New Jersey Maritime Museum Seeks Help After Pipe Rupture Causes Extensive Damage

The museum is asking for donations and volunteers to assist with recovery efforts ahead of its annual fundraiser.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The New Jersey Maritime Museum in Beach Haven experienced a sudden sprinkler pipe rupture on February 9th, causing substantial damage to all three floors of the building. While the museum was able to quickly relocate rare photographs and historical documents, extensive repairs are required to dry out and replace flooring, ceiling, and walls throughout the building. The museum is closed to the public until the repairs are completed, but its monthly presentations and upcoming annual fundraiser scheduled for May 2nd will take place as planned. The museum is seeking help from the community in the form of donated auction items and gift cards, as well as volunteers to assist with preparation for the fundraiser.

Why it matters

The New Jersey Maritime Museum is an important institution that preserves and shares the state's rich maritime history. The damage caused by the pipe rupture threatens the museum's ability to continue its educational programs and public exhibits. Community support is crucial for the museum to recover from this setback and resume normal operations.

The details

On February 9th, a sudden rupture of a sprinkler pipe caused substantial damage to all three floors of the New Jersey Maritime Museum in Beach Haven. While the museum was able to quickly relocate rare photographs and historical documents, extensive repairs are required to dry out and replace flooring, ceiling, and walls throughout the building. The museum is closed to the public until these repairs are completed, but its monthly presentations and upcoming annual fundraiser scheduled for May 2nd will take place as planned.

  • On February 9th, a sprinkler pipe ruptured at approximately 11:30 a.m.
  • The museum's annual fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, May 2nd.

The players

New Jersey Maritime Museum

A museum in Beach Haven, New Jersey that preserves and shares the state's rich maritime history.

Kevin Stretch

The owner of Stretch Cleaning and Restoration, who provided an immediate response to the damage caused by the pipe rupture.

Jeffrey DeBastos

An individual who provided a dumpster for the removal of damaged drywall, carpeting, and flooring.

Tim Irons

The museum's insurance agent, who immediately came to assess the damage and arranged for contractors to address the needed repairs.

Deborah Whitcraft

The president of the New Jersey Maritime Museum's Board of Trustees.

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What they’re saying

“We have been asked by our trustees, museum members, friends, visitors and others what they can do to help us as we navigate these turbulent seas and we wish to respond.”

— Deborah Whitcraft, President, Board of Trustees (The SandPaper)

What’s next

The museum is seeking donations of auction items and gift cards, as well as volunteers to assist with preparation for the annual fundraiser scheduled for May 2nd. The museum's insurance will cover much of the damage, but the deductibles range from $10,000 to $25,000, making the fundraiser crucial for the museum's recovery.

The takeaway

The New Jersey Maritime Museum is an important community institution that preserves the state's maritime heritage. This unexpected damage threatens the museum's ability to continue its educational programs and public exhibits, but the community can support the museum's recovery efforts through donations, volunteering, and attending the upcoming fundraiser.