When not under blizzard conditions, Sandy Hook offers a sense of calm during these late winter months and the Sandy Hook Foundation’s work to preserve and protect our national treasure continues. Looking ahead to spring, we are excited for the return of vibrant landscapes, migrating wildlife, expanded public programs, and new opportunities to connect our community with the wonders of Sandy Hook. We hope you will join us this year - whether as a volunteer, an event attendee, a program participant, or a donor - as we welcome the new season and continue caring for this extraordinary place, Sandy Hook, together.
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Thank You for Your Support - 2025 Annual Appeal |
A bit colder this year than this time back in 2004 (see below).
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Sunshine on a great day, warm for weekenders to enjoy their weekend in Sandy Hook, February 29, 2004. (Pran, Dith/The New York Times)
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To all who supported our year-end 2025 Annual Appeal, we extend our deepest gratitude. Your generosity ensures our continued stewardship of the iconic 1894 Spermaceti Life-Saving Service Station and allows us to move forward with meaningful upgrades to enhance your visit. Because of your support, we will again welcome the public into this historic space this year to learn about the history of the U.S. Life Saving Service Station or take a break from the beach, browse the SHF store, and participate in the many public programs to be offered this spring and summer. New visitor amenities this year include a pet hydration station, a bicycle rack, and a special photo installation featuring images taken at Sandy Hook by Dith Pran (1942–2008), the Cambodian-American photographer and translator for The New York Times. His remarkable story was portrayed in the 1984 film The Killing Fields. Later in life, reflecting on his work in the United States, he said he had “the best job in the world - taking pictures of people having fun,” something he found here at Sandy Hook.
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Preserving and Celebrating History |
The year 2026 launches a period of national commemoration marking our nation’s Semiquincentennial, and the Sandy Hook Foundation is proud to present two exciting opportunities for engagement and celebration. In May, we will debut Colonel Tye – Fighting for Freedom, an immersive spatial computing experience at our host site, the historic Taylor-Butler Hall in Middletown, a property of the Monmouth County Historical Association. Using Apple Vision Pro headsets, participants will step into the life and legacy of Colonel Tye (Cornelius Titus), a man described at various times as a renegade, a runaway slave, a Loyalist, a guerrilla leader, and an African American freedom fighter, and explore his role in the Revolutionary War at Sandy Hook. This innovative experience is made possible through the generous support of the New Jersey Historical Commission and the National Park Foundation. Then on July 3, the Foundation will host a celebratory event in partnership with the National Park Service and Sail4th 250, the NY / NJ organizers of what promises to be the largest flotilla of tall ships ever assembled. These magnificent vessels will be moored in our own backyard, Sandy Hook Bay on July 3. Stay tuned for more details to kick off the holiday weekend at Sandy Hook. After all, National Parks ARE America’s Best Idea!
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In 2026, the Sandy Hook Foundation is expanding its Share Your Story Memorial Chair + Bench Program to mark a once-in-a-generation milestone: the 250th Anniversary of American Independence. Supporters are invited to dedicate a chair or bench to be placed at Sandy Hook, each featuring a commemorative plaque created exclusively for this historic anniversary, and offering a lasting way to honor America’s story in a place deeply connected with our past. Reserve Your Seat in History. We saved you a spot. Click here for more details or to purchase your chair today.
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Join the Sandy Hook Foundation for its annual Sunset Soiree on May 8th at the Mule Barn Tavern. Enjoy live music, sunset views, great food, drinks, and a silent auction to support Sandy Hook. Cover art by Liz Gluck. |
Come spring and summer, the Foundation is pleased to offer dozens of public programs this year from our home base at the historic Life Saving Station. Please check our website for regular updates, and in the near-term save the dates for the Beachy Birder Adventures Seal and Bird Walk on February 28, and the exciting Return of the Osprey walk on March 21. Can’t make it? Check out our live osprey camera for real-time action as we welcome back one of Sandy Hook’s osprey nesting pairs, who traditionally return to the same nest, with the same mate, year after year.
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Sandy Hook Foundation in the
National Park Partner Community |
Parks bring people together and shared stories last a lifetime. Sandy Hook Foundation is All For Parks. Photo by Anthony DiMatteo. |
This April SHF will participate again in the National Park Foundation’s Friends Alliance annual Hill Day in Washington, D.C. to help create awareness for lawmakers on the impact of national parks, and create opportunities to advocate for increased appropriations. At Hill Day, leaders from the Sandy Hook Foundation will join hundreds of representatives from park friends groups across the country to participate in dozens of meetings across the House and Senate to share stories and advocate for park protection. Hill Day is a critical opportunity to ensure national parks remain a priority for funding and protection, often showcasing the economic and environmental value of these public lands.
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Sandy Hook Foundation is All for Parks with participation in the National Park Foundation's Collective Campaign
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Welcome Two New Members to SHF Board of Trustees
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Sandy Hook Foundation Welcomes Jeff Walling and Jeff Burman to its Board of Trustees, effective January 2026. Read the press release here.
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Camp at Sandy Hook This Spring and Summer
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Camp Gateway Camping Reservations Available at Recreation.Gov beginning April 1, 2026. SHF funded the restauration of the historic barracks at the group campsite which opened in 2025.
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Jersey Shore Half Marathon at Sandy Hook, Sunday, October 4
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Shop Online to Support Sandy Hook |
Our online store is open year-round! |
Sandy Hook Foundation is hiring, and so is the National Park Service. Visit our website to learn more, or check out jobs with the park here. Did you know? Gateway National Recreation Area has one of the largest lifeguard programs of any national park, learn more today. Interested in volunteering with the Sandy Hook Foundation? Email Jill to learn more about upcoming trainings and volunteer opportunities this spring and summer.
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Sandy Hook Foundation 84 Mercer Rd. Fort Hancock, NJ 07732 732-291-7733 Federal Tax ID: 22-1994056
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