About Us

The Mission of the Ocean Grove Historic Preservation Society, Inc. is twofold: to save and restore the beautiful and historic building, the “old” Neptune High School, currently home to the Jersey Shore Arts Center, and operate the Arts Center in support of local artists and arts educators and provide professional opportunities and significantly affordable workspace to artists, educators, arts-related educators, and community groups who develop opportunities for the broader Jersey Shore community to experience and engage with the Arts.

Built in 1897,the building was celebrated at the 1906 World's Fair as an ''Architectural Splendor'', had fallen into ruin in the 1980's and, after weather and neglect, came close to destroying it entirely. In 1996, the Ocean Grove Historic Preservation Society, led by Herbert Herbst, stepped in, took title to the building and began the quest to not only save the badly damaged historic building, but to realize a dream: turning it into what it is today, a beautiful Historic building and a home for the cultural arts at the New Jersey shore.

The restoration of the ''old'' Neptune High School, and its transformation into the Jersey Shore Arts Center, is a remarkable story that began with the shared vision of Herbert Herbst and some very determined and far-sighted individuals. Taking an abandon building and creating something uniquely wonderful that all Jersey residents can enjoy.

Today, the Old Neptune High School contains local visual and performing arts from the area, features 5 unique venues and 2 arts education spaces. Tours are by appointment.