Wicker boardwalk carts and period costumes are among the artifacts from the height of Shore culture showcased in a nostalgic exhibit at the Monmouth County Historical Association in Freehold.

"By the Sea" opened Tuesday and will be on exhibit for two years, through June 2009, at the MCHA's main museum, located at 70 Court St. in Freehold.

As early as the 1790s, boarding houses with facilities for bathing were established in Long Branch, and by 1797, the MCHA says it was noted that "much genteel company from Philadelphia and New York resort here during the summer months for health and pleasure."

In the decades following the Civil War, Long Branch, with its grand hotels and elegant social scene, reached its peak as the "American Slot machine, circa Brighton," the most fashionable seaside resort in the country.

The exhibition features a specially created Boardwalk showcasing an early wicker boardwalk cart from Asbury Park and a variety of period costumes.

Aspects of shore culture highlighted include the Victorian Era; proper attire; area entertainment and diversions; communities and clubs; business at the shore; and life saving.

Visitors to the exhibit will gain a comprehensive knowledge of the early days of Shore tourism and business. In addition to maps of the changing shoreline, items on display include:

the guest register, flatware and serving pieces from the Hotel Panacci croupier's chair from Daley's Gambling House in Long Branch.

a seasonal resident's scrapbook illustrating the variety of activities and menus.

a rare stock certificate for shares of Long Branch's Iron Pier, built in 1878.

images from the popular weekly newspapers, Harper's and Leslie's, painting

the richest picture of Victorian society in Long Branch.

a slot machine, circa 1910, that was impounded in 1920 and installed as a novelty in the local police station.

silk and wool bathing costumes from the 1920s.

Monmouth Park memorabilia and ephemera.

Slot machine, circa 1910

early town directories from Long Branch and Asbury Park, detailing the variety of businesses that served the tourist trade

Turn-of-thecentury glassware and ceramic souvenir pieces from the George H. Moss Jr. Collection.

graphic images and photographs illustrating the history of lifesaving in the area.

The exhibition is made possible by a project grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission.

Admission is free for members; $5 for nonmembers; $2.50 for seniors; and children under age 6 are admitted free.

The MCHA's museum and library are open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The library is open Wednesday through Saturday. For membership or admission fees and further information, call (732) 462-1466 or visit www.monmouthhistory. org.