Kevin A. Coyne of Freehold Borough has been named the winner of the 2018 Jane G. Clayton Award and will receive the award at the Monmouth County Clerk’s 23rd annual Archives and History Day event on Oct. 13 at the Monmouth County Library Headquarters, Symmes Drive, Manalapan.
County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon made the announcement and said, “Kevin Coyne is an outstanding journalist, town historian and public servant who embodies the Jane G. Clayton Award through his dedication to the promotion and preservation of Freehold Borough’s history.”
Coyne is the author of several books, including “Marching Home: To War and Back with the Men of One American Town,” about six World War II veterans from Freehold.
He has served as the Freehold Borough historian since 2000 and has contributed to many
projects in the town, including the World War II memorial at Elks Point, according to a press release from the county.
When Coyne served on the Borough Council, he helped establish the town’s historic preservation commission, on which he still serves. He has served on the board of the Monmouth County Historical Association and, since 2000, has been an adjunct professor at the Columbia Journalism School.
“Kevin Coyne has made a lasting mark in the county seat and I am delighted he will be receiving the Clayton Award as recognition for his many years of service to our community,” Hanlon said.
Named for the former county clerk who established the Monmouth County Archives,
the Jane G. Clayton Award has been given annually since 1997 to an individual who
has made a major contribution to the preservation and knowledge of Monmouth
County history, according to the press release.
This year’s Archives Week events from Oct. 13-17 will focus on the history of
Monmouth County buildings, the subject of a month-long exhibit, opening Oct. 1,
organized by the Monmouth County Archives at library headquarters in Manalapan.
At 11 a.m. Oct. 13, the Jane G. Clayton Award will be presented to Coyne. That day, representatives of more than 60 local and state history organizations will set up displays about topics relating to New Jersey history and their organizations. Residents of all communities are invited to attend the event.
“Archives Day is designed for the public to connect with archivists, historians and
other preservationists,” said Monmouth County Archivist Gary D. Saretzky. “This
event provides the opportunity to learn about the history of Monmouth County and to
hear fascinating stories from the people who have studied it.”
For more information about Archives and History Day, including the preliminary
program for the event, visit the Monmouth County Clerk’s Archives Division
website at MonmouthCountyClerk.com/Archives or contact the Monmouth County
Archives at 732-308-3771, ext. 3776, or email CountyClerk@co.monmouth.nj.us
