A message from our President

Looking back at 2024, I first want to extend my personal thanks to our dedicated working board consisting of Michael Humphreys, Lynn Fylak, Chuck Abel, Mary Gerdes, Joe and Connie Cali Poutre, Bob Markoff and Steven Schwankert. It is great board and as President I am extremely lucky to have the benefit of their efforts.r

In 2024 one of our founders and past president Charlie Ladoulis passed away. Charlie was the main driver in the creation of NMHA and we would not be here without him. We owe him our gratitude.

We have run our traditional programs and continue to explore new programs, and we record those on the website. Our 2025 program will look very similar to 2024 and we hope everybody and new members will join us again. I want to point out two things that are typical of how NMHA gradually explores new approaches and programs. One is the gradual expansion of the usefulness of the Grover house. We have run a few programs in the large room and we expect that with continuous upgrades these programs will expand. We have also explored something we call Maritime Meetups. Our intent is to provide members with a location, time and date where we hope to meet at particular New Jersey Maritime points of interest and to enjoy them as a group of NMHA members.

The 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence celebrations are picking upsteam. NMHA is closely associated with Middletown America 250 in the organization of activities, but we will be expanding our outreach to the county and also Sail 250 NYC.

I would like point to our efforts at refining our backroom processes which are so important for the continued success of organizations like ours. Board members Mary, Michael and Bob have done a huge job streamlining our databases andaccounting system. They have confirmed that NMHA is quite healthy and well positioned to continue its mission of Discover, Engage, and Sustain.

I thank the board members and the volunteers who have supported our programs. Hopefully additional volunteers will join us in 2025 in our mission to Discover, Engage and Sustain, very much with a focus on the fun of doing it.

Rik van Hemmen, President, Navesink Maritime Heritage Association