Vivid Renderings of Wartime History at the Waterhouse Historical Museum

A diamond in the rough, especially for the military buff and any fan of US Military history, The Colonel Charles Waterhouse Historical Museum sits unassumingly in the center of Toms River, NJ. I consider it to be the township's best kept secret. Located near the Ocean County buildings at 17 Washington Street, just off of Main Street, we discovered this gem one summer afternoon during the annual Ice Cream Festival. The museum itself is located behind a storefront, so it doesn't look like a typical museum at all. Without seeing its sign even a local pedestrian could miss it.

Once we entered, however, we stepped into a new world of color, drama and emotion. While war itself is an unfortunate and detestable by-product of humanity's struggles, the reverence and gratitude felt for those who dedicated their lives to American freedom and her citizens' protection comes to the forefront of our hearts while viewing these wonderful paintings and sculptures.

The website www.usmcartist.com describes the museum in the following way:

"If a picture is worth a thousand words, then the walls of the Colonel Charles Waterhouse Historical Museum speak volumes. Hung with scores of vivid and dramatic paintings by the first and only artist awarded the coveted title, Artist-In-Residence, US Marine Corps, the museum has something everyone will enjoy.

Waterhouse's painstakingly researched and beautifully rendered paintings span our history from Revolutionary times until the present, and provide a stirring visual tribute to all the brave Americans who have lived and died, struggled and triumphed, in the cause of their country.

In addition to the main exhibit area, which features a revolving display of the artist's impressive acrylic masterpieces, the museum also contains his sculptures and a collection of illustrations that serve as a primer in American illustration over the last fifty years of the twentieth century."

A non-profit foundation supports the museum, and the web-site indicates that contributions are tax deductible. Viewing space consists of a large main exhibition gallery, two smaller rooms of work, including specific exhibits and displays along with a reference-research library, and a gift shop containing posters, prints and books. Some of the prints and posters are limited editions. In addition, orders for prints and sculptures are taken through the website. The facility is around 3000 square feet.

Each of the few times I've visited the museum both the artist and his wife were there, and very willing to converse about the exciting and moving art works surrounding us. It was a pleasure to speak with them during a portion of the visit, as it made the overall experience more personal and meaningful. Colonel Waterhouse has seen action as an official USMC artist during WWII, so he is full of many interesting stories, and he has known numerous soldiers who made a significant difference in the world. He is also available to do demonstrations for art groups, historical societies, school visits and the like. Special times may be arranged for such visits, and one can call 732-818-9040 to arrange one, or for operating hours.