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Toys and games from Victorian era on a table. Includes board game From New York to San Francisco, dolls, automobiles, cut out figures.
Image of a room arranged to look like an old salon, with armchairs, sofa, table, tall clock on a rug. Various items like photographs, musical instruments, and candlesticks add to the decor.
Image of a room arranged to look like an old style dining room, with a table decorated with a lace tablecloth and placesettings of china. A mannequin of a woman wearing a blue dress with lace is seated at the table.
small ship model inside a glass bottle, mounted on a shelf. Label indicates Emma L. Cottingham, Somers Point, NJ.

Museum Collections

 The Museum at the Atlantic County Historical Society collects and preserves artifacts and memorabilia representing the events, places, and lifestyles of communities in Atlantic County and South New Jersey. 

Tours, exhibits and an annual academic publication are all education-purposed.  For locals, school groups, researchers, media, and summer vacationers alike, the Museum at the Atlantic County Historical Society remains an active center of interest and information.

There are over 20,000 items in the museum's collections. Some of the highlights include:

  • 1765 Duffield clock
  • a bed from 1870
  • a Continental dollar
  • children's toys
  • clothing

If you have artifacts you would like to donate, please contact us.

Exhibits

The museum exhibits will appeal to every member of the family. The permanent exhibit features major collections in the household, useful, decorative, and fine arts. Fans of the Victorian era will appreciate our clothing and textile collections. And children will light up when they see our display of toys and dolls.

Maritime enthusiasts will enjoy our extensive display of shipbuilding tools, models, and marine artifacts representing one of the major 19th-century industries in Atlantic County and the region.

Other exhibits highlight prominent local citizens, such as Senator Frank S. "Hap" Farley and Chalkley Leeds, first mayor of Atlantic City. 

“Early Photography of South Jersey: Daguerrotypes, Ambrotypes and Tintypes"  features Atlantic County founding, influential families of local interest through photography. This permanent exhibit is new for 2020. 

Special exhibits also occur throughout the year. Look at the Events calendar for these. 

Visit

ACHS opens its doors to share its varied collections with anyone who is interested.

The museum occupies the lower level of the building as well as much of the second floor auditorium. Allow at least one hour to tour the museum at a leisurely pace. Volunteers lead guided tours on request and admission to the museum is free.

A museum tour is a fun and educational activity for a school class trip, scout excursion, senior or community group outing, or a rainy day at the Shore. Groups of 12 or more are encouraged to contact the Society in advance to arrange a tour.

Museum hours weekly are Thursday to Saturday, from 10 AM to 3:30PM.