Bradley Beach Historical Society
BBHS was founded as a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization for the purpose of collecting and preserving local historical data and artifacts for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations.
Save the Date
Under the Boardwalk, Over the Moon
Love Stories Event
Celebrate first love, love and marriage, and even ever-lasting love at our community love-fest; live at the Historical Museum, 701 Main Street, Bradley Beach, and virtually on Zoom. Warm your heart on a winter afternoon by sharing love stories featuring Bradley Beach.
Sunday, February 16, from 2 – 4 PM
NEW
Bradley Beach Collectibles!
Quantities Are Limited, Order Now
Make your day at home or on the beach even more awesome by supporting the Historical Society. Spread the word about our mission with these Bradley Beach badge pillows and towels.
Note: Local Pick Up Only
Stay Up To Date
BBHS Events
Love Stories Event: Sunday, February 16
Celebrate first love, love and marriage, and even ever-lasting love at our community love-fest, live and virtually on Zoom on Sunday, February 16, 2025.
Coming Back to Bradley
“Coming Back to Bradley” drew a packed house to share oral histories of multigenerational families and view an exhibit showcasing the Borough’s early history.
Bradley Food Pantry: A Valuable Community Resource
The Bradley Beach Historical Society is seeking memorabilia to include in a new exhibit celebrating the 41-year history of the Bradley Food Pantry.
Bradley Beach, NJ
Celebrating the heritage of Bradley Beach by keeping its history a part of daily life.
Welcome to the Bradley Beach Historical Society (BBHS) web site. Here you can find out about events (past and future) as well as exhibitions hosted at our Museum, which is located in the Carmen Biase Center, 719 Main Street next to Borough Hall. If you want to learn fascinating facts about our coastal town, you will be able to search through our collection as our online archives expand.
Our Story
Captain Kidd’s Treasure
The earliest accounts of Bradley Beach can be traced back to 1679 when it is said that Captain William Kidd anchored his vessel off Duck Creek, now known as Sylvan Lake. By 1927, Bradley Beach had become a popular resort town.
Explore
Learn about the history of Bradley Beach, how it got its name and how the BBHS is collecting and preserving local historical data and artifacts for future generations.
Events
See what’s happening in and around Bradley Beach and add our events to your calendar. View photos and reviews of our past events.
Love Stories
“Under the Boardwalk,
Over the Moon”
The history of Bradley is full of sweet, salty, and sentimental stories of young love.
Gallery
See a visual history of New Jersey shore images; from vintage postcards to current day photos.
Membership
Join & Give
Join BBHS to ensure that all our cherished stories and those of early day-trippers, weekenders and seasonal residents are passed on to future generations.
Reunion
Chinatown-By-The-Sea
Celebrating the Chinese American Community in Bradley Beach,
Saturday, August 26, 2023
Don’t Miss
Bradley Love Stories
Love at 607 LaReine
Written by Carole White Hessels (2019) I was born in the house at 607 LaReine Avenue on November 28, 1944. My parents, Jean and Vincent White, and my grandmother raised me in that house which was built by my grandfather, who worked for Lewis Lumber. My husband John...
Two Love Stories from Evergreen Avenue
Submitted by Debi Unger, November 2019 Evergreen Avenue, February 1961 and October 1969: I have two love stories that involve Bradley Beach. The first one did not end well but produced two children, Anthony and Elizabeth. The second one is still ongoing after 50 years...
My Granddaughter’s Bradley Beach Love Story
My granddaughter’s engagement party at our Bradley Beach home will remain forever in our memory. The couple is now happily married and living in Texas.