted turning the building into a museum.
Bayshore Fishing
In the late 1970’s local fisherman and activist Albert Vorhees joined the Preservationtists and shifted the focus to include the history of fishing in the area. The Preservationists Inc. worked with the Belford Seafood Co-op to give tours of the facility, explain the history of the fishing industry in New Jersey and fight to preserve the way of life.
Revolutionary War Encampment
During the 1970 and 1990s the preservationists organized a revolutionary war encampment. Reenactors portrayed both Patriot militia and British regulars that skirmished during the British landing at Shoal Harbor along with representations of the daily life of the soldiers.
Collaboration and Partnerships
Throughout the years the Preservationists Inc. has worked with many different organizations on a wide variety of projects. During the late 1980s through the early 1990s the group worked with The Monmouth County Friends of Clearwater a local chapter of Hudson River Sloop Clearwater. Singer and Song writer Robert Killian teamed up with the Preservationists for concerts.
Recent Projects
Over the recent years the organization is working to educate the public and preserve the memory of Donald De Lue one of America’s greatest Sculptors and former Board Member.
Recently the organization is backing two major projects one called Foodication, dedicated to the History and Education of Food and the other is a children's book on inspirational educators.

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