Avon-by-the-Sea Historical Society’s project started with an idea to organize its extensive postcard collection. But as their inquiry into this angle of their community’s history progressed, it became clear that the community was interested in—and would support—more.

“Our participation in the Community History learning sessions gave us the ideas for filming the oral histories to commemorate our town anniversary,” said Norah Magrini, president of the all-volunteer organization. “What started as an idea to organize our post card collection turned into making a movie and a book to preserve the memories of residents and friends of Avon.”

The timing couldn’t have been better, as the borough’s 125th anniversary was approaching in 2025. The group sought to have the project complete in time to premiere at the town’s Founders Day, where they hoped for a modest crowd.

“The number of attendees reached 500, and it was standing room only,” Magrini said. “It is safe to say that Avon loves learning about its history and wants to learn more.”

With funding support from Community History, the group was also able to expand the scope of their inquiry to documenting and procuring public signage for local sites of interest. They were also able to complete their original idea to organize its postcard collection.

The archive of hundreds of postcards—the only remnants of many of the town’s since-demolished buildings and sites—can be found, along with the “Post Card Ponderings” film, on the group’s website.

“The project has introduced us to so many people of all ages who used to live in Avon, love our beach and boardwalk and want to give us artifacts to help preserve our past,” Magrini said. “Not only have we met our older residents but the new families attended the premiere as well and we have recruited some new historical society members in the process.”

Meet other Community History participants and learn about the program »