More Than a Beach Town Exhibition

Step beyond the boardwalk and into the untold story of Asbury Park’s evolution as a thriving commercial and cultural hub. “More Than a Beach Town: The Commercial Rise of Asbury Park” is a new exhibition presented by the Asbury Park Historical Society and unveiled in the Berkeley Hotel's lobby. This thoughtfully curated exhibition explores how local businesses, entrepreneurs, and institutions helped shape the city’s identity, transforming it from a seasonal seaside destination into a dynamic, year-round community.

Through archival photographs, historic documents, and compelling stories, guests will trace the growth of commerce in Asbury Park, from early storefronts and landmark enterprises to the economic milestones that fueled innovation, resilience, and reinvention. The exhibition highlights the people and places that powered the city’s commercial rise, offering fresh insight into how business and community development went hand in hand.

The exhibition will debut with a special opening reception on January 29th, inviting guests to mingle, explore the displays, and celebrate in a setting that is itself part of the city’s story. Open to the public, this event welcomes history enthusiasts, locals, visitors, and anyone curious about the forces that helped define Asbury Park beyond its beaches. Engage in local history at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel.