• Library joins NJCH Community History Program

    NJCH CommunityHistoryThe Atlantic City Free Public Library is one of nine organizations — each from a different New Jersey county — to have been accepted into the 2024 cohort of the New Jersey Council for the Humanities’ Community History Program. In the program, the organizations will receive free, expert training on public history practices and develop projects in collaboration with their local communities to learn about and share their untold stories. In addition to the training, each organization will receive $5,000 in funding from NJCH to develop and launch projects that showcase their work. Click here to read more.
  • Work on new Main Library
    HVAC system begins March 11

    taken 11.29.23Construction is scheduled to begin Monday, March 11, to replace the HVAC system at the Main Library – located at 1 North Tennessee Ave. The project is expected to take approximately two months to complete. The library asks for the public’s patience. It is anticipated there will be increased noise inside the Main Library at times due to the ongoing work, and certain phases of the construction might require closing the Main Library temporarily. Click here to read more.
  • BEST schedule for March/April:
    free job, computer and ESL classes

    TIPSThe Atlantic City Free Public Library’s BEST Program — Building Employment Skills Training – provides individuals with opportunities to earn industry-recognized certifications in the food and beverage industries. The program also includes assistance for those looking to gain basic computer skills or improve their English (ESL). Click here to read more.
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Our Lady Star of the Sea Church Fire Memorial

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Marker is located at the northeast corner of California and Atlantic Avenues.

Marker text:
This memorial is dedicated the first day of December, 1996 to the posthumous memory of the first two Atlantic City firefighters to die heroically in active service.

Placed on the occasion of Our Lady Star of the Sea's observance of the 100th anniversary of the St. Monica's Church fire on this site
the second day of December, 1896.

Former Assistant Chief William H. Doherty
Good Will H&L
1886

Thomas L. Blakney
Chelsea ACFD
1895

"...No greater love..." John 15:13

Additional information:
The fire in St. Monica's Church began in a chimney on December 2, 1896 during mass. Father Petri, smelling smoke, sent a messenger to the fire station across the street. Firefighters from Chelsea Fire Company No. 6 and the Good Will Hook & Ladder Company responded, but due to the below-freezing temperatures and strong winds, the fire proved extremely difficult to fight. Everyone was ordered out of the building as collapse became imminent, but two firefighters, William H. Doherty and Thomas L. Blakney (also known as Thomas Lenny), never made it out. They were the first two volunteers to die in the line of duty in Atlantic City. In the aftermath of the church's destruction, Our Lady Star of the Sea church was constructed.

For more information, see:
Kemp, Franklin: "Firefighting By The Seashore"

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City of Atlantic City

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