By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff
SOMERS POINT — A local group is attempting to take the next step toward its goal of turning Somers Mansion into the city’s crown jewel of heritage tourism.
The Patriots for the Somers Mansion are scheduled to present a proposal to City Council to take over stewardship of the historic property — the oldest home in Atlantic County that was built by the city’s founder, Richard Somers, in the early 1720s.
The New Jersey State Park Service now owns the site, which is on the National Register of Historic Sites but has suffered badly from aging in place atop a bluff overlooking Great Egg Harbor Bay for the past 300 years, as well as neglect by the state.
Hopes are that the project could increase interest in the other historical offerings along Shore Road. The Atlantic County Historical Society maintains a museum just a stone’s throw away. Farther down the street is the Richard Somers Memorial outside the original City Hall — which is now a branch of the Atlantic County Library System — as well as the Somers Point Historical Society museum just a couple of doors down.
Founded in 2018, the nonprofit so far has achieved Officially Recognized Friend of the Organization status through acceptance of its five-year plan for renovation and rehabilitation.
Projects so far have included repairing and repainting the exterior, which was completed at no cost through the use of volunteers and the donation of all paint and supplies. The group also has improved the look of the living room and held several fundraisers and holiday events.
The meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, live and via Zoom.