HOWELL – What started out as a small group of history enthusiasts five years ago has grown into a full-blown guild with a mission to preserve Howell Township’s history.
The Howell Heritage and Historical Society recently held a milestone celebration as they reached five years together since “reforming.”
In February of 2019, the MacKenzie Museum and Library on Lakewood-Farmingdale Road was in jeopardy of being torn down. Thus, a group of individuals was looking to form a “new” historical society as the initial Howell Historical Society was inactive for many years. This new group would keep the history of the MacKenzie house alive by reopening it.
The group became incorporated as a 501(c)3 organization. On February 24, 2020, Howell Heritage and Historical Society received the deed for the MacKenzie Museum and Library property from Howell Township.
Fast forward about a year and a half, the Howell Heritage and Historical Society is presented the opportunity to take on another historical building in town. On September 14, 2021, the Township Council passed an ordinance leasing the land under the Ardena Schoolhouse to the Howell Heritage and Historical Society.
They were now in full possession of two major historic properties in Howell. Throughout the past five years, the group has put a lot of “blood, sweat, and tears” into restoring these two properties.
“The Old Ardena Schoolhouse has been reroofed, and repainted outside and inside. Lighting fixtures have been upgraded, and exhibit items refreshed. The thought is to bring new ideas to the schoolroom, so repeat visits can reveal some changing information,” HHHS said.
“The MacKenzie House Museum and Library has also undergone extensive refurbishing of exterior painting, and interior floor-to-ceiling repainting and redecorating,” HHHS added.
Thanks to the Society’s efforts, both facilities have been brought back onto the Weekend in Old Monmouth tours this past spring, where they had been missing for several years.
At the HHS May meeting, members Virginia Woolley and Ellen McGirr recounted some of the stories and activities of the first Howell Historical group from the 1970s and more.
Member Larry Lastra gave a historical summary as to how the MacKenzie House evolved, the Howell Heritage and Historical Society said. The building had transformed from a simple two level, two room residence of early 1800s, to what you see today. He also discussed the important contributions its various owners had made.
Additionally, member Margaret Winkelman summarized the history of the Old Ardena Schoolhouse, and how it got to its present location.
The Howell Heritage and Historical Society meets on the fourth Friday of the month at 7 p.m. in the Ardena Baptist Church Gym.
The June meeting will have a presentation on “Silver from England to the New World: an Odyssey” by William Ditto, an acclaimed area antiques and collectibles personality.
All the changes and restorations of the two historic buildings can be seen in person by attending an open house. Open Houses are 1 to 4 p.m. at the Schoolhouse the last Sunday of the month; and the MacKenzie House the third Saturday of the month.
