Nancy Ferguson Notaro has a deep love for old homes, having lived in them all her life. Her current residence, The Audra JoJean, was built in 1926, and after over 40 years of restoration, she knows it intimately. Nancy is passionate about preserving Ocean City's heritage as a Christian seaside resort and its charming cottage architecture.

She moved to Ocean City in 1982 to work at The Flanders Hotel, living in The Larchmont dormitory. After three summers, she settled on 11th Street and has lived there ever since. A nod to her farming roots in Western Pennsylvania, she enjoys curb-gardening. Nancy has been a Wedding Coordinator and Social Director at The Flanders, a downtown bookstore owner, worked at The Tabernacle office, and has substitute taught at Ocean City High School. For 25 years, she has run her tuxedo rental business, "At Your Service" Formalwear.

Nancy looks forward to collaborating with the Board to raise awareness of the resort's unique and historical character, helping others preserve their older homes and appreciate what lies between the ocean and the bay.

Sandra is a VP staffing executive with over 28 years’ experience in the insurance and healthcare industries as as well as a licensed insurance producer.

Sandra's personal connection to the "bygone" era is deeply rooted in a fascination with past architectural styles that extends beyond Ocean City, New Jersey, to include various historical and regional wonders. The intricate details, craftsmanship, and unique character of historical homes and buildings are a source of inspiration and a window into the past. From the ornate Victorian homes in Ocean City’s historic district to the Art Deco skyscrapers in bustling cities and the simplicity of mid-century modern residences, each style tells a story of human creativity, innovation, and cultural heritage.

As a permanent resident of Ocean City, historic buildings hold profound significance for Sandra, evoking admiration for the town’s rich heritage. She views these architectural gems as living testaments to the perseverance and community spirit that have shaped Ocean City. Walking through its streets reveals a tapestry of stories, from Victorian-era homes to old hotels and quaint boardwalk shops, all contributing to the town’s unique character.

For Sandra, Ocean City is more than just buildings; it is a living entity infused with timelessness and authenticity. She views preserving these structures as crucial to maintaining the town’s essence, character, and historical continuity. Ensuring their protection is a commitment to safeguarding Ocean City's cultural heritage for future generations, enriching the present and honoring the past."

Richard Barth is the President of the Robertson Foundation (RF), which invests in medical research, the environment, and education to better humanity. Before joining RF in 2022, Richard served as CEO of KIPP for 17 years, leading its growth from 35 to 270 public charter schools, expanding the student body from 7,000 to 113,000, and increasing alumni from 200 to 40,000.

Richard’s career also includes seven years at Edison Schools and six years on the founding team at Teach For America. He holds a BA in American History from Harvard University, graduating magna cum laude, and has been recognized as an Aspen Institute-New Schools Fellow, Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneur of the Year (2014), and Harvard University’s Chief Marshal (2014).

Richard has spent his summers in Ocean City since birth. His grandparents owned a home on Corinthian Avenue, which remains in the family. In 1974, his parents purchased a house on East Atlantic for their five children. Richard and his wife Wendy bought 608 Wesley in 2020, enjoying life in the Historic District with their four children, ages 16 to 24. After moving in, Richard launched the Facebook page "Ocean City Old Home Lovers," connecting with others who appreciate the charm of Ocean City's older homes.

As a lifelong lover of old Ocean City homes, I’m excited to share a photo of me testing out my new bike in the backyard of our bungalow on 14th Street. My parents bought it in 1972 for what now seems like an astonishing $17K. I’m happy to say it still stands, and I now own it (and can finally ride my bike beyond the yard!).

I’m a third-generation “Ocean City-ite.” My grandparents (Mazzeo) owned a restaurant/market on Asbury Ave in the 1920s and 1930s, and my parents (Pionegro) were active in the community from the 1950s until their passing in 2008 and 2010. My deep love for this island and its history led me to serve on the Ocean City Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) and the Ocean City Arts Center Board. I’m proud that the OC Arts Center logo I designed in the early 1990s is still in use today.

My nostalgia for old Ocean City is rooted in countless memories—from my teenage years photographing historic buildings to my family’s ties to local businesses. I’m thrilled to help preserve our town’s treasured history and encourage future generations to appreciate and protect it.

Alan is a retired Associate Vice President of Statistics and Quantitative Sciences at a large pharmaceutical company and a lifelong visitor to Ocean City. His family's connection to the island dates back to 1911 when his great-grandparents bought a house on Wesley Avenue.

Unfortunately, that house was demolished in the early 1990s to make way for a duplex. This loss ignited Alan's passion for preserving the history and charm of Ocean City’s older homes. Now a full-time resident, he is dedicated to ensuring that these historic homes are protected for future generations to enjoy.

Brian Lihou has been a pharmaceutical executive for over 30 years and is a third-generation resident of Ocean City. He has been actively involved in community interest groups, including serving as a board member for The Chester County Historic Preservation Network. Brian and his family have restored seven properties, including 615 Wesley Avenue in Ocean City, known as "The Genevieve," where he now resides full-time. As a board member of Friends of OCNJ History & Culture, Brian aims to find a balance between preservation and development in Ocean City.

Christine Lihou has been a cancer clinical research professional for over 30 years and grew up in North New Jersey. She has participated in several community outreach organizations and, along with her family, has restored seven properties, including 615 Wesley Avenue in Ocean City (The Genevieve), where she also lives full-time. Christine serves as a board member of Friends of OCNJ History & Culture, where she hopes to connect the common threads that have been woven throughout Ocean City, showcasing the unique history and culture that make this community exceptional.

Bill Merritt is a retired tech company CEO with a deep passion for old homes, while Karen Mileti Merritt, Craft Show Director, is a retired hospital administrator who shares that passion. Together, they have restored over a dozen old homes, including stone houses on the Gettysburg battlefield and a long-vacant seaside bungalow in Ocean City.

Their connection to Ocean City began in the 1970s, with frequent day trips, vacations, and eventually, their beach wedding. The couple considers Ocean City a treasure, so after retiring in 2021, they decided to set deeper roots, moving to the island for six months each year.

Not content with a typical retirement, they quickly became involved in preserving the island’s history. They were concerned about the steady development erasing much of Ocean City's historic charm. Being passionate about old homes, they committed to raising awareness and appreciation for the island’s older homes and historic culture. Their mission is clear: by fostering awareness and appreciation, they hope to inspire love for these historic treasures, leading to their preservation.

Bill and Karen are now dedicated to ensuring Ocean City’s unique character and history are protected for future generations to enjoy.

Sne Avichal, a coastal South Jersey native, grew up in an Edwardian home in Ventnor's Historic St. Leonard's Tract.

A registered architect by trade, Sne has practiced in DC, Colorado, and 20 years in Manhattan. Sne has remained connected to his love for mid-Atlantic beach and porch culture, regularly coming back to his childhood home throughout the year, which only recently was demolished by out-of-town developers.

In June 2020, Sne became the latest in a 125-year tradition of innkeepers at Scarborough Inn in Ocean City. In 2021, he spearheaded a major renovation aimed at meeting the needs of contemporary travelers while preserving the inn's historic charm and connection to the city’s storied past.

Sne views the inn, especially its iconic wraparound porch, as a social hub where guests and neighbors can connect. He also leverages the inn's status as Ocean City's oldest hotel to spark interest in the town's architectural history, blending his passion for design with a deep respect for the area’s heritage.