Contributed Gary D. Saretzky
Monmouth County Clerk M. Claire French has announced that Cheryl A. Cook will be presented with the Jane Clayton Award on Archives and History Day, October 12, at the Monmouth County Library. The award, given annually since 1997, honors an individual who, over a substantial number of years, has made exceptional contributions to an awareness, understanding, and/or preservation of the history of Monmouth County. Since her retirement as Head of Collection Development for the Monmouth County Library in 1999, Cook has worked diligently to preserve and enhance historical resources in Freehold Township. She created a museum for Early Childhood Education at the West Freehold Schoolhouse in 1999. She then spent several years establishing the Oakley Farm Museum that opened in 2002. More than 15 Eagle Scouts have done their projects at the farm, which includes the entire contents of a 19th century village blacksmith shop Cook acquired from the Vanderveer family. In 2003, she played a leadership role in the founding of the Freehold Township Heritage Society, which raises funds for preservation projects, including the restoration of the Georgia Road Schoolhouse that reopened in 2010. Cook also was instrumental in creating a museum at the Solomon property now located in Mount’s Corner Shopping Center. The Barn is now the home of the Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County, founded in 2006. These are but a few of Cook’s many achievements that have enhanced the preservation of historic buildings and enabled public history education and programs. “Without question,” stated County Clerk French, “Cheryl Cook is deserving of this recognition of her achievements. I look forward to presenting the award to her on Archives and History Day.” For a schedule of events on October 12, see http://co.monmouth.nj.us/page.aspx?Id=4177
Delaware Valley Archivists Group 