“After many months of hard work, the planning for Archives and History Day is now completed,” said Hanlon. “This great event provides the opportunity to learn about the history of Monmouth County and hear fascinating stories from the people who have studied it.”

As the County’s caretaker of historic documents for the past 27 years, the County Clerk’s Archives staff has prepared a week-long exhibit, opening Oct.4, entitled, “History of Transportation in Monmouth County.”

“Monmouth County continues to be a big transit hub for commuters to and from New York City and the Jersey Shore,” Monmouth County Archivist Gary Saretzky said. “The Archives and History Day exhibits will display the history of Monmouth County’s early aviation, vessels, vehicles and railroads.”

Archives and History Day will feature a History Forum about the several modes of travel that led to the settlement of Monmouth County and continued to shape the quality of the lives of county residents and visitors. The event will also include a history game with prizes and more than 60 exhibitors from across New Jersey showcasing and promoting the history of the area.

During the plenary session from 11:15 a.m. to noon, the M. Claire French Award for Leadership in Historic Preservation will be presented to Fred Carl for his historical preservation efforts and the Jane G. Clayton Award will be presented to Margaret W. Dellinger for her work in the fields of historical research and museum exhibition design.

“Both of these recipients are very deserving of recognition and it is my honor to present these awards to two community leaders who have made a lasting mark in Monmouth County,” Hanlon said.

At 1 p.m., Keynote Speaker Paul W. Schopp will use historic images and post cards to discuss the roots of The Blue Comet train.

“The famous Blue Comet Train began service in 1929 and became a high-society train with its run between Jersey City and Atlantic City, before changing routes to pass through a number of towns in Monmouth County,” Monmouth County Archivist Gary Saretzky said. “The train survived two economic depressions before taking its final passage on the eve of the nation’s entry into the Second World War - Sept. 28, 1941.”

Archives and History Week kicks off on Oct. 4 at 2 p.m. with a movie screening of The Finest Hours starring Chris Pine, Casey Affleck and Ben Foster.

On Oct. 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., Monmouth County Archives Record Analyst George Joynson will give a lecture about the early aviation events and airports in Monmouth County. Later that day from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Monmouth County Historian Randall Gabrielan and Rutgers University Project Historian Dr. David Fowler will host a panel discussion about the history of transportation in New Jersey.

Lastly, on Oct. 6 at 7 p.m., Presidents of the Friends of Monmouth Battlefield Dr. David Martin will hold a lecture, entitled “He Was Everywhere,” about General Anthony Wayne, who was perhaps the best and most active field commander during the Battle of Monmouth.

“This year’s events promise to have something for everyone to enjoy. So, bring the family, enjoy the exhibits and learn something new about New Jersey’s history,” said Hanlon.

A complete schedule of Archives and History Week events can be found on the Monmouth County Clerk’s Website at VisitMonmouth.com/CountyClerk.

For additional information on Archives and History Day, contact the Monmouth County Archives at (732) 308 - 3771 or email Gary.Saretzky@co.monmouth.nj.us.